From the Archdiocesan website:
Last weekend Southeast Texas experienced a very strong storm. Hurricane Ike has affected us all and has caused massive damage to our coastal communities, especially to the city of Galveston and the Bolivar peninsula. Many people have lost everything; many others have been seriously affected. The lack of power and fuel has been of real concern. These realities are very hard on families, some who have evacuated others who remain here and are pressed for food and water.Also, an interview with the Sioux City Journal:
We put our trust in the Lord and make significant efforts to help one another. Our Catholic Charities and Societies of St. Vincent de Paul were already operating on the Sunday after the storm in various ways. We cooperate with the civil authorities. In all things patience is the operative virtue. Our hearts go out to all the people in Galveston and to the severe disruption this storm has caused. Our prayers and our support will be with all the faithful in Galveston and Bolivar.
As far as the celebration of weekend Masses, the decision to open a given parish is that of the Pastor after he has reviewed the damage and the ease of access to the buildings. Where the celebration of Mass cannot happen the faithful are excused from their Sunday obligation...
My conviction and hope are that our Catholic community will rise to the occasion with genuine care for the other. Volunteers are needed throughout the area; Catholic Charities is particularly in need of volunteers. Be attentive to neighbors, especially the elderly. Share your goods. Let us be an example of good witness under the fire of some adversity.
HOUSTON — Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo said people are in high spirits while dealing with the loss of power and other devastation Hurricane Ike has dealt to the gulf region.More from the archdiocese on what we can do to help. And did I mention giving blood?
DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, who was the former bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City for five years, said even though the hurricane is a category two, the destruction has taken its toll on the people of Houston and Galveston.
“This was a hurricane, category two,” DiNardo said. “But, it was so big and when you have a big thing like that I don’t care what category it is. It’s rough and the winds were pretty consistent. If you have eight to 10 hours in Galveston of 105 mile per hour winds that’s heavy stuff.”
He said shock is the best way to describe people’s reaction in Galveston and residents in Houston are used to bad weather but this situation is trying their patience.
Of course, things like this are easy to overlook if you're determined to overlook them.
