The tornadoes that struck Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois during the night of Dec. 10 broke records as the worst tornado event in both Kentucky history and in U.S. history. Of any other U.S. diocese hit by the twisters, the Diocese of Owensboro's 78-parish territory bore the brunt of the disaster. The effects include the destroyed Resurrection Church in Dawson Springs, severely damaged St. Joseph Church in Mayfield and multiple parishes without power. More than 100 people lost their lives, and many homes and buildings were destroyed.

On December 23, 2021, Bishop Gregory Parkes sent a donation of $100,000 to the Diocese of Owensboro for their tornado relief efforts.

“I was saddened to learn of the tornadoes that ravaged the city of Mayfield and the other communities around the Diocese of Owensboro earlier this month. My prayers and those of the people of God in the Diocese of St. Petersburg are with you during this devastating time in your Diocese,” wrote Bishop Parkes in a letter that accompanied the donation.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg has a Disaster Relief Fund that can be used for critical needs following a natural disaster such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis.

“Our parishioners are generous, and their support of our Disaster Relief Fund brings hope and Christ’s love to people who are in great need,” said Bishop Parkes.

To show your support for victims of natural disasters, we invite you to contribute to the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund here: https://www.givecentral.org/dospdisasterrelief