The Diocese of St. Augustine will join dioceses across the country in taking up a voluntary special collection for the humanitarian, long-term recovery, and church needs arising from the increasing number of natural disasters in the United States.
“The traditional storm season has only just begun, and already we have witnessed the devastating impact of Hurricane Laura and the California wildfires. Thousands of homes, businesses, and churches have been severely damaged or destroyed, and the impacts will be long-lasting,” said USCCB President, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, in a letter to bishops on Sept. 3.
The funds collected in this special appeal will become part of the U.S. Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund. They will be used to support the efforts of Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services, the official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church, as they and their local agencies respond to immediate emergency needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter, and medical care, and aid in long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts; and the USCCB for pastoral and reconstruction needs of the church.
Funds will be used in response to Hurricane Laura and any other disasters that occur and will be distributed where they are most needed.
After Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, the Diocese of St. Augustine received nearly $1 million in recovery assistance from the U.S. Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund. They were there when we needed it!
Bishop Estévez acknowledges the severity of the impact COVID-19 on parish and diocesan activities and its challenging impact on fundraising, but also expressed hope in the generosity of the faithful and their care for those in need.
To donate today, visit www.dosafl.com/give and click on the U.S. Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund, or you may give to Hurricane Laura and the California Wildfires through your parish.
Click here to learn more about the destruction caused by Hurricane Laura, and click here to see how families are being displaced by the California wildfires.
PHOTO: Two priests help unload trucks of supplies delivered Aug. 31, 2020, to St. Pius X Parish in Ragley, La., to help people in need in the wake of Hurricane Laura. (CNS photo/Sean Harrison, courtesy Archdiocese of New Orleans)