The Flood of 2011: Diocese Responds; Recovery Begins

The Diocese of Scranton continues to provide assistance to victims as they strive to recover and rebuild from last month’s devastating flood.

Flood relief efforts are being coordinated by the Diocesan Relief Commission appointed by Bishop Bambera. Its members include Father Phil A. Altavilla, V.G.; Father Brian J.W. Clarke, V.G.; Msgr. Joseph P. Kelly, M.S.W., V.E., Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Human Services; Deacon Joseph DeVizia; David Clarke, Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life and Evangelization; and Teresa Osborne, Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer.

Bishop Bambera explained that, “The intended purpose of the Commission is to bring together all available Diocesan resources in order to facilitate a comprehensive, coordinated response designed to support our brothers and sisters whose lives have been forever affected by the devastating floods that struck multiple communities within the boundaries of the Scranton Diocese.”

Immediately following the floods, in addition to creating the Commission, Bishop Bambera directed that a special collection be taken in all parishes in the 11 counties of the Diocese during the weekend of Sept. 17-18. All funds collected, along with a portion of the 2011 Annual Appeal, are being allocated to establish a Diocesan Relief Fund to support flood victims. As of Oct. 15, the special collection had raised $320,320.

During the week of Sept. 19, eight Parish Intake nights were held in eight locations: Mocanaqua, West Pittston, Towanda, Sayre, Friendsville, Dushore, Tunkhannock and Montoursville. At each Parish Intake Night, flood victims were greeted by and met with either a Catholic Social Services caseworker or a Diocesan or parish volunteer in order to complete an intake form. Based on the amount of damage sustained, a $50 or $100 dollar gift card was provided to the interviewee.

The following week, thanks to the generosity of Diocesan donors, any flood victim who received a $50 gift card at a Parish Intake night was sent another $50 gift card. A total of 852 intakes were completed, including those who called either Catholic Social Services or the Diocesan Office of Parish Life afterward, and 1,517 gift cards were distributed. A total of $75,850 in gift cards has been distributed thus far to flood victims.

The information submitted on each intake form was then compiled and analyzed. The results reflect that of the intakes received, 85 families lost their entire home and 17 families sustained significant damage to the 1^st and 2^nd floor of their home.

Due to the generosity of so many caring people who have supported the special collection, Bishop Bambera is sending additional assistance to these 102 families: a check in the amount of $800 for those who lost their home, and a check in the amount of $500 for those who sustained 1^st and 2^nd floor damage. This amounts to $76,500 in additional aid intended to provide modest assistance to those who have lost so much.

The purpose of all of these efforts is to augment what flood victims can receive through other federal, state or local programs (i.e., FEMA, PEMA and the Red Cross). To that end, included with the flood relief checks scheduled to be distributed this week, Bishop Bambera has included a letter explaining why the Diocese is able to provide such support to local flood victims, and a flyer that provides important information about how flood victims can access federal aid.

In addition to the financial assistance, many parish communities have opened up their doors to serve as shelter sites, food and clothing pantries and meal sites. Even though the waters have receded, those who have sustained flood damage continue to rebuild their homes and their lives under difficult conditions, and they continue to need our support and our prayers. Members of the Diocesan Relief Commission are continuing to work with pastors and parish communities that have been most impacted by the floods in order to identify and provide support to flood victims with the funds contributed to the Diocesan Relief Fund.

Bishop Bambera asks for the faithful of the Diocese to join him in prayer, asking God to continue to bless, protect and sustain all affected during this time of rebuilding and renewal. 

Diocesan Relief Fund Accepting Donations

Donations to the Diocesan Relief Fund are still being accepted. Donations can be sent to a parish or to: Diocese of Scranton, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. Thank you for your support! 

The Diocese of Scranton continues to offer assistance to flood victims as they strive to put their lives back together in the wake of devastation to their homes, businesses and institutions.

While urging everyone to pray for those affected, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera had directed that a special collection be taken up in all parishes for flood relief, beginning at Masses the weekend of Sept. 17-18. The Bishop also created a Diocesan Relief Commission to bring together the resources of the Diocesan Offices in order to develop a plan detailing how the funds raised through the special collection will be allocated.

