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CV NEWS FEED // In the wake of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, Catholic schools have stepped up to support students and families affected by the destruction, according to a Feb. 13 report from Angelus News.
The Department of Catholic Schools (DCS) reported that the fires have displaced 915 students across 76 schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
As families grapple with uncertainty, Catholic schools have opened their doors to welcome displaced students. Students have temporarily relocated to schools such as American Martyrs in Manhattan Beach, St. Martin of Tours in Brentwood, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pasadena.
“The principals were great,” DCS Superintendent Anna-Marie Silva told Angelus News. “They’re welcoming the families. They’re including the kids and things, but also being very sensitive that they’re still mourning.”
The principals of the fire-damaged St. Elizabeth School in Altadena and Corpus Christi School in Pacific Palisades have been working tirelessly to support their students who have had to relocate to new schools.
Phyllis Cremer, principal of St. Elizabeth School, is facing the dual challenge of leading a school while being personally displaced due to fire damage to her home.
“It sounds corny, but I was made for this,” Cremer told Angelus News. “I want to take care of people … I am fighting for my family and fighting for all families, and fighting for my faith.”
Cremer, along with Paola Sessarego, principal of Corpus Christi, acknowledged that their roles have become significantly more challenging following the fires. They are managing various tasks, such as transferring mail and keeping families informed, while also dealing with the emotional toll of the situation.
They recounted to Angelus News how they had comforted each other, expressing the pain they feel for their schools and communities.
“We didn’t say anything, but we hugged each other and cried,” Cremer said. “To have someone, without saying words, to understand where you’re at. Just to know that I have someone on this earth hurting just as much as I am.”
Families like the Graffs, who attended Corpus Christi School, have faced significant upheaval. Courtney Graff shared the difficulties of providing her children with clear answers about their future amid the chaos.
“We said the house is gone, the church is gone,” Graff recounted. “Part of the school appears to be there, but the school is not open right now. We don’t know when it will be.”
As communities unite, support from Catholic schools has been crucial.
“Our role is always accompaniment,” Silva said. “That’s how we define what we do. We accompany wherever we’re at.”
