October 4, 2024
Bishop Barry C. Knestout is encouraging support for our diocesan community in Southwest Virginia, the Diocese of Charlotte, and the Diocese of Knoxville in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Each parish in the Diocese of Richmond is asked to take a special collection during the weekend of October 12-13.
This special collection will go to these neighboring dioceses and a portion of the collection will be retained to assist storm victims in Southwest Virginia.
Bishop Knestout released a statement to show support, and ask for prayers, for everyone impacted by Hurricane Helene:
Many of you have watched, as I have, the heartbreaking images of the effects of Hurricane Helene as it made landfall in Florida and tore a wide path of destruction across the Southeast U.S., including in our neighboring dioceses of Charlotte and Knoxville, and our own diocesan areas in Southwest Virginia. These images tell a potent story of the devastating and mighty power of nature.
As officials continue to assess the true extent of the losses, I encourage you to pray for those who lost their lives, as well as their families who are grieving. I commend them to the healing power of Our Lord. For those whose lives have otherwise been upended by the storm, please pray for their comfort and peace.
In times of tragedy and hardship, I firmly believe that the Church and its faithful lead by example, and those in need rely on our generosity of spirit, of contribution, and of prayer. I encourage our Catholic community to reflect on how each of us can extend a hand to our brothers and sisters.
As the long, difficult process of healing and recovery begins, please be assured of my prayers for everyone suffering the effects of the storm.