Dear Parishioners,

          This past week has given us all a lot to absorb, and I know it has been experienced differently by everyone.  For some, last week’s tornado and flooding devastated their homes, uprooting their lives and leaving a sense of uncertainty as they tally their damage.  In many cases, homes were spared, but tree damage is extensive, and cars and other property have been lost.  So many basements were flooded, and in addition to items and memories lost, water and moisture continue to cause problems.  For everyone, the scenery of our community has changed, and it will be some time before the wooded landscape we love returns to its full vigor.

          As is always the case, though, grace prevails in the face of any and every trial.  This grace is ever-present in the realization that God is with us and that our hope is in him, no matter what difficulty surrounds us.  This grace finds a particularly powerful expression in the members of the Body of Christ, each of us, when we care for each other and lend that support, small or large, which the moment calls for. 

          Well, the family of Saint Alphonsus Parish wants to lend that support and bear the burden of this moment.  So many parishioners have offered to help.  In order to bring this grace to bear where it is needed in our community, we have established an email ([email protected]) to make either your needs known, or the needs of someone you know impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  Maybe you need some temporary assistance to get by until insurance kicks in, or you need some physical help in your home or on your property.  Whatever it is, as a parish family we want to help.

          Please let us know how we can, or who in your neighborhood needs that help but might not be so quick to ask.  It is not the time to be proud and to bear this burden alone, but to allow your parish family to help in whatever way we can.  If you would like to make a confidential request, know that will be respected.

          I know there are other initiatives in our community to provide support locally.  That may be the best way for you to help or receive help.  But if we can help, please let us know how, and if you want to help, please let us know that you stand ready to lend a helping hand and how you can help to be a sign of God’s grace for our community in need.

          Let us remain united in prayer and in thanksgiving for God’s grace, especially as we experience that grace in one another.

           

                                                          Sincerely in Christ,

                                                          Monsignor Hennessy