DIOCESE—Catholics in the Rockford Diocese are being asked once more to reach into their pockets to help neighbors in need.
After special collections for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, and Hurricane Irma in Florida, another collection is scheduled for all parishes Oct. 7 and 8.
“I am deeply grateful for the generosity that you have shown and that is so typical of the Diocese of Rockford,” writes Bishop David Malloy in a letter to everyone in the diocese.
“Now, in the wake of those catastrophic storms, Hurricane Maria has followed a similar path through the Caribbean,” he continues. “News reports tell of widespread devastation, particularly in Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States.
“At the same time, a violent earthquake, similar in scope to the deadly quake of 1985 has struck Mexico, leaving hundreds dead, more injured and others without shelter and in need of help.”
The bishop explains that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops “has agreed to assist once more.”
The money that will be received Oct. 7-8 will be used by Catholic Charities USA for Hurricane Maria assistance and by Catholic Relief Services to help victims of the Mexico earthquake.
“Any funds that a diocese might collect for humanitarian and recovery assistance (will also be used) to support the reconstruction and the pastoral needs of the Church in the afflicted areas,” the bishop adds.
“I am aware of the giving fatigue that might be felt in the wake of the two previous collections,” he writes, “However, the needs of our brothers and sisters present themselves when God, for His own good reasons, allows them.
“Such moments represent a further opportunity for solidarity. They give us the opportunity to fulfill Christ’s words in the Gospel, ‘I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Those unable to contribute to this weekend’s second collections may still help by sending checks paybable to the Diocese of Rockford to Hurricane Relief, Diocese of Rockford, PO Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125.
The memo portion of the check should note: “Hurricane Maria/Mexico Earthquake Collection 2017.”