Kenosha parishioners return safe from Israel after Hamas attacks

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A group of church parishioners from Kenosha were stuck in Israel when Hamas launched a series of attacks. 

They are now home safe. 

33 people from two Kenosha catholic parishes, including their pastures, were in the area on a pilgrimage to the Holyland. 

The group was in Bethlehem visiting holy sites when the Hamas militant group launched their surprise attacks. Officials say they eventually managed to cross the border into Jordan, where they successfully boarded a trip back to Chicago. They landed at O'Hare on Friday, Oct. 13, after a 13-and-a-half-hour flight. 

"There was a point when we finally made it to Jordan that I can say is that we felt safe," said Pastor Roman Strike of St. Mary Catholic Church. "We could feel the wind of the prayers of the archdiocese." 

In light of the violence, the church is planning to hold a mass and a holy hour for peace on Monday, Oct. 16, starting at 5:15 p.m. and ending around 7:00 p.m.