So far that collection has raised approximately $220,000. Reports from parishes are still being received. Anyone who has not yet been able to participate in the collection can still support the relief efforts by making a donation to the Diocesan Relief Fund. Donations can be sent to a parish or to: 

Diocesan Relief Fund
Diocese of Scranton
300 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503 

The Diocesan Relief Commission recently hosted eight Intake Nights in parish communities that have been significantly affected by flooding. These sessions were held in Bradford, Luzerne, Lycoming, Susquehanna, Sullivan and Wyoming Counties. At each one, the Diocese provided gift cards worth a total of $75,850 to flood victims, enabling them to buy items they need, such as clothing or food, as they continue to recover and rebuild their lives. Staff from Catholic Social Services and various Diocesan offices, along with parish volunteers, were present at each session to help those attending register and receive assistance.

Flood victims who were not able to attend a Parish Intake session may contact Catholic Social Services Wilkes-Barre Office at 570-822-7118 or the Diocesan Office of Parish Life and Evangelization at 570-207-2213.

Bishop Bambera explained, “Our Diocesan response is intended to augment, not replace, the array of other organizations and funding sources that are providing assistance to flood victims. Many of our local parish and school communities have already opened up their hearts and volunteered significant time and energy to help those most affected, and all of these efforts represent our Diocesan-wide desire to provide basic assistance and continued support to our brothers and sisters in need.”

The Diocese of Scranton continues to assist the many people who have been affected by the recent flooding in our region.

Recently a Special Collection for flood victims was taken up in all parishes. If you were not able to participate at that time, you can still support our relief efforts by making a donation to the Diocesan Relief Fund. Donations can be sent to your parish or to: Diocese of Scranton, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 

Bishop Bambera has established a Diocesan Relief Commission that has begun to provide assistance to flood victims from throughout seven of the eleven counties of the Diocese.

Many of our parishioners, neighbors and friends need our help. Please be as generous as possible. Thank you!

In response to the recent floods, which impacted many of the counties that comprise the Diocese of Scranton, the Diocesan Relief Commission will host eight Intake Nights to be held in parish communities that have been significantly affected by flooding.

Parish Intake Nights have been scheduled in Bradford, Luzerne, Lycoming, Susquehanna, Sullivan and Wyoming Counties. At each session, the Diocese will provide gift cards to flood victims, enabling them to buy items they need, such as clothing or food, as they continue to recover and rebuild their lives. Staff from Catholic Social Services and various Diocesan offices, along with parish volunteers, will be present at each session to help those attending register and receive assistance.

A Special Collection for flood victims is being taken up during all parish Masses this weekend (Sept. 17-18). Monies collected from the Special Collection are being allocated to the Diocesan Relief Fund. Its success will determine when an additional disbursement of funds to parish communities and flood victims within those communities can be conducted.

Bishop Bambera explained, “Our Diocesan response is intended to augment, not replace, the array of other organizations and funding sources that are providing assistance to flood victims. Many of our local parish communities have already opened up their hearts to help those most affected, and these eight Parish Intake Nights represent our Diocesan-wide desire to provide basic assistance and continued support to our brothers and sisters in need.”

The schedule is:

Luzerne County

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 5-7 p.m.
Holy Spirit Parish
150 Main St., Mocanaqua

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 5-7 p.m.
Corpus Christi Parish
605 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston

Wyoming County

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 5-7 p.m.
Nativity BVM Parish
99 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock

Susquehanna County

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 5-7 p.m.
St. Brigid Parish
17 Cottage St., Friendsville

Bradford County

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 5-7 p.m.
Ss. Peter & Paul Parish
106 Third St., Towanda

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 5-7 p.m.
Epiphany Parish
304 S. Elmer Ave., Sayre

Lycoming County

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 5-7 p.m.
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
800 Mulberry St., Montoursville

Sullivan County

Thursday, Sept. 22, 5-7 p.m.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
101 Churchill St., Dushore

If individuals are either not able or not prepared to give a donation to the special collection this weekend, monetary donations can be made out to: Diocesan Relief Fund and can be collected by the parish and sent to: Diocese of Scranton, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503; or individual donations can be sent directly to the Diocese.

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera has announced plans for the Diocese of Scranton to provide assistance to those who have been affected by the recent flooding in our region.

