Catholic Charities, diocese support Wisconsin community in wake of strongest local tornado in decades

Following the local bishop’s urging to support affected communities, Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, are working this month to help families recover and move forward in the wake of the most devastating tornado the local counties have seen since 1984. 

The EF-3 tornado swept through the Fox Cities at about noon on July 27, hurling down a path that stretched 12.1 miles before dissipating, according to local news outlet the Post Crescent.

Residents took shelter as it came through and no casualties occurred. However, the aftermath of the storm marked a devastating recovery road amid loss of businesses, homes, and accessible roads. 

The storm took out power for tens of thousands of people both locally and across the state, according to the Post Crescent, which added: “While crews immediately began work around the clock to repair the infrastructure, the journey to recovery will be a long and painful one, marred by impassible roads in the short-term and seemingly insurmountable emotions in the long-term.”

Catholic Charities is working to connect victims with emergency financial aid and short-term housing through a partnership with the AirBNB Foundation and a national disaster grant, according to a July 30 report from WBAY, an ABC affiliate. The housing vouchers from Catholic Charities provide up to 10 days of shelter for affected families. 

In a July 27 statement, Green Bay Bishop David Ricken encouraged people to look out for one another amid the devastation and to look to Christ for hope. 

“My heartfelt prayers are with all those impacted by today’s tornado in the Fox Valley,” he said. “Let us all place our hearts and hands at the service of one another in this difficult time.” 

He added that he has heard that some Catholic churches have been damaged and emphasized that the diocese will work to support the parishes. 

“In this time of loss, let us walk together with Christ who is our comfort and hope,” he said. 

He invoked the intercession of Our Lady of Champion, who appeared in Wisconsin in the 19th century to Servant of God Adele Brice.

https://x.com/BpDavidRicken/status/2081868516227965149 

According to WFRV Local 5, a CBS affiliate, local Catholic parishes St. John the Baptist and St. Mary’s in Menasha were forced to close for Sunday Mass due to damage from the tornado. Affected parishioners attended Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, about a mile south from St. Mary’s, together and shared a free meal at the parish after the liturgy. 

Father Matt Settle, a pastor at the temporarily closed churches, commented that St. Patrick’s was gracious in welcoming the affected parishioners, adding, “so we’re grateful to be here and this is our chance to come together as a community right after this terrible tragedy.” 

Bishop Ricken also sent a letter to Father Settle and the parishioners from St. John and St. Mary’s July 30 expressing spiritual support and encouragement to them. 

“I know that amidst all the difficulties and challenges that we face, God is there with us,” he wrote, according to a Facebook post by the parishes. “It is beautiful to see and hear how the community is pulling together to assist those in most need, to walk with the hurting, and to be with those who have lost their homes. In these moments of compassion and mercy, you are the hands and feet of Christ Himself.”

According to WeAreGreenBay.com, volunteers from the church community were set to provide free lunch and haircuts for people in St. Patrick’s parking lot Aug. 2. The outlet reports that the faithful from St. John’s and St. Mary’s parishes will celebrate one evening Mass at St. Patrick’s every Saturday until further notice.