Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Letter on Diocesan Disaster Response

June 1, 2004   My Dear Friends, Throughout history, Texas has been no stranger to hurricanes, storms and flooding. Most recently, in June 2001, Tropical Storm Allison caused significant flooding throughout the Gulf Coast region. In June 2002 a Diocesan Disaster Planning Task Force was formed to take a broad view on disaster preparedness and planning. This task force has prepared a disaster-planning guide that is holistic in its approach. Since the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and FEMA are better prepared and equipped to meet emergency and immediate needs, a role they effectively take in most disasters, it became clear that Catholic Charities' assistance would be focused on long-term recovery, a role it played during Tropical Storm Allison. However, the task force concluded that an effective disaster response plan must also include the parishes. The plan provides for a coordinated effort among Diocesan and Catholic Charities offices, parishes, county, state and federal emergency authorities, the American Red Cross, and other organizations responding to human needs. Collaboration is essential to maximize resources, minimize duplication of services, avoid gaps in service delivery, and to ensure that those persons most in need receive assistance. The Disaster Preparedness and Response Manual developed by this Diocesan Task Force suggests that each parish establish its own Disaster Planning Committee and have at least one parish representative who will serve on a deanery Disaster Planning Committee. I am asking each Pastor and Pastoral Administrator to establish a Parish Disaster Planning Committee and to appoint at least one representative to serve on this committee. This effort on the parish level will also give individual members of our congregations an opportunity to volunteer to help the victims of disaster.  I encourage those who are able to join your parish committee that will do this important work. In this 21st Century, we not only need to address the impact of natural disasters but unfortunately unnatural ones as well. September 11, 2001 reminds us of the need to reach out to a community hurting by way of our prayerful support. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful planning and preparation.   Sincerely yours, Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza Bishop of Galveston-Houston

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Area parishes begin disaster relief training

By ERIK NORIEGA Herald Staff Writer   HOUSTON - Catholic Charities hosted the first diocesan-wide disaster relief training session at its midtown location, March 6.  The training session was the next component in a much larger disaster relief plan established by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston and Catholic Charities in response to Tropical Storm Allison, which pounded the Houston area with record rainfall, in June 2001. A Diocesan Disaster Relief Planning Task Force was commissioned in June 2002 by Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, in conjunction with Catholic Charities, to begin work on a comprehensive, diocesan-wide response plan. Key to the response plan is the idea that it must be "parish-based" in nature, according to Greg Patin, task force coordinator. "The diocese covers such a large geographical area, and each area of our diocese is susceptible to different forms of disaster, so it helps to have a more coordinated, organized response," Patin explained. In other words, parishes on Galveston Island will have different concerns regarding a potential hurricane making landfall, than a parish north of Houston. "A 'parish-based' plan calls for the parish to look at its own individual circumstances and unique challenges, and calls them to be prepared more specifically for what's occurring around them," Patin said.  "This makes more sense than just expecting every parish to use the exact same plan." During Tropical Storm Allison, some parishes were more affected than others.  The disaster relief plan calls parishes to be prepared to assist those in need at the parish level, as well as neighboring parishes. "We heard stories today about different incidents that occurred during Tropical Storm Allison, where parishes were caught unaware, and for example had parishioners onsight, who were trapped," Patin said. And while Patin understands that pastors and their parishioners are already asked to do so much, he believes this is a situation where it's definitely better to be safe than sorry. "An emergency can happen at any time.  It's better to be prepared, than to suddenly find yourself in a situation that you're not ready to handle trying to protect people, facilities, and records when your not ready to," Patin said. Patin suggests parishes who are not yet onboard, find someone with experience in safety issues or disaster preparedness training to assist in implementing the plan. "Most of the people at the training session are volunteers and many of them have industrial chemical complex backgrounds with disaster training experience behind them," Patin said.  "Because of the many industrial complexes in this area, there are many people with this type of experience at most parishes." Margaret O'Brian Molina, a parishioner at St. Thomas More Parish, was approached by her pastor to lead the parishes disaster relief efforts. Molina is currently Officer of Communications and Government Relations for the American Red Cross.  She is the liaison between the American Red Cross and numerous government agencies, and she is a witness to the necessity of being prepared in the face of a disaster. "It's encouraging to see these kinds of resources coming into place as a community and to realize that we all have to do something when disasters occur," Molina said. "People have realized that (during a disaster) we are back to the basics which is counting on your neighbors, your church, and your family," she said.  "Most people do not have a clue how important it is to know what to do in the face of a disaster, until they are caught in that situation. "There are very simple things that people can do to empower themselves during a disaster for the next 72 hours, which is the amount of time it usually takes until a response agency can usually show up to take care of you," Molina said. While she admits she was reluctant when she was approached about taking on the new responsibility, Molina said her hesitations melted away after seeing how comprehensive the disaster preparedness and response planning guide put together by the task force was. "I think the plan is superb, I can't believe how well orchestrated the plan is," Molina said.  "I went to the manual and was impressed with how much effort and how thorough it was." A committee consisting of key diocesan personnel and Catholic Charities personnel began work on the manual last year. The manual is so impressive in fact that Catholic Charities USA has asked permission to distribute it nationwide to other local Catholic Charities.  To date few dioceses have a disaster relief plan in place according to Patin. In the end however, the plan is still about fulfilling one of the missions of the Catholic Church, which is to assist those in need. "In the response after a disaster we are called as church to serve our fellow man,  and we are in particular called to give a preferential option to the poor," Patin said.  "We are encouraging our parishes to develop outreach activities after disasters that will reach marginalized populations in their parishes." Those parishes which have not begun implementing the disaster relief plan are invited to contact Patin. "It's never too late to get started.  We have another training session scheduled for later this year," Patin said.  For more information on the Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Guide training, call Patin at (713) 526-4611.