A Special Collection for flood victims will be taken up at all Masses this weekend, Sept. 17-18. This collection for Diocesan Relief will support our brothers and sisters, who are in need.

If individuals are either not able or not prepared to give a donation this weekend, monetary donations can be made out to: Diocesan Relief Fund and can be collected by the parish and sent to: Diocese of Scranton, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503; or individual donations can be sent directly to the Diocese.

The Bishop has established a Diocesan Relief Commission that will bring together the resources of the Diocesan Offices in order to put forth a plan detailing how the funds raised through the special collection will be allocated. The members of the Commission are:

Father Brian J.W. Clarke, Vicar General
Father Philip Altavilla, Vicar General
Teresa Osborne, Chancellor
Msgr. Joseph Kelly, Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Human Services
David Clarke, Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life and Evangelization
Deacon Joe DeVizia

The Diocesan response is intended to augment, not replace, the many other organizations and funding sources that are providing assistance to flood victims.

The severe flooding and damage it created continues to influence the ability of several local school districts to resume classes. In turn, because Catholic schools rely on local school systems to provide transportation, the necessary decisions made by the local districts affect the following Diocesan Catholic schools:

Holy Cross System:
Epiphany Elementary School, Sayre is closed on Tuesday, Sep. 13^th. Sayre School District officials are making decisions day-by-day as to when classes will resume.

Holy Redeemer System:
Wyoming Area Catholic, Exeter is closed through Friday, Sept. 16^th.

Good Shepherd Academy, Kingston will resume classes on Tuesday, Sept. 13^th.

Holy Rosary, Duryea, has sustained damage because of the flood and is closed through Friday, Sept. 16^th.

Special Announcement with Regard to the Temporary Relocation of Holy Rosary Elementary School, Duryea 

Diocesan officials announced today that due to flood related damage to the Holy Rosary school building, classes will resume on Monday, Sept. 19^th at a temporary location: the former St. Mary’s Elementary School (742 Spring Street, Avoca). All parents of children who attend school at Holy Rosary are invited to a Parent Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13^th at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (529 Stephenson Street, Duryea).

Kathy Gilmartin, Principal of Holy Rosary, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support that has emerged since the flood waters began filling the basement of the school. “From the first responders to the volunteers, parents and students who have worked so tirelessly to help us begin the road to recovery, we are grateful for the kindness and prayers of so many.”

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera has issued a letter to the faithful, seeking God’s blessing and protection, and requesting prayers for all those affected by the flooding and those who are providing assistance.

The Bishop has asked that this letter be read at all Masses this weekend (Sept. 10-11), and that a special petition be included during the Prayer of the Faithful.

The letter and petition follow:

September 9, 2011

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we gather in prayer this weekend, we do so recalling the tragedy endured by our nation ten years ago when hijacked planes in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania killed thousands.

But, we also gather today representing the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, ever mindful that countless numbers of our own families, neighbors and friends, along with our priests and fellow parishioners, are dealing with the immediate aftermath of the intense rains which saturated and flooded communities and neighborhoods throughout northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

The loss of and damage to cherished homes and treasured churches impacts its victims physically, emotionally and spiritually. As the Church, our support for our brothers and sisters who are hurting will bring a healing and helping presence in the flood ravaged communities throughout our Diocese. I have been gratified and humbled by the efforts of so many friends, families and strangers who have gathered to empty homes, collect belongings and fill sand-bags and by those who have provided rides, meals and shelter.

As with any disaster, people outside the affected areas may quickly go back to their normal routine, but victims do not. It is important for us to continue to provide resources, including helping hands, listening ears and shoulders to help another to carry his or her burdens. Some of us are gifted with multiple resources, such as finances, while others posses an expertise in a particular trade, such as construction or plumbing. It is incumbent upon us to continue to seek out those who feel they have nowhere to turn for help and to use our gifts well and wisely as we recover, restore and rebuild. I pledge to do whatever we can as a Diocese and as a community of believers in Jesus to pray, serve and support one another.

For all who are suffering because of the flood and the damage it has caused, I pray for God’s continued and protection and blessing over you. While we wait to see what the immediate future will bring, we grieve with those who face great loss, we yearn for respite and peace and we pray to God for strength and courage.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
† Joseph C. Bambera
Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton

Petition:

Let us pray for all who have suffered injury, damage to property, and disruption of normal activities because of the recent major flooding. May they know the comfort and consolation of the Lord, and the care and assistance of their brothers and sisters in the Church. Let us pray to the Lord.

