I recently attended a seminar, "The Role In Disasters" organized by the Toronto Diocesan Pastoral Centre. The speaker, Ms Cheryl G. Tyska was from the National Organization for Victim Assistance (www.trynova.org) at Washington in USA.<br/><br/>

Being a Catholic, she mentioned an interesting happening - among all the religious organizations participating in salvation work in America, the Catholic Association was one with no clearly defined purpose of service. All the other Christian Associations had their own special scopes of duty such as supplying of tents, health facilities, food and providing counselling services etc. However, the Catholic Association seemed to have no specific ways of servicing people besides giving financial assistance.<br/><br/>

I wonder, if a great disaster were to take place around Markham or Scarborough, whether our parish has sufficient preparation and ability to give substantial help? Should we, as a preventive measure, establish a special support group for unexpected but immediate needs?<br/><br/>

There will be a 40-hour training course organized by the parish in the near future. Will you be interested in participating? Your suggestions are very welcome.