Southeast Texas Catholics make plans for rebuilding

Published: 2005-09-30

BEAUMONT, Texas (CNS) -- While the Diocese of Beaumont makes plans to get back on its feet in the wake of Hurricane Rita, Bishop Curtis J. Guillory urged southeast Texas Catholics to cooperate with civil authorities by not returning to devastated areas permanently until communities are livable. "Our first responsibility is to act with prudence and wisdom in securing the safety and well-being of all southeast Texans," Bishop Guillory said in a Sept. 29 statement. "Resources are being strained to provide for workers needed for rebuilding and for those who are unable to leave. It is important for all of us to be part of the solution and not part of the problem." Administrative staff members of the Beaumont Diocese have set up temporary offices in Houston, with space and telephone lines being provided by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. All Catholic schools in the Beaumont Diocese remained closed because they lacked water, sewer or electricity.

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