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Even with hurricane near-miss Catholic Charities still busy with disaster relief and recovery

By ERIK NORIEGA Herald Staff Writer   HOUSTON - With Hurricane Claudette barreling towards the Gulf of Mexico early last week, a network of Catholic churches and organizations began preparing for the worst. This preparedness was due in part to the lessons learned when Tropical Storm Allison dumped more than 37 inches of rain on parts of the diocese in June 2001. Fortunately, these preparations were unnecessary as Claudette spared the majority of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston eventually turning west, bringing its heavy rains and winds to the Dioceses of Victoria and Corpus Christi instead. Leading the way locally in preparations for the storm last week was Catholic Charities. The organization was at the forefront of relief efforts immediately after Allison as well, offering outreach grants and assisting those affected in applying for additional funds from FEMA.  In addition, Catholic Charities offered weekly support groups for flood victims. During the second phase of relief, Catholic Charities provided grants totaling $120,023 to 10 parishes, who were each responsible for distributing the funds to those affected within parish boundaries.  The organization also provided grants totaling $89,541 directly to individuals in need. During this second phase, Catholic Charities was part of the Interfaith Disaster Recovery Assistance, who went out into the community to find individuals who were "left behind" in flood relief support. Unbeknownst to most, Catholic Charities is still assisting victims of Tropical Storm Allison more than two years after the disaster. Now in phase three, disaster recovery, Catholic Charities is working with the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast through the Allison Recovery Initiative to reach those who have not recovered from storm. "Every faith denomination has established its own niche.  Some of them are very present in the relief stages right along side the Red Cross at the start," explained Anna Babin, president of Catholic Charities. "Others stay for the longer term. "Right now we have 1,000 cases that we have to go through and determine what their status is," Babin said.  "We have the resources right now that we will be working on recovery until June 2004." According to Babin, experience says that it may take as long as five years to recover from a natural disaster. "Not only in rebuilding homes and replacing things, but also with regard to mental health," Babin said.  "When it rains a little bit, children will get scared wondering if they're going to see themselves floating on their beds again. "No one really understands that recovery from something this major is such a long process," Babin added. The United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast's involvement was key in organizing relief and recovery efforts according to Babin. "I think the beauty of what happened in our community is the United Way took the lead and helped facilitate things," she said. In addition to organizing the One Houston United benefit for the victims of the storm, the United Way also organized the efforts of different groups, getting help to the people who needed it. The two organizations have a deep, mutual respect for each other. "As convener of the Allison Recovery Initiative, the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast worked side by side with Catholic Charities following the devastating storm," said Jacqueline S. Martin, president of the United Way. "We have long valued the many contributions of Catholic Charities in this community.  However, it was their critical service in response to Tropical Storm Allison that demonstrated their unique blend of skill, courage and compassion for those whose lives were disrupted irrevocably by the unexpected force of nature." "The strength of a Catholic Charities agency is our model of service.  We take a case from start to finish; we hold the hand of the client.  We try to access their needs, and work (to coordinate help for them)," Babin said. "We can't give it to you all, but let's see what else other agencies will assist you." This help isn't only extended to Catholics, as approximately 70 percent of Catholic Charities' clients are non-Catholics. This desire to help those in need extends from the organization's Catholic mandate. "The diocese is very committed to the social teaching of the Church which says the Church must have a preferential option to the poor and people in their time of need," said Msgr. Frank H. Rossi, chancellor of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.  "Tropical Storm Allison created a horrific situation of need for thousands of families in the Houston area. "From the perspective of the immediate need we were there providing clothes, food, and cleaning supplies; those 'immediate' needs brought on by the storm," Msgr. Rossi said. "However, Catholic Charities is continuing to assist people in their long term needs.  It's our desire to not only help with immediate needs, but to partner with these families for the long term," the priest added. In addition, Catholic Charities has also been at the forefront in putting together a disaster relief plan for any future disasters which may plague the area. "The disaster plan really addresses how do you minimize financial loss of property and how do you minimize the human trauma that a disaster can impose on a community," Babin explained. "The plan is meant to help parishes and schools in how to prepare for a disaster, and just as important how to react when a disaster strikes," Msgr. Rossi said. Catholic Charities promises to be there when the next unexpected natural (or man-made) disaster occurs. In fact the plan was put into effect early last week as Claudette's intentions were unclear at the time. According to Babin, the plan went off without a hitch. "We got on the phone and made sure that everything was in place in case the storm didn't turn," she added.  "We were hoping for the best, but we were prepared for the worst." Catholic Charities would undoubtedly have been present to those in need, had the Category 1 storm not missed the area according to Msgr. Rossi. "The staff members of Catholic Charities are our unsung heroes.  They do work behind the scenes, they work with other organizations such as FEMA and the Red Cross, so you won't see a big truck with 'Catholic Charities' on the side, but you will see men and women who are connected with Catholic Charities immediately assisting persons in need," Msgr. Rossi said. "The great gift of Catholic Charities is that they are not only there for the moment.  They partner with other organizations and continue their support long after other organizations have left and gone on to other things." Msgr. Rossi said. "Catholic Charities personnel are a testimony to the mission of the Church, which is that we strive to walk with people through their time of need."

