New Orleans...from Ross

Today, we e-mailed Ross and Martin to let them know that their families were in our thoughts and prayers as they recover from Hurricane Katrina. We have not heard from Martin yet, but Ross reported back today (see below). As many of you have started already and many of you begin, we are sure your schools and agencies will think of ways to help the relief effort (see below). There are also many Brothers and Lasallians in the South. We also included an update from Br. Tom Johnson.

Dave, Alisa, Courtney, Jim

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The Catholic Relief Services Web Site offers information on ways to help: www.catholicrelief.org

FROM ROSS:

The city didn't get hit as hard as it could have, but it is still a mess. However, my family is all out of the city and safe. They are staying with some extended family in Baton Rouge, LA. After the storm passed, one of the levees broke close to our house, so FEMA is reporting about 8 ft. of water in our neighborhood. We have flood insurance, so everything that is underwater can be replaced. My parents are trying to figure out when they can get back into the city, however, they are not sure how soon that will happen. They aren't sure what our house looks like, or even if it is still there, but they have places to go in Baton Rouge if there is no place to sleep when they get back. That's about all for now.

FROM BR. TOM:

Dear Lasallians,

This is an update on the Hurricane Katrina situation as it affects Lasallians. As you know, communication to New Orleans is very poor at this time due to the damage caused by the hurricane. I have been in contact with the Provincialate in Lafayette, LA. Some Brothers from New Orleans left prior to the storm and headed for Lafayette or other places. Others stayed to ride out the storm. This morning I received the following message from Brother Louis Welker in Lafayette, Visitor of the NO-SF District:

"All attempts to reach the Brothers in New Orleans and Covington have failed. The National Guard will not let anyone in the city. We do not expect that the news will be good. I fear for our Brothers who decided to ride it out. Not knowing is hard! We will keep you informed."

Brother Louis Welker

Please keep everyone who has been affected by this disaster in your prayers.

Brother Thomas Johnson
Regional Director
Christian Brothers Conference