Our prayers are with those who have lost loved ones, homes and businesses due to the massive earthquake and subsequent storms that have devastated so many of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. You can contribute to the relief efforts for the victims of the Haiti earthquake today by donating to the Catholic Foundation to support the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Bishop’s Emergency Disaster Fund.
At the request of the USCCB, Bishop Ricken is asking all parishes in our Diocese to have a voluntary special collection to support the USCCB Bishop’s Emergency Disaster Fund. The USCCB established the Bishop’s Emergency Disaster Fund for disaster relief efforts and relief efforts for disasters that may happen in the near future. The funds received from this special collection will be used for humanitarian needs, long-term recovery and Church needs arising from these calamities. Monies can be used to support both Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). These organizations are the official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church and will respond to immediate emergency needs. Monies will also support the affected Diocese directly for pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church.
“I am grateful to all who can support the relief effort for our brothers and sisters in Haiti,” expressed Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.