October 7, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We have been closely monitoring the development of Hurricane Milton, and we are now preparing for what will likely be dangerous and life-threatening conditions across a large portion of our diocese. In the interest of safety and as a matter of pastoral care for our whole diocesan community, our Annual Diocesan Convention will be postponed to a date yet to be determined. In this moment of profound anxiety and concern, I am praying for God’s wisdom and strength, and I am grateful for the love and hope that bind us together as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Over the past two years, our diocese has experienced significant impacts from several named tropical systems. As we face the prospect of yet another storm, I am keenly aware of the physical and emotional toll of these traumatic events. As I write this letter, individuals, families, communities, and congregations are still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby. For those in the southern portion of our diocese, the emotional wounds of Hurricane Ian are not yet fully healed. Many are experiencing the cumulative effects of this succession of life-altering experiences.
I would encourage all of us to take stock of our emotional, physical, and mental health. Take a moment to reflect on what brings you peace and balance, especially during times of anxiety and loss. Stay connected with family, friends, neighbors, and church members; and, in the event of a mental health emergency, please seek help or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990. Additional resources can be found here on the Diocesan Disaster Preparedness webpage.
In the coming days, we will know more about the track and intensity of this storm. You are urged to heed all mandatory evacuation orders and to finalize your plans to ensure your physical safety during the storm. We will be providing updates as we are able. Above all, please know that I am praying for our diocese and for all those who are preparing for this storm. Join me in praying for God’s protection and peace, for hope and strength, for mercy and healing in the Name of Jesus.
Let us pray:
Lord of heaven and earth, of sea and sky, look upon our sisters and brothers in the paths of storms, beset by rising waters and violent winds. In such times, we turn to you. You are our shelter, you are our strength. You are our comfort and protection. Make us these things for our brothers and sisters. Make us shelter, make us strength. Make us comfort and protection. We are your children, your image and likeness. Make us more like you, O God of all goodness. And so, let waters recede, to be replaced by a rising tide of compassion. Let winds dissipate to be replaced by the roar of justice, that all might know your mercy and find safety and hope in the midst of storms. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Faithfully in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf
Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida