Recently, Hurricane Ida made landfall in the United States Gulf Coast resulting in the tragic loss of life and widespread damage to people’s homes and businesses. For all who have been affected by this disaster, we pray for healing and a better tomorrow. Please know you can contribute to the relief efforts for people impacted by Hurricane Ida 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 in response to Hurricane Ida and the impact of subsequent flooding and any other disasters that occur this year.
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; they will respond to immediate emergency needs and help with long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts. Monies will also be directed to the affected diocese for pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church.
“We know the generosity of our people and their deep care for those in need,” shared Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.