Emergency Collection for 2018 Disasters, including Hurricane Florence

Dear Friends in Christ,

We have received inquiries about the recent disasters caused by Hurricane Florence. Mindful of our Lord’s command to assist those who are hurting, the Church in the United States is taking up a special collection to alleviate the suffering created by Hurricane Florence and other catastrophes that may occur this year.

I ask that you take up a second collection this weekend, September 29-30; please excuse the short notice and know of my gratitude for your loving service to our brothers and sisters.

Sincerely in Christ,

+ Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr.

Yesterday, the President of the USCCB, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, sent a letter to all bishops asking them to consider taking up a special collection in response to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Florence. This emergency collection is intended to support both the humanitarian and Church needs arising from the hurricane.

In anticipation of more calamities awaiting us this year, this collection will also be used to provide relief  from possible future disasters. Cardinal DiNardo requested that this special emergency collection take place on the weekend of September 29-30 or October 6-7 and that funds be remitted to the USCCB.

Initially, funds will be used to support the efforts of Catholic Charities USA as they reach out to provide humanitarian aid in the form of water, food, shelter, and medical care, as well as to their long-term efforts to restore communities after widespread destruction. Also, funds will go to support the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ efforts to assist with pastoral and reconstruction aid to the Church. Humanitarian funds for any future disasters impacting communities outside the US will be used by Catholic Relief Services for their response efforts.

To view Cardinal DiNardo’s Letter to the Bishops, click here. For more on the USCCB’s Office of National Collections, click here.