- June 27, 2025 Social Justice, Association, Sister Stories, Community
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and associates from the St. Louis province provide relief to those affected by the EF-3 tornado that tore through North St. Louis on May 16, 2025.
By Sister Kathleen Crowley
Spring in St. Louis is no stranger to storms. We expect the rain, the rumble of thunder, the sudden winds. But nothing could have prepared us for the heartbreak and destruction left behind on May 16, when an EF-3 tornado tore through North St. Louis. Entire neighborhoods were changed in a matter of minutes — thousands of homes and buildings damaged or destroyed, and the estimated cost of recovery soaring beyond $1 billion.
Yet, in the midst of this unimaginable devastation, one thing was instantly clear: our dear neighbors needed us.
As Sisters of St. Joseph and associates, our hearts moved quickly to action. Responding with compassion and urgency, we filled boxes with essentials — cleaning supplies, hygiene products, clothing, toilet paper and more. Encouraged by Marie Kenyon and affirmed by our own Associate Corliss Cox, we reached out to St. Peter Claver Parish, one of the communities most impacted by the tornado. In just days, donations poured in. We delivered everything directly to Father Scott at the parish, bypassing larger bureaucratic channels so aid could reach those in need without delay. The province also contributed a direct donation of $5,000 to the parish to further support their efforts.
Fontbonne University, though impacted by the storm themselves, stepped up in solidarity — donating dishes, furniture and even microwaves to families starting over from scratch.
And then there was Sharon House, home to the women of the Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry. The roof was torn apart. Water and power were lost. The damage totaled over $30,000. But the spirit of the women there remained unshaken. Associate Maureen Wessels personally delivered a $5,000 donation from the province — just enough to meet their fundraising goal, repair the roof and restore their space. They never gave up on their home, and we could not give up on them.
Still, nothing compares to bearing witness in person. As I exited I-70 and drove through once-familiar streets, I felt my chest tighten. Neighborhoods I had known for decades —where Holy Rosary Parish once stood proudly, where our sisters lived and served at St. Matthew Parish — were barely recognizable. Buildings were hollowed out. Trees, twisted and broken. The silence was eerie. The loss was profound.
And yet, amidst the rubble, there was a deeper truth rising: community. I saw neighbors — some who had lost everything — offering food, distributing supplies, lending hands. The very heart of our mission was beating there, in the open air, amid broken homes and uplifted spirits.
This tragedy is not a one-day story. It is not over. Recovery will take time, resources and unwavering commitment. Our dear neighbors will need ongoing support — not only donations, but consistent advocacy, presence and love. We must walk with them in the months to come, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Because they are not strangers. They are us. And our call — now more than ever — is to stand with them, side by side, heart to heart — without distinction.