By David Karas | Correspondent

Even a state of emergency and a lack of power couldn’t keep parishioners from the pews of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, on Sunday, after a brutal line of Saturday evening storms left behind long trails of damage in the borough.

“We had Mass, we had a Baptism during Mass, and we had Adoration in the afternoon,” said Gus Vang, parish business manager. “Things went on as normal.”

Led by candlelight, Sunday services were held despite the treacherous conditions on the streets surrounding the parish – which remained closed early in the week – and the hardships faced by some parishioners whose homes were damaged in the storms.

“Attendance was probably down for the weekend,” said Vang. “It was very difficult to maneuver to get here, because so many streets were closed.”

However, Vang said that many parishioners persevered.

“I think people walked,” he said. “People came, and were very appreciative that we were here and saying Mass.”

The parish and school were both spared serious damage in the storm, save for a few fences that were damaged by falling tree limbs and wind, a power outage on the property and a bit of water in the school basement – but that was more the exception than the rule when it came to properties in Freehold Borough.

Many homes were surrouneded with fallen trees, some of them long-standing fixtures of the historic borough.

According to the Associated Press, forecasters say a “supercell” storm was to blame for the damage. The storm reportedly packed wind gusts of more than 60 mph, sweeping through after earlier rains and lightning that knocked out power for many residents.

Borough officials declared a state of emergency and instituted a curfew to protect residents from hidden live wires and other hazards.

“This is devastating,” Vang said. “The house right across from the school has a big tree still laying on top of it.”

Joseph Bianchi, diocesan director of Administrative Services, said St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, located in Freehold Township, was spared of any damage.

Since the storm, Vang said, residents and congregants have banded together, and contractors, utility workers and emergency personnel have been working around-the-clock to repair downed wires, remove trees blocking roadways and mitigate any hazards presented by compromised live wires or other hazards.

“It has really been remarkable the way the town has pulled together,” he said.

Vang said that the church served as a point of refuge and reflection for parishioners reacting to the destruction caused by the storm.

“I just think they were grateful that the church was here,” he said. “They had a place to go and pray after all they have been through.”