The Diocese of St. Augustine will not be taking up a collection in parishes at this time. Instead, the diocese encourages the faithful to donate directly to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to help families in Haiti and Jamaica recover from Hurricane Melissa by going to www.crs.org/donate/hurricane-melissa to donate.
The rare Category 5 hurricane—the strongest ever to strike Jamaica—brought catastrophic winds, flooding and landslides, leaving thousands without shelter, clean water or essential supplies.
With winds of 175–185 mph, it struck Jamaica Oct. 28 before moving through Cuba and toward the Bahamas and Bermuda, leaving dozens dead and destruction in its wake.
CRS teams are on the ground providing lifesaving aid, including emergency shelter, food, clean water and hygiene kits. Every donation can make a difference.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for victims and urged officials to assist those impacted.
