Queenslanders are rallying after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought flooding rains and damaging winds to parts of the state across the weekend. Source: Catholic Leader.
The Gold Coast was among the worst-affected areas in Queensland, where floodwaters have devastated communities and caused widespread power outages.
In Burleigh Heads, Mary Mother of Mercy Church was one of the few buildings that had not lost power.
Parish priest Fr Morgan Batt said they opened up the doors of the office and hall for people to store food, access hot water and recharge phones.
“Everyone is doing okay,” he said.
“Priests have spent days ringing and texting parishioners just to give a friendly word.
“Our Facebook page is well-utilised.
“The local shopkeepers also asked if they could use our church at Mudgeeraba as a market garden to help distribute food before it spoilt.”
He said turning churches “into respite centres is one way to help” and their live-streamed Masses had seen thousands of people tune in.
“I think we are really in the community helping – as today’s Gospel calls us to do,” he said.
“Let’s see what the week holds.”
He said flooding and clean-up remained the main concerns ahead.
In Ipswich, the Bureau of Meteorology last night warned that the Bremer River would break its banks in the coming hours. However, the ABC reported this morning that the river may have peaked just below the major flood level.
The parish and schools remain closed in the area.
Gatton-Laidley parish manager Christine Pingel said there had been significant rains where they were, but her prayers went out to those badly hit on the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales.
“We count our blessings as we have experienced both the devastation of severe flooding, and the kindness of strangers in these difficult times,” Ms Pingel said.
She said locally, there were some risks of water entry at St Patrick’s Church, Laidley, and the adjacent St Mary’s Primary School was likely to be impacted.
Ms Pingel said she was glad there had been many days of warning of the rains for people to move things to higher ground.
Living Waters parish priest Fr John Conway said the weather up north was minor compared to what was felt in the south.
“I want to wish all of those families and businesses all the best as Alfred slowly passes us by and people begin to rebuild their lives,” he said.
“May they find to strength to begin again.”
Brisbane Archdiocese continues to survey the extent of the damage across schools, parishes, and other agencies.
Many churches have begun to open their doors with Masses back on. Parishioners are urged to check in with their local parishes for updates.
Church leadership confirmed that St Stephen’s Cathedral precinct would re-open today.
FULL STORY
Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred batters Queensland, brings out best in Church communities (By Joe Higgins, Catholic Leader)
Ex-Cyclone Alfred live: Flooding on the Bremer River at Ipswich (ABC News)
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