Nativity BVM Church in Tunkhannock will have the regular weekend and weekday Mass schedules. A temporary worship site at Father Nallin Hall behind the church has been set up while the church is cleaned and renovated. This site will be used until further notice.

The weekend Mass schedule at Father Nallin Hall is:
Saturday at 5 p.m.
Sunday at 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m.

For anyone who would like to attend Mass at St. Mary of the Lake Church in Lake Winola, the weekend Mass schedule is:
Saturday at 4 p.m.
Sunday at 9 a.m.

The 25th Anniversary of St. Mary of the Lake Parish in Lake Winola will proceed as scheduled. On Saturday, Sept. 10, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera will preside at the blessing of a new mosaic of Our Lady of the Lake prior to the 4 p.m. Mass. The Bishop will be the principal celebrant for the Mass. The Anniversary Dinner will follow at the Scranton Canoe Club at Lake Winola.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, the parish commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 will take place as planned at St. Mary of the Lake Church. A Memorial Service will be held at 8:45 a.m. prior to 9 a.m. Mass, with representatives of the Fire Department, Police Department, military and emergency personnel participating in communal prayer and procession. Bishop Emeritus James C. Timlin, who established the parish, will be principal celebrant for the Mass.

FROM THE PASTOR’S SOGGY LAPTOP:

September 10-11, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This week can truly be described as “Agony and Ecstasy.” On Tuesday, September 6 at Noon, almost three months to the day that we began our interior renovations to Nativity BVM Church in Tunkhannock, the last contractor left. The church was back to “normal” and was once again a beautiful, clean and quiet sacred place fitting for Jesus and His family. On Thursday, our Parish Feast Day, I celebrated the 7 a.m. Mass. It was the Birthday of Mary. After Mass I paused to say a prayer of thanksgiving as I briefly looked around. I was so pleased with how the renovations turned out this summer, the wonderful cooperation and professionalism of the many contractors, the patience, understanding and generous support of our parishioners, and the hard work and counsel of the Building and Grounds Committee. Naturally, I was proud these renovations were accomplished without missing one Mass in our building. The grounds were immaculate and the church, rectory and new cemetery road were looking very good. Well, as the familiar quotation goes: “Man Proposes and God Disposes.” I quickly came to realize our control in this life is very limited. By 8 a.m. water began creeping onto Tioga Street and the rest is history. So much destruction within a 12-hour period, not only to our church but to countless homes and businesses throughout our area and the region. People have been displaced and property and possessions lost. I pray that any injuries sustained were minor and the tragic loss of life minimal, given the scope of this wide path of destruction.

How could this happen? Hurricane Agnes in 1972, I was assured, came close to the front doors of the church but never ventured inside. Quickly, parishioners, friends of the parish, folks from the town and strangers showed up without asking and started to work. Young and old pitched in to do whatever they could. A call went out for sand and many children willingly gave up the precious contents of their sand boxes. Pillow cases of all sizes and colors were donated and within a short time the doors of the church were barricaded and the furniture, pictures and any valuables in the rectory were taken to the second floor. However, in the midst of all of the “agony” there was ecstasy. That is, a spirit of true community that we were experiencing first hand. Families gave hours to this endeavor and didn’t complain. All I recall hearing was “what can we do?” Then the waiting began. Slowly, as night began to fall, the smelly chocolate colored water began to come over the curb and advance up the sidewalk. The grass was soon covered and before long it was lapping up on the sandbags. The basements filled with water and it gradually seeped into our church. We all stood there helpless. There was nothing more we could do. The prayers were said, the sandbags placed, the items that could be moved were moved, night was falling. Electricity was turned off, the doors were secured. Mother Nature would now take her turn.

