Tornadoes, strong winds in Iowa City damage historic church, homes

Published: 2006-04-19

IOWA CITY, Iowa (CNS) -- The tornadoes and strong winds that ripped through Iowa City April 13 caused severe damage to historic St. Patrick Church and to homes and businesses throughout the city. Insurance representatives met with Father Rudy Juarez, the pastor, to assess damage to parish property April 18. Parish and finance councils met the previous night to talk about plans for the future. The parish has about 1,000 families, including nearly 150 Hispanic families who have joined the parish since Father Juarez became pastor nearly two years ago. "We're evaluating everything in the context of our diocesan church and the pastoral needs for this current time," said the pastor. He believes God gave the parish a sign of hope when the sanctuary candle remained lit beside the tabernacle hours after the tornado tore off the roof and steeple of the church. The rectory also sustained heavy damage and is not livable, but the parish hall, across the street from the church, was not damaged.

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