For Immediate Release
Updated September 9, 2005

Statement From Glenmary President Dan Dorsey Regarding
Katrina's Impact on Glenmary's Mission Areas

CINCINNATI—Fortunately Glenmary missions in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas do not appear to have been directly affected by Hurricane Katrina beyond periodic interruptions of power, a situation being quickly remedied. I have received storm damage reports from only one mission in Winfield, Ala., where a tree fell onto a corner of the parish center. But I am receiving reports that there are many people moving into our mission areas seeking shelter and support.

In Southeast Arkansas, Father Chet Artysiewicz reports that 1,500 people have already arrived in the two rural mission areas that he pastors in Monticello and Warren. Because so many of the evacuees are Catholic, Father Chet is adding an additional Mass in Warren and his mission in Monticello hosted a group for a Sunday brunch on Sept. 4.

In Waldron, Ark., Father Neil Pezzulo is heading up relief efforts for his county. So far, 78 displaced persons have arrived in Waldron and the entire community, including St. Jude Church, is responding en masse. Read pastoral associate Kathy O'Brien's reflection on time spent in the Waldron shelter.

In Idabel, Okla., Father Joe Dean and Brother Curt Kedley are working with the local ministerial association to meet the needs of approximately 30 families who have sought shelter in the area, and they have been alerted to expect many more. St. Francis de Sales Church in Idabel is providing one meal a week for those newly arrived in addition to helping meet their spiritual needs and other physical needs.

In Aberdeen, Miss., Father Bob Dalton reports that 27 evacuees are living in vacant nursing home rooms in his town. He is still assessing how his mission will be able to assist.

In Ackerman and Eupora, Miss., Sister Alies Therese reports that about eight families have arrived with absolutely nothing. The missions are putting together "health kits" for children and "flood buckets" for adults (at an expense of $45 a bucket) as well as scrambling to offer whatever assistance they can.

As many of these families seeking refuge are Catholic, our missioners and coworkers are striving to connect them with the local Church. I'm thankful that we, as Glenmary missioners, are able to offer spiritual comfort to those who have lost everything.

I know our missions are doing everything they can to help those made homeless by the storm.

# # #

Read more about hurricane relief efforts

Read Father Fid Levri's reflection on time spent treating the medical needs of hurricane victims in Louisiana