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People looked through clothes at a donation site for victims of the Camp Fire in Chico, Calif., Nov. 18. More than 75 people have died in the fire, with almost 1,000 still missing.
People looked through clothes at a donation site for victims of the Camp Fire in Chico, Calif., Nov. 18. More than 75 people have died in the fire, with almost 1,000 still missing.
Photo Credit: Terray Sylvester | Reuters

Catholic services move to help wildfire victims

At least 81 killed, hundreds missing in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cal Fire officials reported that the death toll had reached 77 in the Camp Fire north of Sacramento, one of the deadliest blazes in the state. Almost 1,000 people are missing.

At the Vatican Nov. 18, Pope Francis said, “A special prayer goes to those affected by the fires that are plaguing California. … May the Lord welcome the deceased in his peace, comfort their families and support those who are involved in relief efforts.”

As of Nov. 19, 150,000 acres had been scorched and 12,794 structures destroyed by the Camp Fire. Containment of the fire was 65 percent to date and full containment was not expected until Nov. 30.

“The tremendous loss from the Camp Fire ravaging parts of the diocese is devastating,” stated Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento. “The families in Paradise and the surrounding communities affected by the fire can rely on the support of our prayers.”

A house destroyed by the Camp Fire was seen in Paradise, Calif., Nov. 17. At his Angelus Nov. 18, Pope Francis prayed for the victims of the California wildfires.
Photo Credits: Terray Sylvester | Reuters
The entire population of Paradise of about 30,000 people was forced to evacuate Nov. 9; the town was destroyed.

“We also pray for the brave men and women responding to this disaster and battling the fires,” the bishop added in a statement posted on the diocesan website, www.scd.org. “May all those who have died in this catastrophic inferno be granted eternal repose in the merciful hands of the Lord Jesus.”

Bishop Soto celebrated Mass Nov. 18 at St. John the Baptist Church in downtown Chico for people affected by the Camp Fire. He especially invited the community of St. Thomas More Parish in Paradise; their church was in the direct line of fire.

Many of St. Thomas’ parishioners have lost their homes. The Sacramento Diocese confirmed that the church and school buildings survived the fire. The new rectory, old rectory and parish hall were destroyed.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Northern Valley Catholic Social Service were working with partner organizations on local relief and recovery efforts. Donations can be made through the Sacramento Diocese by visiting www.scd.org/donate (choose the Fire Assistance Fund).

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson announced a special collection for those impacted by the wildfires, to be taken up at parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Louis the weekends of Nov. 24-25 or Dec. 1-2. Catholic Charities of St. Louis will forward 100 percent of the donations to Catholic Charities USA for distribution toward relief efforts.

“I will be offering a Mass for those who have died in this tragedy, as well as their loved ones who are mourning,” Archbishop Carlson wrote in a letter announcing the collection. “I ask you to please join your prayers to mine for our neighbors who must now rebuild their lives.”

Residents of Southern California have been coping with the Woolsey Fire near Los Angeles, which started Nov. 8, the same day as the Camp Fire. Both fires were fueled by low humidity and strong winds.

As of Nov. 16, residents displaced by the Woolsey Fire were being allowed to return home. Full containment of the fire was expected by Nov. 22. It burned close to 97,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, destroyed 1,452 structures and damaged another 337. Three fatalities were confirmed.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has started a fund to help fire victims. Donations can be made at www.archla.org/fires.

“These funds will assist families within our parish communities in their recovery efforts,” Archbisho Jose H. Gomez said.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has been providing support to the communities affected by the fires through Catholic Charities of Los Angeles and local parishes and schools.

>> How to help

Donate to help victims of the California fires at the website of Catholic Charities of St. Louis, who is cooperating with Catholic Charities USA. Visit www.ccstl.org

Donate at your parish to a special collection Nov. 24-25 or Dec. 1-2

Donate to the Diocese of Sacramento Fire Assistance Fund at www.scd.org/donate

Donate to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Wildefire Fund at  www.archla.org/fires


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