Praying for Napa Families in Quake’s Wake

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:45 pm by Lisa M. Hendey

Praying for Napa Families in Quake’s Wake 2015-03-12T16:45:39-07:00 Lisa M. Hendey

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

If you don’t know much about California or the agriculture industry, you might have laughed off the early morning Napa earthquake on Sunday with thoughts of your favorite wine and how the price might rise. Because when we hear “Napa”, we think “wine”, right?

In reality, this earthquake is likely to have devastating economic impacts for Napa area families for quite a long time. We Californians know that the region has already been dealt a challenging blow by our drought conditions. But even we might be surprised to learn that Napa County has one of the highest poverty rates in the state of California. I know that I certainly was! When the wine industry suffers, the workers and their families suffer too. Reports are already coming out about the hardship of such an event with harvest season soon approaching.

As for the Catholic “take” on the earthquake, Queen of the Valley hospital reported treating over 200 patients. Catholic high school Justin Sierra canceled classes and back to school night and is soliciting volunteers for clean up duties. St. John the Baptist, a Catholic elementary school, also canceled classes but mentioned the good news that a recent earthquake retrofitting was helpful to minimizing their damage. On their Facebook page, Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Santa Rosa requested volunteers for cleanup and shared that program participants were safe but help was needed.

A situation like an earthquake is a good reminder for us in California to prepare ourselves for emergencies. It’s also a reminder that our friends and neighbors may need help, support and prayers. I find myself today double checking my supply of batteries and bottled water, but also remembering that Napa is not simply made up of fancy wineries that function without a human component.

Our help is needed all year long, not just when things are “all shook up”.

To make a donation to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, click here.

Update: Fellow Patheos Catholic Blogger Jen Fitz shares that Kolbe Academy was impacted by the earthquake and is seeking support.

Good Measures

Earthquake

Napa

Previous Post

August 22, 2014

Sweet Tweets for 8/22/14 - Children of God

Next Post

August 25, 2014 Accept Iraq's Bishop Saad Sirop Hanna's Challenge to Pray Today

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category @Pontifex Books Catholic Geek Stuff Catholic Moments Family Life Good Measures Liturgical Calendar New Evangelization News Reviews Rwanda Saints Speaking Tanzania Journal Top Catholic Tweets Travel Uncategorized Vocations Yes

Select a Month August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which book contains the "Song of Deborah"?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Judges 1 Samuel Exodus Ruth