Dear Parishioners,

Many of you have expressed concern about the people and situation resulting from the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Not surprisingly, people came forward with the offer of their homes, clothes, food, their time, their energy and their prayers. As is usual here at Christ the Redeemer, when presented with a need, the parishioners step forward with their great spirit of willing support and service to those most in need in our human family.

I thank you for your generous financial contributions in the second collection last weekend. I congratulate you on your Christian concern in donating $30,219.29! This amount will be forwarded to the diocese as our contribution to Catholic Charities USA. We will continue to receive financial donations to help with the ongoing needs of our fellow citizens and brothers and sisters. The needs will continue into the foreseeable future.

Thanks to those parishioners who stepped forward with the offer of their homes to shelter people in need, sight unseen. I have spoken to a local agency about resettlement and these spaces may yet be needed. We will be in touch.

Thanks to the parishioners who came forward Thursday for our organizational meeting of our part in the diocesan “Partners in New Hope.” More information will be forth coming about needed space, clothing, transportation, and general getting people restarted in their lives. I realize the impatience of wanting to do something, but the regional needs are being filtered throughout the diocese. We hope to be available on an on-call basis as we are invited to step forward. Father Art Johnson will be co-ordinating our effort at Christ the Redeemer.

Continue to pray for our brothers and sisters. It is good to be pastor in a community of caring and giving believers.

 

Sincerely,

 

(Fr.) C. Donald Howard, SA
Pastor