Above: Bishop Martin visits Waynesville in wake of Helene, photo courtesy of Catholic News Herald/Diocese of Charlotte.
Helene’s catastrophic rainfall in late September caused Richland Creek to flood the town’s Frog Level Historic District – so called because of its low-lying location (“frog level”) during floods.
Just up the hill from Frog Level sits St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville. On Oct. 6, parishioners gathered for Mass and organized relief supplies in the church basement they have turned into an aid distribution site.
Parishioners have organized online sign-ups to pick up, sort and deliver aid to homebound and still-inaccessible neighbors in need. Truckload by truckload, aid boxes and donations were out for delivery.
Similar efforts were underway in the Diocese of Raleigh, where Catholic Charities was gathering items (as part of an ongoing effort) and where Mass celebrations Oct. 5 and 6 included collections for those in western North Carolina who were impacted by Helene.
More than 10 families in the small St. John Parish that also encompasses the towns of Clyde and Canton were “catastrophically affected” by the storm, reports pastor Father Paul McNulty – suffering everything from minor damage to five who lost their homes and others who lost businesses.
Amid the activity, Bishop Michael Martin visited the parish to celebrate Mass and offer a message of encouragement following Helene, which impacted several states and, as of Oct. 7, a reported death toll of 230, according to the Associated Press.
“You’re not alone,” he told congregants at the English and Spanish Masses. “Know that the rest of the world is very much with you.”
The devastation from Helene “may seem overwhelming,” Bishop Martin said, yet “that is never beyond the scope of the power of the Holy Spirit to transform into something greater.”
Western North Carolina’s scenic mountain streams like Richland Creek turned into “raging rivers of destruction,” he said, yet the Lord is always present – and that is a hopeful message for the world.
“The Lord is at the heart of everything that we do – in joy and in sorrow,” he said.
“No evil, no difficulty, no hurricane,” he said, “can stop the grace of God from taking that tragedy and raising it up to new life.
“That is the heart of the Good News,” he said. “Take that hope out into this community.”
“The Holy Spirit is powerful … So many people over the last few days who have heard of North Carolina will know that because of you – more than for just a storm, but … because you will take this moment of tragedy and difficulty, and you will let the Holy Spirit raise it up.”
Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama, of the Diocese of Raleigh, offered prayers for all first responders and those assisting in relief efforts, and said the diocese has connected with several support agencies in the state.
“Let us move forward with willing hands and open hearts as we recover from this storm and assist our brothers and sisters who are in need,” he said.
Raleigh responds
Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Raleigh, along with the North Carolina Knights of Columbus State council and Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) have been working to gather and deliver much-needed supplies and coordinate volunteer efforts to help those impacted by Helene.
On Oct. 2, a box truck filled with pre-positioned supplies, generously donated by Food for the Poor, one of the world’s largest hunger relief organizations, left from the Catholic Charities Cape Fear Regional Office, headed to Johnson City, Tennessee, and remained with Catholic Charities of East Tennessee to aid with their ongoing response to the disaster.
“As we come together in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Catholic Charities remains deeply committed to serving those most affected by this disaster,” said Lisa Perkins, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. “Our response is not just about delivering supplies — it’s about delivering hope and showing that, in the face of hardship, we are united.”
According to leaders, the most immediate and effective way to help is through cash donations, which allow Catholic Charities to respond quickly to the evolving needs.
Financial gifts in support of families and individuals whose lives have been upended by Hurricane Helene can be made through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte or CCUSA’s Helene relief donation page. One hundred percent of all donations to Catholic Charities USA will be distributed to local Catholic Charities agencies, which will provide critical relief — including shelter, food and other humanitarian aid — to members of their communities. Gifts can also be made by texting “Hurricane” to 20406.
“Hurricane Helene is one of the most dangerous storms to hit the United States in years, and we won’t know the full extent of the damage for some time,” CCUSA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson said. “As always, the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities agencies are springing into action to bring comfort and hope to their neighbors in need. Please join us in providing critical support to the immediate and long-term relief efforts.”
NC Catholics and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh contributed to this report.
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