Churches offers support as Hurricane Irene lashes New York

Manhattan

Ferocious gales and torrential rain from Hurricane Irene are lashing New York this morning. Parishes, schools and hospitals are offering support and refuge to those affected, while the Archbishop of New York, Most Rev Timothy Dolan has urged people to be careful.

In a statement released on Friday, Archbishop Dolan said: "With all of our friends and neighbors here in the community we love, we in the Catholic family are united in prayer for protection from the impending storm, and eager to offer refuge and help to those who may be endangered or harmed.

"Catholics take Sunday Mass very seriously, but the Church never asks us to risk our health or safety to get to church on the Lord's Day. Please be careful! Do not take any chance with your safety and health if things get dangerous.

"Our extensive network of parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, health care institutions, and residential facilities are cooperating fully with our public safety officials, and stand ready to assist in all efforts of outreach and help."

Volunteers from the Archdiocese are helping in the City's emergency shelters, which are located at:

P.S. 249 - BROOKLYN 18 MARLBOROUGH ROAD BROOKLYN 11226

I.S. 246 - BROOKLYN 72 VERONICA PLACE BROOKLYN 11226

JOHN JAY HS - K 237 7TH AVENUE BROOKLYN 11215

I.S. 187 - BROOKLYN 1171 65 STREET BROOKLYN 11219

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT HS - K 5800 20 AVENUE BROOKLYN 11204

CLARA BARTON HS - K 901 CLASSON AVENUE BROOKLYN 11225

NYC TECHNICAL COLLEGE 300 JAY ST BROOKLYN 11201

FRANKLIN K. LANE HS - K 999 JAMAICA AVENUE BROOKLYN 11208

P.S. 171 - MANHATTAN 19 EAST 103 STREET NEW YORK 10029

BARUCH COLLEGE 155 E 24TH ST NEW YORK 10010

SEWARD PARK HS - MANHATTAN 350 GRAND STREET NEW YORK 10002

PARK WEST HS (ECF) - MANHATTAN 525 WEST 50 STREET NEW YORK 10019

YORK COLLEGE 94-20 GUY R BREWER BLVD QUEENS 11433

JOHN ADAMS HS - Q 101-01 ROCKAWAY BLVD OZONE PARK 11417

HILLCREST HS - Q 160-05 HIGHLAND AVENUE JAMAICA 11432