Rural Imogene Grateful for Support Following Tornado

May 20, 2025

by Anne Marie Cox, with contributions from Deacon Tom Bradley

When 88-year-old Ann Owens was a child, her mom taught her to pour some holy water around her home before a storm arrived. She did that just before an April 17 storm tore through her community, ripping the side off of her home.

She and her son, who huddled in the basement until the storm passed that Thursday afternoon, emerged to find broken glass, insulation strewn about, and a wall that had been torn off by the tornado. Yet, just a few feet away, there was a crucifix still affixed to a wall.

“It means the dear Lord was with us,” she said. “It was amazing.”

The community of Imogene and the Diocese helped and supported those affected by the storm. The local community jumped into action, with parishioners of St. Patrick Parish in Imogene calling on other parishioners to see how they could help.

“On Saturday morning, volunteers gathered at church at 9 a.m. and were sent to the homes of the people impacted by the tornado,” said Maryanne Dailey. “The clean up mostly consisted of picking up debris/tree limbs/ metal from around the homes of those impacted. Several members of the parish prepared meals and brought them out to the families and volunteers who were helping with the cleanup.”

The newly formed Catholic Pastoral Response Team stepped forward to address the spiritual and emotional needs of the community.

Father Jacob Epstein and Deacon Monty Montagne, both of Council Bluffs, were dispatched to Imogene, representing the Church in its mission of compassion and support. Their visit marked the response team’s first opportunity to actively assist a community in need.

Upon surveying the damage, Father Epstein and Deacon Montage provided blessings for the damaged farms and prayed fervently for planting season and future safety.

“Parishioners George and Laurie McGargill lost much of their roof and several windows and out buildings,” Deacon Montagne said. “They were very appreciative of our visits and the concern of the Diocese for them.”

Rita Laughlin, director of Faith Formation for St. Patrick, expressed her gratitude for the pastoral team’s presence.

“We are very grateful for your quick response, and taking time to visit and offering pastoral care to our parishioners who were affected by the tornado,“ said Father Michael Acquah, who is serving St. Patrick in Imogene and St. Mary in Red Oak.

“Acts of faith and compassion are often the greatest tools for healing,” said Deacon Tom Bradley, who helped create the Pastoral Response Team following last spring’s devastating tornadoes in Iowa. “Their presence in Imogene is a testament to the enduring bond between the Church and the communities it serves. This response not only aids in recovery but also strengthens the spiritual foundation on which lives can be rebuilt.”

Deacon Montagne said he was blessed by the resiliency and faith of the community.

“I hope I lifted them up as much as they did me,” he said.

Owens is grateful nobody in the neighborhood was hurt and appreciates that everyone nearby checked on one another to see who needed help.

“Everybody is healthy, that’s the main thing,” she said. “We’re definitely blessed.”