Despite damaged churches, Louisiana Catholics keep sense of community

Published: 2006-04-05

HOUMA, La. (CNS) -- Six months after Hurricane Rita, pastors in two parishes of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are still celebrating Mass in Knights of Columbus council homes due to damages sustained by their churches. Repairs are nearing completion at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Pointe-aux-Chenes, which had more than two inches of water in the church building, and at St. Eloi Church in Theriot, where there was approximately a foot of water in the church and rectory. Parishioners at both churches hope they will reopen by Easter, April 16. Father Joey Pilola, pastor of St. Eloi, said that for him the most difficult part of having to say Mass in a building other than the church has been the feeling of displacement. "We are not where we belong," he said. "It's a constant reminder of our blessing of having another place to celebrate Mass; however, it is also a constant reminder of something that has disrupted all of our lives." Over the past six months, baptisms have taken place at the Knights of Columbus council homes in both parishes. Funeral Masses have been celebrated in a neighboring church, at a Knights of Columbus home or at the chapel in the funeral home.

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