We will be having a
special collection at all the
Mass THIS weekend to assist the fire relief and recovery effort already underway for the community of Paradise and the surrounding areas.
Our former Parochial Assistant, Fr. Godwin Xavier, is the Pastor at St. Thomas More in Paradise. He safely excavated from the area and reports indicate that all parishioners have evacuated the area, though many have lost their homes. The Diocese has confirmed that the Church and school structures have survived the fire. However, the new rectory, old rectory, parish hall, his car, and personal possessions were are destroyed. See the statement released by Bishop Jaime Soto
here.
Bishop Jaime Soto invites the parish community of St. Thomas More and all the faithful for a
special Mass for those affected by the Camp Fire at St. John the Baptist Parish in Chico on Sunday, November 18 at 8am. Let us join together in praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ during this difficult time.
In addition, the Pastoral Center announced
temporary closures throughout diocese due to poor air quality. See the
list of locations temporarily closed in the Diocese of Sacramento
here. This
list will be updated as we receive updates.
We ask that you add the following intentions to the 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.
- The eternal rest of those who have died as a result of these fires and those who are missing or are still in harm’s way will be found and protected.
- 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.
- Our Lady of the Rosary pray for all those devastated by this natural disaster and make fruitful our efforts to assist them.