To My Dear Friends in Christ:

It has been over 21 months since Hurricane Katrina devastated our nation's Gulf region. Much has been accomplished, yet years of rebuilding are needed to return families into their homes. We are proud of the 200+ parishioners from 40 parishes within our archdiocese who have shown interest in assisting those in need. Some have been to the Gulf two or three times and others are considering a trip.

On Thursday, August 29th, the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Archbishop Dolan will be offering a Mass to celebrate these valiant efforts of so many volunteers; it will be held at St. Dominic Parish in Brookfield at 7 p.m.

It is fitting to take a few moments to list and reflect on some of the accomplishments we collectively have undertaken:

• Due to a growing interest among parishioners and parishes desiring to assist our sisters and brothers in the Gulf, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee organized a team to help prepare, guide, and direct efforts locally and in the gulf.

  In January, 2005, Archbishop Dolan appointed me, Fr. Paul Esser, retired priest active with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to lead this endeavor, which we named "Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope."

• Catholic Charities has played an active role in providing staff members Ron Spitz and Bill Leon to help coordinate and Sharon Brumer to help communicate these efforts.

  The Archdiocese has contracted with coordinators Cindy and Harold Lederer under stipend to receive and guide volunteers as they carry out rebuilding efforts in the Gulf.

• Despite the lack of response by government agencies, insurance companies and others, the people of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee joined other faith communities (i.e. Salvation Army, Baptists, Mennonites) and non-profits in providing real help, rebuilding lives, restoring hope.

• Parishioners of our Archdiocese responded generously to two separate collections for financial contributions, all of which are dedicated to rebuilding efforts of those most in need in the Gulf.

• Significant monetary grants and contributions from outside the Archdiocese of Milwaukee have been received to assist in the RLRH efforts in the Greater Bay St. Louis area, in Mississippi.

• Parishioners in the archdiocese were better prepared, supported, and for most, thought it was a very worthwhile and meaningful experience. Sharing personal experiences has helped to generate interest among other parishioners to volunteer. There is also a willingness among some returnees to serve as "ambassadors" to help guide future efforts.

• Even though there are thousands of families remaining in FEMA trailers, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has persevered to help address a staggering number of families still without homes.

These are just some of the accomplishments many have been a part of implementing. Thank you!!! For your prayers, financial support, time and efforts as volunteers in the Gulf, we thank you and praise God! Those parishes who have taken special collections, played lead roles in responding to this ministry, we are grateful. Our most recent example of answering the call is from St. Dominic, Brookfield, who dedicated their Lenten Outreach this year to contribute over $39,000 to help families in the Gulf.

Who are we assisting and what lies ahead? Initial efforts focused on Our Lady of the Gulf Parish Community in Bay St. Louis and expanded to three neighboring parishes, St. Rose de Lima, St. Clare and St. Ann. Since residents in the St. Ann's community have the lowest income and include a large number of elderly, we have directed more efforts to assist this parish community. The region in general remains fluid, with resources coming and going, challenged to regain its' stability.

Beginning June 15, we temporarily "stepped back" while the current coordinators, Cindy and Harold Lederer, return to Wisconsin for the summer to address their housing needs and other personal issues. During this time we have suggestions who to contact, if interested, in assisting in the Gulf, posted on the www.olgv.org website. The next phase, beginning in fall is evolving. We are not shutting down the ministry! We are:

• Discerning lessons learned;
• Looking for ways to enter the next phase with greater involvement from parish leadership within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, especially those who have traveled to the Gulf;
• Planning to organize an "Ambassadors" group consisting of people willing to share their experience from the past to help future groups prepare for their trip;
• Attempting to strengthen the local infrastructure in the Greater Bay St. Louis Community to take on more responsibility in the future;
• Encouraging parishes to organize a group of skilled and general laborers to volunteer a week in the Gulf;
• Requesting continued prayer for the Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope endeavor to bless our sisters and brothers in the Gulf and those who volunteer to assist them.

If you are interested in serving as an "Ambassador", or organizing a group of volunteers for a trip in fall, please communicate this to me via e-mail. Additional information will be forthcoming regarding the August 29th Mass.

Thank you for your support and prayers. God Bless You!

Fr. Paul Esser
Archdiocesan Coordinator of Katrina Relief