By Lori Paul / Manager of Social Ministry and Community Outreach
Several weeks ago, the Diocese of Green Bay watched and prayed as rising flood waters forced the evacuation of Shiocton. Catholic Charities Disaster Response Team reached out to Father Michael Thiel, pastor at St. Denis Catholic Church, and to the Outagamie Emergency Management Office to help with the recovery efforts.
“Catholic Charities called me within an hour of the evacuation notice to see what I needed.” said Father Thiel. “It has been a blessing to work with them during this time.”
Through Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay secured a $15,000 grant for assistance. Those funds were used to purchase Menard’s, Festival Foods, and Kwik Trip gift cards to support flood victims with home repair and travel costs. Catholic Charities also provided catered pizza for volunteer workers at St. Denis parish as the town began the long process of clean up. There is much more to do but Catholic Charities will be there as the town returns and assesses damages.