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Diocese plans out future response to disasters

By JENNIFER LIM Herald Staff Writer   HOUSTON - As the nation readies itself to commemorate the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, and the city continues its recovery from Tropical Storm Allison's blow last June 8, the diocese is taking steps to prepare for any potential disasters that might strike the Galveston-Houston area in the future. Since this June, the diocese has been developing a comprehensive plan to facilitate its emergency response to natural or man-made disasters. Both Tropical Storm Allison and the Sept. 11 attacks made it clear that a disaster "has a profound impact on the local Church community as well as the greater community," said Monsignor Frank H. Rossi, diocesan chancellor and co-chair of the diocesan disaster planning task force.  In the wake of Allison's widespread impact (such as paralyzed communication with parishes when electricity was lost), diocesan leadership realized "that if we are going to respond quickly and appropriately to disasters, we needed a plan that...was already in the hands of parishes and schools, so that they would know the responses that ought to and need to be made during this time of disaster," Msgr. Rossi said. In addition, the diocesan disaster plan will lay out a blueprint for Catholic outreach to the community in such times of catastrophe, explained Anna Babin, president of Catholic Charities (CC) of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston and task force co-chair with Msgr. Rossi.  "The reason we are doing this is that we found in our response to Tropical Storm Allison, the faithful were very committed in giving funds, but we did not have any kind of coordinated effort for volunteers," she said. The manual will give pastors, diocesan leadership and laity a game plan for short-term and long-term responses to disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, petrochemical explosions or possible terrorist attacks, according to Babin. The task force is considering how to: mobilize parishes to serve as strategic American Red Cross shelters; organize deaneries to provide goods and services in times of crisis; and develop a phone chain to keep the diocese connected when disaster hits, as well as a contingency communication plan for when telephone and cell phone lines are down. The plan will additionally outline risk management tasks which diocesan parishes, schools, and institutions can do to protect their property before disaster strikes.  For example, the task force is looking at ways parishes can safeguard their sacramental records, and how the diocese can preserve its electronic data and files. However, "you don't just look at the parishes and institutions" of the Church when preparing for a disaster, Babin insisted.  Instead, any effective disaster plan must look at the crisis from a holistic perspective.  "When a disaster hits, it hits the whole person, and it shakes people's faith.  Sometimes they wonder where God is in all of it." Consequently, the plan will not only include strategies for meeting tangible needs for safety and shelter, but will also consider the spiritual concerns of disaster victims.  Initial deliberations include: sending ministers to offer pastoral care at short-term shelters; offering Eucharist at shelter sites; and developing a series of prayers in anticipation of the hurricane season. Based on CC's experience in handling Tropical Storm Allison cases, the plan must likewise incorporate long-term emotional recovery responses, Babin continued.  "You can get people back in their homes and you can get their bed linens together and their kitchen pantry stocked again, but it's the emotional needs that sometimes go unaddressed.  (Recovery includes) dealing with children who, three years from now, cry every time it rains because they can remember their bed floating, and them on it."  Counseling and therapeutic care will be considered as components of the diocesan disaster plan. The task force includes CC leaders and representatives of several diocesan departments and agencies who are contributing their ministry's perspective to the document.  The diocesan Office of Worship will provide suggestions for liturgies and prayers during times of disaster; the Hispanic Ministry department is offering ideas to help CC work with undocumented immigrants applying for FEMA or Red Cross emergency assistance; the diocesan Risk Management division is developing a facilities check list for parishes; the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is cooperating with CC in creating a disaster relief volunteer pool. The diocesan Offices of African-American Ministry, Information Systems, Construction, Communication and Catholic Schools are similarly collaborating with CC in the plan's development. In addition to addressing natural disasters, the preparation plan will also deal with "issues like a fire at a parish, or a shooting at a parish, or a kidnapping at a parish - things of that nature which could happen anywhere at anytime," Msgr. Rossi said. It will therefore be essential for every diocesan parish to review the manual, he said.  "Like any plan, it will only be as effective as the people who use it.  So it is our clear hope that all pastors, all principals, all parishes will spend time understanding the manual, and then will utilize it to its fullest potential." Babin anticipates the plan will call for parish disaster coordinators, who will convene annually to stay updated on emergency response strategies.  "We want every parish to be involved...and tap into their most powerful asset: their people."  Since Catholics comprise the largest congregation in the 10-county geographic area of the diocese, the manual will incorporate ideas to mobilize disaster relief volunteers, Babin said. Parish assistance to hard-hit communities in disaster time is crucial, according to Monsignor Patrick Wells, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi church.  Allison's waist-high waters warped the pews and destroyed the carpets in the interior of the Houston parish, while the torrential rain submerged St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School under water. "I'm certain that with forethought, the areas that are not hit severely can come into play to aid others in some way," said Msgr. Wells, who pointed out that assistance from St. Francis of Assisi's sister parish, St. John Vianney, was invaluable during the time of crisis. Msgr. Rossi observed that the manual will also enable the diocese to work quickly with local media to communicate its available disaster relief services to the Galveston-Houston area. The diocesan disaster plan should be completed by the end of Spring 2003, according to the task force co-chairs.

