‘You are not alone’: Kentucky priest offers to cover funeral costs for parents who lost children to Texas floods

A Kentucky priest who grew up in Texas has offered to fully cover the funeral costs for any parent who lost a child to the devastating flash floods from the Guadalupe River last week, saying in his offer to the grieving families: “You are not alone.” 

The death toll from the July 4 flooding has climbed to 120, according to a report updated July 10 from AccuWeather. At least 27 victims were young campers and counselors from the Christian girls’ summer camp, Camp Mystic. 

Father Jim Sichko, who is based in the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, posted his offer July 6 to the families now grappling with unimaginable loss and the burden ahead of funeral planning. 

“To any parent who lost a child in the TX flooding: As a Papal [Missionary of Mercy], I will cover the full cost of your child’s funeral, should you so need,” he said. “I work directly with families or funeral homes. You are not alone. We stand with you.” 

Fr. Sichko grew up in Orange, Texas, according to news outlet KFDM. He has previously financially supported people affected by severe flooding in Kentucky, according to news outlet WDRB, and in January 2024 paid $10,000 in utility bills for Kentucky residents. He is also known for helping cover people’s hospital bills, according to WDRB. According to his website, Fr. Sichko is an internationally recognized motivational speaker who gives a presentation titled “60 minutes for Jesus.”

In 2015, the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis made him one of 100 Papal Missionaries of Mercy in the US. There are approximately 1,000 such missionaries in the world, according to Fr. Sichko’s website. 

His offer of financial support comes amid numerous people’s efforts to help the families who lost loved ones in the floods. Catholic Charities USA is directing donations to its local agencies to support relief efforts, and several Texas dioceses have been praying for related intentions as well. On July 6, Pope Leo XIV also expressed “sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were at summer camp.”

>> Sisters found clinging to each other and their rosaries after perishing in Texas flood <<

In a July 7 statement, CatholicVote President Kelsey Reinhardt reiterated the call for people across the nation to pray. 

“In moments like these, we are reminded of the fragility of life — and of the strength that flows from our common Christian faith, love, and solidarity,” Reinhardt said. “We extend our deepest condolences to all who are grieving, and we lift up in prayer the victims, their families, first responders, and all those affected by this disaster.

“As Catholics, we are united with all of our brothers and sisters in the shared sorrow and the shared hope that Our Lord Jesus Christ is bringing us together to pray without ceasing, to serve those in need, and to bear one another’s burdens with compassion and grace.”

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