On Friday, July 4, 2025, the Hill Country experienced a tragedy like no one could ever imagine. Flood waters swept over the low-lying lands, claiming the lives of more than 120, including Saint Michael and All Angels member Lila Bonner, age 9. The recent flooding in the Hill Country—especially at Camp Mystic—has deeply impacted our community. Many families from Saint Michael, as well as the broader Highland Park and Dallas areas, attend Mystic and other camps in Hunt, Texas.
On Sunday, July 6 at 4 p.m. Saint Michael, in partnership with Saint Michael Episcopal School, held a special prayer service to lift up all those affected, offer support, and seek God’s peace in the midst of tragedy.
“This service is meant to be that safe, calm space where we come together to be reminded of God’s presence,” said the Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata in his opening remarks. More than 600 people gathered for the service, where clergy read aloud over 250 names submitted by parishioners and community members—honoring those who lost their lives, those still unaccounted for, and the families devastated by the natural disaster.
As a community of faith, Saint Michael and All Angels is committed to walking alongside those who are grieving by offering support and resources during this difficult time. We invite you to join us for any and all of these offerings:
RESOURCES AND CLASSES:
Small Grief Groups
The people of Saint Michael and others in this community continue to uphold all those who have been impacted by the tragic flooding in the west Texas hill country. In response to the heartbreaking loss of life, our parish is inviting all those who are interested to register for in-person grief groups that will begin soon. If you would like to participate, please fill out this form and submit it. Someone will contact you with information about a gathering. Please join Saint Michael and our neighbors in praying for all who are grieving.
Relief Fund
We’ve sent an initial gift of $10,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which is directing funds to trusted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery services in affected areas. This is our first step in supporting flood relief, and we’ll continue to assess needs in the coming weeks. To join us in helping those impacted, please consider giving to our Relief Fund—100% of your gift will go to emergency relief efforts.
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:
CBS NEWS
CBS News reporter Caroline Vandergriff sat with our rector where he shared words of support and hope. “I firmly believe these little girls who lost their lives in the floods, they were swept right up into God’s arms. I believe God’s heart broke first for these children, and God was right there to welcome them in,” Girata said.
“When we speak about God’s plan, God does not plan for children to die. God’s promise, not God’s plan, even when terrible things happen, God walks with us through those horrible moments and can make something good even out of the darkest experiences. That Light of hope. That light of Christ is what we have in that darkness.”
THE BUBBLE LOUNGE PODCAST
Chris Girata shares thoughtful ways we can show support, how to talk to our kids, and how faith and community can carry us through the darkest of times.
ARTICLES:
New York Times: “A Dallas church draws 600 to a service for the Texas flooding victims.”
Dallas Morning News: “Dallas’ Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal hold vigil for those lost in Texas Floods”