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Mendenhall Foundation grant to help diocese 'get wired'

By ERIK NORIEGA Herald Staff Writer   HOUSTON - Sixty-two parishes will jump into the cyberspace pool thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Trini and O.C. Mendenhall Foundation. As difficult as it may be to believe in 2003, this is the number of parishes in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston without a computer and Internet access. As part of its disaster relief plan, Catholic Charities suggested that every parish in the diocese become connected via the Internet.  Unfortunately, finances at many parishes make the purchasing of computer equipment and Internet access cost prohibitive. This grant, through Catholic Charities, will enable those parishes without the means to "get wired," to do so by this Fall. "Our main reason for this is that during Tropical Storm Allison, we had a very difficult time communicating with all of our parishes to access the damage they may have sustained," explained Msgr. Frank H. Rossi, diocesan chancellor. "Telephone lines were down in many areas, but we found out later that Internet access through cable means was still working.  Had we been connected to our parishes in this manner, we would have been able to communicate with them much more quickly," Msgr. Rossi said. "In addition, before the storm we would have been able to communicate with them how to prepare for the storm, and in case of damage, the necessary steps to receive assistance." Besides speedier communication, the diocese also hopes to save money in stationary, copying and postage expenses by being able to communicate through e-mail with all of its parishes, the monsignor explained. "Having computers at every parish will also facilitate their participation in the VIRTUS program," Msgr. Rossi added. In accordance to the guidelines established by the U.S. Bishop's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese of Galveston-Houston recently implemented the VIRTUS program aimed at raising awareness and preventing the sexual abuse of children in all of its parishes. Anna Babin, president of Catholic Charities, explained that in addition to facilitating communications in the diocese, the grant will also help establish ties between Catholic Charities in its support of parishes through the agency's Parish Relations office. "Sixty-two parishes do not have computers, and we believe this gift will strengthen the ties of Catholic Charities for parish relations, but will also enhance all communications for diocesan offices to the parishes," Babin said.  "When you cover 8,800 square miles, you have to consider the most effective means of communications." Both Msgr. Rossi and Babin thanked the Mendenhall Foundation for its generosity at a check presentation at Catholic Charities, July 30. "This very generous grant from the Mendenhall Foundation will allow us to ensure that even our poorest parishes will have the equipment they need to become connected to the Internet," Msgr. Rossi said. "We are grateful to Ms. Trini Mendenhall, Catholic Charities Chair of the Board, for her vision and compassionate heart," Babin added. Mendenhall explained that the foundation saw a real need in the diocese and was happy it could assist the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. "We saw just how important communication is during Tropical Storm Allison when we were unable to communicate with several parishes," Mendenhall said. "Everyone eventually will be on-line," Mendenhall said. "We like to think we're helping the diocese move ahead into this century.

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