Parishes, schools near Eaton Fire area plan ‘long haul’ recovery effort
If Father Michael Ume learned anything from leading his flock during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the need to stay active — and united — during times of turmoil.
With that in mind, the pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Pasadena has kept the lights on, the doors open, and the coffee and donuts flowing in the last few weeks, even as nearby wildfires claimed the homes of at least 17 parishioners and one employee.
“In a time of crisis people are trying to reach out, people are trying to figure out where to go, what to do, who to talk to,” Ume said. “And this provided that opportunity for them. Maybe they lost their home, or maybe they were evacuated, or maybe they just wanted to talk about the whole experience, and that is what we did.”