A massive “once in a generation” winter storm hit much of the United States in the days before Christmas, leaving dozens dead, disrupting religious services, and damaging property.
In Buffalo, New York, which received four feet of snow fell and temperatures dropped more than 40 degrees in a matter of hours, the Catholic diocese cancelled in-person Masses for Christmas.
“Do not attempt to attend Masses in person,” Bishop Michael Fisher told his flock.
“Please respect the travel bans in our communities. Although it is Christmas, in these dangerous conditions, no one should put themselves or others at risk.”
In Erie County, 39 people died, centred on Buffalo, from storm-related incidents.
An additional 25 people died from the storm in 11 other states.
Our Lady of Lourdes church in Hampton, Connecticut cancelled Christmas Mass after a loss of power caused the furnace to shut off. Pipes froze and then burst, flooding the 145 year-old sanctuary.
In Chicago, parishioners at Holy Name Cathedral braved below-zero temperatures to attend Midnight Mass, the first in-person celebration of that liturgy in three years due to Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021.
In South Dakota, where temperatures reached 40 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit), St Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain struggled to get students reunited with family before the storm hit.
The residential school is home to 180 students, some of whom lived more than an hour from the school buildings. Pipes froze at the school, flooding the basement which held classrooms and assembly areas.
In El Paso, Texas, migrants were taken into church buildings to keep them warm as shelters were overwhelmed with new arrivals.
“They’ve supported us and given us food, and people have dropped off food, clothes and toys for the children,” said David Carrero, a Venezuelan refugee who stayed at Sacred Heart church with his wife and baby boy.
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