Camp Fire Relief/St Thomas More
St. Thomas More Returns to the Ridge
Prayers and blessings to our St. Thomas More family as they return to the ridge for Sunday Mass at 1PM and regular ministry operations. Visit their website for information or contact the office at 530 877-4501.
For Saint Thomas More's website click here.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) and Northern Valley Catholic Social Service are actively collaborating with partner organizations on local relief and recovery efforts. SVDP needs volunteers to help with the volume of need created by the Camp Fire. SVDP will be here for the long haul to serve our local community. To get involved in the local relief effort or to find out how they can serve you, please contact Brent Roden at (530) 570-4196.
What Can You Do?
- Donate cash and gift cards to SVDP (especially grocery store and gas cards)
- Volunteer to help SVDP
- Donate non perishable goods to the Catholic Ladies Relief Food Locker
- Join the Catholic Ladies Relief Volunteer efforts
- Be the hands and feet of Jesus and sign up with the many organizations seeking volunteers
In response to the Camp Fire 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.”
Cal Fire officials said Nov. 25 the Camp Fire is 100 percent contained and efforts in Butte County have pivoted from fire response to recovery. Cal Fire said 153,336 acres have burned in the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history. At least 85 people have died in the fire and 296 are listed are listed as unaccounted for by the Butte County Sheriff's Office. A total of 13,696 homes burned, in addition to 276 multi-family structures and 528 businesses destroyed.
St. Thomas More Parish in Paradise was 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 Church and school buildings have 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 are actively collaborating with partner organizations on local relief and recovery efforts.
“I give thanks to the fire fighters and first responders for all they are doing to save our parishioners and the community,” says Father Godwin Xavier, Parochial Administrator of St. Thomas More Parish.