Pastor's Corner February 16, 2003 |
6th Ordinary Sunday |
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.
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.
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?
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.
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