For the second time in less than a month, Missouri is the scene of devastation as a tornado rips through the town of Joplin – with the death toll having risen throughout the day.

Among the casualties of the storm was St. John’s Regional Medical Center, which is part of the Sisters of Mercy Health System. According to CNN, it was one of the only buildings left standing in the area, but its windows were blown out, gurneys were found as far away as five blocks and x-rays from the hospital were discovered as far away as 70 miles.

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, meanwhile, lost a parish and school. The cross at St. Mary’s in Joplin was one of the only things left standing and the pastor there managed to survive the twister. You can hear more about that and what’s happening in Joplin on tonight’s program, when we speak with the Communications Director from the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese, Recy Moore. Recy also let us know how people who want to help can do so:

Those wishing to send financial aid to the victims of Sunday evening’s devastation in Joplin may send them to the Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri Office: CCSM 601 S. Jefferson Ave. / Springfield, MO 65806. Please note on the donation “Joplin.”

As we work through this tragedy we will discover more ways we can best serve the needs of Joplin.

CCSM continues to assist those in the Poplar Bluff area with deposit and housing needs from the flooding in that area. Please keep all of these people in your continued prayers.

Be sure to watch Currents tonight for much more.

— Christopher Iasiello Currents Writer/Producer