Special Collection for Haiti

Dear Friends:
On Saturday, August 14th, an earthquake struck Haiti causing enormous damage and resulting in a significant loss of life.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) announced that it “is sending teams to provide clean water, sanitation, shelter and emergency supplies in response to a major earthquake that struck southern Haiti early Saturday morning. While the severity of the damage is still being determined, with communications down in parts of the country, hundreds of deaths have already been reported as well as extensive damage to buildings and homes.”

Recognizing the suffering of the Haitian people and their growing need for assistance, Cardinal Seán has asked that a special collection for Catholic Relief Services and the Church in Haiti be taken in all parishes NEXT WEEKEND, AUGUST 28-29, in the Archdiocese of Boston.

The parishes of the Archdiocese of Boston have consistently stepped forward during times of natural disasters to assist our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. Following the 2010 earthquake0 in Haiti, where CRS reports “more than 300,000 people were killed and another 1.3 million left without homes”, the parishioners of the Archdiocese generously raised more than $2 million for relief efforts.

Please address your checks to the parish, with “Haiti Earthquake Relief” in the memo.

On behalf of the Cardinal, thank you for your attentiveness to this important collection and expression of our solidarity with those who are suffering.

Very Rev. William P. Joy
Assistant Vicar for Administration
Special Assistant to the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia

Below is a statement from CRS…

As I write, the death toll is rising from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti on Saturday. Thousands are injured and many more have lost their homes and loved ones—while an unknown number are still missing.
Families in Haiti face tragedy from this devastating earthquake—while still recovering from the last one. Once again, I’m reaching out to you to ask for your generous support.

Catholic Relief Services are on the ground, in the places most heavily hit in Les Cayes and Jeremie, working with partners and affected communities to identify the most urgent needs. Meanwhile, tropical depression Grace is threatening further devastation, food is in short supply as stores and stocks have been destroyed, and a landslide has blocked access. Timing is critical.

Your gift will help provide essential relief, likely to include clean water, sanitation, shelter and emergency supplies, giving immediate aid to families affected.

HELP FAMILIES NOW!

“It is quite possible that Haiti is going to need more help than ever before,” says Akim Kikonda, CRS’ country representative in Haiti.

“Prior to the earthquake, people here were already struggling to make ends meet. After Saturday’s earthquake, it is only going to get worse.”

Saturday’s earthquake comes on the heels of back-to-back crises, including an ongoing battle with COVID-19, political and economic instability, increasing hunger and violent crime.

As always, thank you for your generosity in support of our family around the world.