I awoke with a phone call telling me that water had reached the main altar and was touching the linens. My heart sank. By the time I arrived on the grounds I was truly amazed at the number of volunteers. They were like ants. Each one doing something to help us out. Photographs were being taken, parking lots and sidewalks hosed down, the basement of the church and the rectory cellar were being pumped out and the damage was being assessed. The dedicated and professional work of the Triton Hose Company, the Hop Bottom Fire Department and members of this wonderful community lifted my spirits. I received a call from Bishop Bambera expressing kind words of encouragement and the assistance of the Diocese. The Diocese immediately sent a Damage Control Specialist and plans were made for drying out the buildings, removing the debris and restoring our electricity in the rectory and church. All of our wonderful contractors were called and told about the damage and were asked, with their summer experience behind them, to repeat the professional job they just completed. Men and women did the unthinkable; they waded into the dark cellar to remove the debris and save our Church Manger scene and old marriage records. In the meantime, Father David Betts, assistant pastor, organized a large and wonderful group of children, men and women to prepare a fitting space in Father Nallin Hall to gather as a community to pray, worship and encourage one another. A handicapped ramp was even constructed. I had the responsibility of speaking with two brides and telling them that the church would not be ready for their fall weddings. They were very understanding and plans were discussed on possible options. A Saturday Baptism was postponed at St. Mary’s due to family travel problems. I even donated a pair of socks to a needy volunteer. In the meantime, plans for the 25th Anniversary on this weekend at St. Mary of the Lake Church continued with the Anniversary Committee doing a wonderful job. Bishop Bambera will celebrate the Anniversary Mass on Saturday at 4 p.m. On Sunday we will have our commemoration of the 10th anniversary, beginning with a prayer service at 8:45 a.m. followed by Mass celebrated by Bishop Emeritus James C. Timlin, who established St. Mary of the Lake Parish. We extend our prayerful congratulations and best wishes to them on this special milestone in their parish life. Participating in this joyous occasion will be a welcome reprieve from the clean up detail. If my suit is a bit muddy I know you will understand.

I began this missive by saying it was a week of “Agony and Ecstasy.” When I mentioned that I was contemplating reflecting upon this theme to a parishioner, she said that she clearly understood the agony but was confused by the ecstasy. The elation that I felt at seeing a great community gather to help in such a trying situation, not only assisting our Parish but reaching out to the many families who were displaced and businesses that were affected by the flooding, sincerely was a high point – an ecstasy experience for me. It made me extremely proud to be a member of this special community, this holy place in the Endless Mountains, where people come together to live their faith in both their worship of God and in their concern for their neighbor – a sincere concern that transcends religious traditions, political affiliations and economic backgrounds. In many ways it made me happy, to experience our parish mission statement lived out in such a dynamic way: “To know, love and serve the Lord and One Another in imitation of Mary.”

I want everyone to know how proud I am of our Parish and this community. I feel very privileged to be assigned here and, despite the occasional 100-year flood, I hope and pray that I never leave this area and continue to serve you and be fed and encouraged in my own life by your amazing goodness. I know that Father Betts and Deacon Ray Pieretti feel the same. We love you very much!

God Bless You!

Rev. Richard Polmounter
Pastor, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Tunkhannock, and St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lake Winola

On this 10th Anniversary of the tragic events known as 9/11, we also recall those who died in the terrorist attacks and all who continue to give their time and energy to protect and safeguard the freedom that we enjoy as Americans. May God bless all of our “first responders” and all men and women in uniform.

At all times, an individual’s ability to fulfill his or her obligation to attend Sunday Mass (i.e., Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass) can be influenced by reasons of poor health or adverse weather conditions (e.g., blizzard, hurricane or flood). Catholics who are able to safely attend Mass at other churches are encouraged to do so. A directory of churches and Mass times is available on the Diocese of Scranton website at: www.dioceseofscranton.org. See “Find a Parish and Mass Times,” which provides a list of parishes organized alphabetically by location.

On Thursday, Sept. 8, the Diocese offered guidance to all pastors, with particular concern for those affected by the flooding. Pastors were asked to be mindful of their safety and the well-being of their staffs and parishioners, and to take precautionary measures regarding parish property. They were advised to secure the Holy Eucharist, sacramental records, computer and other files in a safe place; to extinguish all candles; to turn off power; and to move vehicles to higher ground, if possible. Also, a Red Cross safety checklist was provided.

Pastors not directly affected by the flooding have been asked to consider offering their facilities as shelters or staging areas, provided they are able and equipped to do so.