On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed over 70 % of Bay St. Louis on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  Amazingly, St. Rose de Lima, an historic African-American church escaped major damage.  According to its pastor, Fr. Sebastian:  “St. Rose became a beacon of hope for others…to serve as the cornerstone of recovery and rebuilding for the community.”

Several H.T. parishioners knew of St. Rose’s strong faith and history of compassion.  Based on their recommendations, Father Shea and the Parish Council committed Holy Trinity’s Katrina relief efforts to helping St. Rose and the Bay St. Louis community recover and rebuild.

Fr. Shea believes Holy Trinity’s outreach efforts and its 3-5 year commitment have already brought a new spirit of ‘faith in action’ to the many parishioners who have become personally involved.

• Donated and drove two truck loads of recovery and cleaning supplies, bedding and kitchen ware to St. Rose and Bay St. Louis. ($50,000 estimated value).
• Approximately 60 Trinity volunteers (16 distinct trips) have traveled to Bay St. Louis, at their own expense, to help with the recovery and now rebuilding. (i.e. debris removal, roofing, drywall, medical care, counseling and more).
• Donated more than $60,000 in support of the effort, i.e. cash, gift cards and special events such as “Mardi Gras benefit”.

• Volunteer!  Prayerfully consider joining a Trinity team going to Bay St. Louis. Roofing, drywall, electrical work, painting as well as medical care and counseling is needed.
• Share God’s gifts to you with St. Rose parishioners – Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Lowe’s gift cards (the only major stores open) as well as cash are much needed to purchase building supplies & other goods
• Pray with and for the people of Bay St. Louis.  Many people are overwhelmed by their losses and need our help, support and prayers to know that they are not alone.