St. Michael the Archangel parishioners bring food they cooked to an emergency relief center set up at nearby Unico County High School.
Devastation has struck the Southeastern US, including the Appalachian mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee following Hurrican Helene. Shocking pictures have circulated of helicopters evacuating patients from a hospital roof from our mission town of Erwin, Tennessee, in Unicoi County.
Glenmary has mobilized to support the efforts of St. Michael the Archangel mission in flooded Erwin to help their neighbors. Though currently unconfirmed, it seems two of St. Michael’s parishioners have lost their lives when their workplace rapidly flooded. Another parishioner was among those evacuated from the hospital.
Many have asked how they can help. First, please lift your prayers for all those affected. We pray for the souls of the dearly departed. We trust in God’s love and mercy as we accompany His people in their loss.
Father Tom Charters, Brother Tom Sheehy, Brother Corey Soignier—all Glenmarians—as well as Lorena Reynosa, and the parishioners of St. Michael are assisting their devastated community with meals, water, cleaning supplies, and other support. The future needs will be great and will go on for months.