EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) — Sunday, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in East Palestine will celebrate Mass with Bishop David Bonnar. The Youngstown Bishop is looking forward to being with the Parish.

Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes started around 8:30 a.m. The church resides within what once was the evacuation zone in the village.

In a statement, Bonnar shared kind words toward parishioners.

“They have truly radiated the light of Jesus in a time of darkness. I also want to pledge the continued support of the diocese and Catholic Charities in these efforts,” Bonnar said. “This has been a reminder to me of the power of community and prayer, and I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Mass with the community this weekend.”

The Bishop says he has continued to keep East Palestine in his prayers.

“I just want them to know that they are loved and so many people throughout the nation are praying for them,” he said. “Please know that you are not alone.”

The Bishop shared his gratitude towards both Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Jude Parishes for their work done in the aftermath of the train derailment.

The Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown continues collecting monetary donations, along with other necessities. They can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until noon at Our Lady of Lourdes.

The charity’s executive director, Nancy Voytus, says the support has been wonderful.

“Whenever there’s any kind of disaster, we get so much support. This one has really struck home because it’s so — it’s almost intangible,” Voytus said. “The damage is so hard to see.”

Catholic Charities announced it would be providing a case worker for the community for at least the next month. Every Thursday, the case worker will be there to listen, and hear concerns people may have.

“We just want to be responsive to what the community feels they need,” Voytus said.

Bishop Bonnar told First News that he’s been inspired by the people impacted, along with those stepping up to help.

“People do more for us than we can ever do for them. I have found this invigorating, inspiring, enlivening and I can’t wait to come back and visit with the people.”