Catholics pour in aid for victims

While touring the devastation left in the wake of several tornados and thunderstorms that smacked into parts of the Albany Diocese on May 31, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard was "overwhelmed at the destruction" but also aware that he was also witnessing the aftermath of a miracle.

The Bishop has also announced a special collection to aid the victims of the storms. He has called on all parishes in the Diocese to take up a collection during Masses this coming weekend, June 13-14. The money will be used for needs not taken care of by other relief agencies.

But one parish, Corpus Christi in Ushers, acting on its own last weekend, raised more than $10,000 in a second collection. The pastor, Rev. Edward Pratt, immediately wrote to parishioners, asking for donations and pointing out that their neighboring parish needed help. He called the response "very, very generous."

Meanwhile, more than $46,500 has already been raised for storm survivors in an effort coordinated by diocesan Catholic Charities, WTEN-10, Hannaford food markets and Trustco Bank. In addition, Catholic Charities USA has sent $25,000 to the Diocese for emergency assistance.

Miracle

Credit for that miracle, he believes, goes in part to meteorologists, who issued alerts and instructed people on what to do when tornados strike.

"Sometimes, meteorologists tend to hype the weather," the Bishop said, "but their alerts and instructions were major factors in no lives being lost. That's the most important thing."

Bishop Hubbard has been impressed with the "outpouring of community help" to clean up after the storm and help the victims. "It's been tremendous," he said. "Everyone is pulling together."

'Walking with Lord'

A prayer service at the church on June 3 and an ecumenical service in a local park on June 7 have given those affected by the tornado a chance to connect with God, he said.

"They're still walking with the Lord," Father Drennen told The Evangelist, adding that since the tornado hit on Pentecost Sunday, several people have remarked, "not in an angry way, but in an awesome way" about the "winds of Pentecost" blowing through the town.

Stories to tell

One story that particularly struck the priest was that of a boy who was in a third-floor bedroom of a home at "ground zero" when the tornado hit. The entire front of the house was gutted and surrounding homes flattened, but the bedroom where the boy was stayed perfectly intact.

The fact that no lives were lost as a result of the storms is what the priest focuses on when speaking to parishioners, he said.

"The world is as it is," he told The Evangelist. "We don't know all the why's. All we know is that God was here to save us. God proved His presence by saving all these people. By rights, people should be dead or seriously injured. That's the miracle we focus on; that's the message we're giving again and again. Where God acted was in the saving of human life."

Town pride

Many of those hit by the tornado have expressed fear at rumors that federal funds to help with rebuilding may not be forthcoming. Father Drennen said that "it will be a challenge to raise those funds" without federal aid, but added that donations to help the storm victims are already coming in.

Baskets have been placed at the back of the church for those wishing to contribute. Still Point House of Prayer in Stillwater also told The Evangelist that those attending retreats there are being asked to make a donation to the fund.

As the cleanup continues, Father Drennen said, the tornado of '98 will remain "a definitive moment in time."

Charities at work

"This is to attend to immediate requests," said Joseph Buttigieg, associate executive director of diocesan Catholic Charities. "A big need is replenishing their food supplies."

Catholic Charities is determined to help meet the unmet needs of the storm survivors. Mr. Buttigieg explained that even survivors who had insurance may still need financial help.

"As people start making insurance claims, there are gaps," he said. "We're hoping to fill the gaps." For example, he said, one woman lost her roof in the storm. While she has insurance, she can't afford the $500 deductible. The $500 might as well be $5,000, he explained.

Federal aid

"We really are reliant on FEMA," he said. "The restoration can be greater with FEMA."

FEMA funds would provide low-interest loans to help rebuild. FEMA also has a grant program that provides direct aid.

Donations

Catholic Charities also received a donation of 25 double beds from Mooradian's Furniture.

Besides helping people with concrete needs like food and furniture, Catholic Charities agencies are helping people deal with the emotional effects of the storm. "There is a need for counseling," Mr. Buttigieg said. "People are trying to deal with the stress. We're providing free counseling."

Cemetery clean-up

Members of the National Guard from Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh spent three days last week trimming branches off the trees, but the trunks still must be removed.

Among others who have lent a hand are Catholic Charities of Albany and Rensselaer Counties, and Conserns-U, a community-based outreach network of that agency. In addition, St. Luke's parish in Schenectady has offered to help parishioners in northern Rensselaer County.

Optimism

"We've looked at the power of God in nature, and we've felt the love of God in the many thousands of volunteers and others who have helped in any way they could," he said.

Father Turner provided a touch of humor during his homily at Masses last Sunday when he reminded parishioners how they prayed "for the Spirit of fire and wind to come down upon us" during Pentecost.

"Next year, let's pray for a little less wind," he said.

(Checks for tornado relief can be made out to Catholic Charities and deposited directly in a Catholic Charities account at any Trustco Bank or Hannaford Store. Checks can also be mailed directly to Catholic Charities, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany, NY 12203. Donations can also be made this weekend at most parishes in the Diocese during a special collection for storm relief. Contributing to this article were James Breig, editor; Kate Blain, assistant editor; and Maureen McGuinness and Paul Quirini, staff writers.)

(06-11-98) [[In-content Ad]]