March 4, 2011
Families in Celestine lose homes to tornado
A shattered tree holds debris as workers stand where a roof was torn away by the Feb. 28 tornado that struck Celestine. Click for a larger version.
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Seven homes are unlivable in Celestine, the result of a tornado early Feb. 28 that caused damages to other homes, garages and outbuildings in and around the Dubois County community.
No deaths or injuries were reported.
By Tuesday afternoon, Father Attila Fröhlich and his parish staff had set up a “Celestine Compassion Fund” at German American Bank, so contributions could be made for those affected.
Father Fröhlich, pastor of St. Peter Celestine Church in Celestine and St. Raphael Church in Dubois, said the tornado struck so quickly that many of the victims did not know yet what they needed.
St. Peter Celestine was providing $300 to each of the seven families hit hardest by the wea-ther, “no questions asked.”
Catholic Charities and the Red Cross have been in contact with Father Fröhlich and the parish business manager, Glenda Prechtel. The St. Vincent de Paul Society, area food banks and pantries and other resources are expected to help out. As of press time for the Message, FEMA had been contacted, but no response had been received. Heavy equipment is needed to do some of the cleanup, the pastor said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, plans were being made to ask volunteers to help clean up around homes damaged or destroyed. The parish center in Celestine was expected to be set up to provide food and restroom facilities for workers and volunteers.
Damage to a carport area at the parish facilities was among the lesser problems caused by the tornado.
All seven families have found places to stay for now, said Father Fröhlich.
Contributions may be made to the Celestine Compassion Fund at German American bank offices.
How to help
St. Peter Celestine Church has set up the “Celestine Compassion Fund” for those impacted by the recent tornado in Celestine, at the Highland Estates and Ellsworth Road. This fund will aid the families and the clean-up efforts that will be carried out in the next days and weeks.
Donations can be made at any German American Bank branch location or can be mailed to St. Celestine Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1, Celestine, IN 47521.
Help will be needed for clean-up efforts and serving meals at the church. Please check the following websites for further details:
Celestine Fire Department website: www.celestinefire.org
St. Celestine Church website: www.stcelestinechurch.com (under Upcoming Events)