In response to the Camp Fire burning in Butte County, Bishop Jaime Soto has released the following statement and words of consolation:
“The tremendous loss from the Camp Fire ravaging parts of the diocese is devastating. The families in Paradise and the surrounding communities affected by the fire can rely on the support of our prayers. We also pray for the brave men and women responding to this disaster and battling the fires. May all those who have died in this catastrophic inferno be granted eternal repose in the merciful hands of the Lord Jesus.”
The fire has already claimed five lives, and has destroyed 6,713 homes and businesses across 100,000 acres. St. Thomas More Parish in Paradise is in the direct line of the fire. Reports indicate that all parishioners have evacuated the area, though many have lost their homes.
The Diocese has confirmed that St. Thomas More’s church and school structures have survived the fire.
At the time of this writing, fire crews are still battling the fire and it has not yet been contained. “I give thanks to the fire fighters and first responders for all they are doing to save our parishioners and the community,” says Fr. Godwin Xavier, Parochial Administrator of St. Thomas More Parish.
Intercessory prayers:
- For those who have lost homes, businesses or loved ones in the recent wildfires at Camp and throughout California, that they may find consolation in trusting that God will provide for all they need. Let us pray.
- We pray for the eternal rest of those who have died as a result of these fires and pray that those who are missing or are still in harm’s way will be found and protected. Let us pray.
- For our first responders, firefighters and brave men and women battling fires and helping people to safety, that they may be kept safe as they work to restore calm and assist those affected by the wildfires. Let us pray.
Our Lady of the Rosary pray for all those devastated by this natural disaster and make fruitful our efforts to assist them.
Parishioners wishing to donate money to assist those in need may do so in the following ways:
- Donate by mail: Send checks to Diocese of Sacramento Fire Assistance Fund, 2110 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
- Donate by phone: Call The Catholic Foundation at (916) 733-0266
- Donate online: Visit www.scd.org/donate and choose the Fire Assistance Fund
From Diocese of Sacramento.
How bad must things get for bishops to ask their priests to say votive masses for fire relief. Votum, latin for special intention. I remember seeing one in the back of the. roman missal for ‘ mass in time of earthquakes’ may it’s been updated for other natural disasters
“Almighty and eternal God, we ask Your protection against destroying fire. Fire is so very necessary for our existence, and yet, when it gets out of control, it can be more damaging than anything else. Keep our homes and buildings and woods and fields safe from the scourge. Help us always especially during the winter time when we need and use it most. For then, if our homes are destroyed by fire, we suffer more than ever. ……….. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen ” From “Rural Life Prayer Book
“O God, in whom we live and move and have our being, grant us rain in due abundance, that being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts we may seek with more confidence those that are eternal. Through Christ Our Lord, Amen. “From The Rural Life Prayer Book”
Continuation of first prayer for fire protection from same rural prayer book: “Give us, too, we humbly pray You, a saving fear of the fires of passion, and the help of Your grace to control them. Help us also to fear the fires of hell, that we may always keep away from serious sin, and live lives of goodness and virtue, through Christ our Lord. Amen”
I hope also that there are some ‘hands on’ Catholic groups assisting our fellow brothers and sisters!!
Saw that the ‘Scientologists’ were already front and center helping out, perhaps they will have a conversion in doing charitable deeds, for as we all know they are known as a cult!!!!!!
I have been looking for Catholic relief services of any kind but can’t seem to find any. I’m looking 2 donate a couple months of time to the right organization. I’m thinking that maybe the whole diocese structure out west is totally different than here on the East Coast.
We moved to Paradise in 1953. Had Frostee and Hamberger place on Skyway. 9500 population. Raised 5 children there. We were the first families to pledge money to build the convent and school. Bricks were hauled from Stirling City from an old hospital. Father Obragner was Pastor and the Franciscan nuns taught at the school Father Nicholas Dugan was associate pastor. It’s been 65 years since then and best friends still with families we met then. The houses of all our relatives are gone and those who live there nos. Words are inadequate for comfort and our prayers are with all of you. God bless the first responders and now Search and Rescue and all who are helping bring comfort and hope to all that lost everything. God bless them…
Attach a Brown Scapular to the door of your house or hang a Brown Scapular in your car, etc. to protect it from fire. Recall Our Blessed Mother’s promise of protection from eternal fire for those who wear the Brown Scapular–but it also protects from other kinds of fire as well–an electrician renovating our old house said it should have burned–nearly every outlet had BURNED wires–but we had a Brown Scapular on the door. I even smelled burning at times–but no fire! Praise God! If needed: repent, go to confession, go to Sunday Mass, and wear a Brown Scapular and attach them to your homes, etc. Prayers for all affected by the fires.
I come to Pardice every year to visit my family. I attend Mass at St Thomas More and was so happy to hear the Church was spared. My grandson lost his hone but others were spare. Thank You Lord.