The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has organized a special collection for Haiti following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Aug. 14 and subsequent landfall of Tropical Storm Grace that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
As is tradition in the Catholic Church in such times, the USCCB has also asked for prayers for the afflicted and for generous donations to the USCCB’s Emergency Disaster Fund. Archbishop José H. Gomez, USCCB president, stated in a letter dated Aug. 18 that funds will be used in response to these natural disasters in Haiti and “any other disasters that occur and distributed where they are most needed.”
Bishop Barry C. Knestout encouraged each parish in the Diocese of Richmond to make a special appeal for contributions to this fund during the weekend of Aug. 28-29 and to include prayers for our Haitian brothers and sisters at all Masses.
Parishes may consider making a gift from parish funds designated for charitable works or assistance for those in need.