Stronger Together: A Community's Resilience in the Face of Storms
Anxiety and fear often arise when the unexpected occurs, especially during back-to-back natural disasters. Florida has endured immense devastation over the past few weeks. However, one clear lesson has emerged: in times of trial, we are stronger together.
Anxiety and fear often arise when the unexpected occurs, especially during back-to-back natural disasters. Florida has endured immense devastation over the past few weeks. However, one clear lesson has emerged: in times of trial, we are stronger together.
Fr. Chuck Dornquast, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, exemplified this spirit by reaching out to his neighbors before and after Hurricane Milton.
Following the storm, Fr. Chuck received a call from a neighbor in distress. The neighbor's back porch had been lifted onto the house by the wind, and a fallen tree had tangled electrical wires on the property.
“Thankfully, the power was shut off, and the neighbor was able to remain in his home,” Fr. Chuck added. “We prayed together, and I’ve continued to check in on him and communicate with his son who lives out of town.”
While the community faces ongoing challenges, including flooding and extensive repairs, hope persists. After the storm, groups have gathered together to assist those in need.
Fr. Chuck also coordinated a volunteer effort to support Pinellas Hope, a Catholic Charities-operated shelter that suffered significant damage. He led a team of seminarians, students, and young adults from the diocese in a cleanup initiative.
Fr. Chuck noted, "It's heartwarming to witness people coming together during such difficult times."
Click here to read the article featuring Fr. Chuck Dornquast in the Catholic Review ahead of Hurricane Milton.
To donate to the Diocesan Disaster Relief Fund and directly support affected communities: www.givecentral.org/dospdisasterrelief
