4 October 1, 2005 Fire destroys home of auxiliary bishop, but his chalice was saved

ALL THAT remains of the home of New Orleans Auxiliary BISHOP MORIN, the vicar general of the BISHOP MORIN shows his recovered Bishop Roger P. Morin are the ornate wrought iron trim and the stairs leading to Archdiocese of New Orleans, found solace chalice to Father Joseph Palermo a the porch. The residence, across from Notre Dame Seminary, not only incurred in locating the chalice he received from his few days following the hurricane. A the winds of Hurricane Katrina but also was razed by a fire that destroyed three family at his ordination to the priesthood seminary worker located the cup and houses. (Photos by Frank J. Methe) in 1971. paten in the ruins of his residence. Archdiocese announces policy for employment terms, conditions The Archdiocese of New Or- lic Charities, Catholic Schools, terminated and given two weeks report to work, the employee will leans has played a significant role Wynhoven Healthcare, Chateau de severance pay. In addition, the be laid off and given two weeks of throughout the history of our state Notre Dame, School Food Services, opportunity will be given to apply severance pay. and metropolitan area. Second Harvest, PACE, Cemeteries for other jobs and for assistance to d. If an employee does not make In times of struggle and times and the Clarion Herald, must re- find employment outside the arch- contact by Monday, October 3, of blessings, the Church has been port their location and availability diocese. The employee is strongly 2005, the employee will be laid off in solidarity with all our people. to report to work at 1-888-366-5024 encouraged to register with the with no severance pay. During this unprecedented time of or directly to their supervisor on or state Department of Labor (www. e. The archdiocese will initiate an challenge, the archdiocese is both a before Monday, Oct 3. laworks.net) as well as contact effort to help former employees to victim of the storm as well as an in- 2. Policy on Continued or Discon- FEMA officials (1-800-621-FEMA; be re-employed. tegral source of support and aid for tinued Employment: www.fema.gov) for other unemploy- f. An employee who is terminated the recovery of our communities. a. If a job is available, the em- ment benefits. Finally, employees because a job position is unavailable ployee will be notified when and will be allowed to continue their OR because the person is unable to where to report to work. Wages medical benefits coverage, at their report to work may be contacted if Archdiocesan employees urged resume on the first day of work. expense, for up to 12 months. and when positions become avail- to contact supervisor or 1-888- b. If a job is not available, un- c. If a job is available, but the able in the future. Look for further 366-5024 by Oct. 3. fortunately the employee will be employee cannot or chooses not to information on the Web site. Enormous personal and financial challenges face our archdiocese as well as the families and communi- THE GRIM testimony of the effects of a Category ties ravaged by this storm. This 4 hurricane are evident in these aerial photo- severe economic burden necessi- graphs of the Central Business District and the tates our making difficult decisions Mid-City area taken by Clarion Herald photogra- concerning our employees. These pher Frank J. Methe. Hurricane Katrina shaved off decisions are all the more painful two-thirds of the Superdome roof and given the great sacrifice and gener- blew out hundreds of windows of the adjacent osity of all our employees in service Hyatt Regency New Orleans and New Orleans to the local Church. Centre. Also receiving damage was the New Unfortunately, the archdiocese Orleans Arena next to the Dome, but it was not as must decide how its diminished and severely damaged as the larger stadium and ho- limited resources can best serve the greater good. This means that we tel. Below, left, City Hall suffered major damage to must, however regrettably, discon- windows and offices and Duncan Plaza lost a few tinue the employment of many of trees and structures. Below, flood waters covered our faithful workers. the Mid-City area. At center is the newly con- We pledge to keep as many as structed Earhart Boulevard bridge. In the upper possible. We hope to rehire many in left area are the green roofs of Xavier University’s the future. We also want to assist lower campus and the Jefferson Davis overpass. all of our employees during this dif- ficult time to find employment that will use their gifts and skills which have so well served our archdiocese. The policy we have developed is one that tries to balance respon- sible economic stewardship with respect and compassion for our valued employees. We hope for the day when we can invite all of our employees back to that vital work which unites us all. 1. All employees of archdiocesan parishes, schools and offices, in- cluding Christopher Homes, Catho-