Palm Beach diocesan center holds up well to Hurricane Wilma

Published: 2005-10-28

PALM BEACH, Fla. (CNS) -- Amid escalating frustration over dwindling supplies of gasoline, ice, food and water in south Florida following Hurricane Wilma, officials of the Diocese of Palm Beach reported good news. The Pastoral Center in Palm Beach Gardens has electricity, phones, computers and little damage except for a broken water line and fallen trees on the property. Even though the basic policy is to remain closed if government offices and schools are closed, church officials were considering opening the center by Oct. 31 if water was restored. "We still have to make an assessment," said Father Charles Notabartolo, vicar general/moderator of the curia. "Gas could be a concern for many. It is a real mess. According to the news, some may not have power until Nov. 22." Reports from parishes throughout the five-county diocese were coming in slowly as power and phones were restored in areas.

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