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To: Pastors and Administrators
From: ╬ Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta
News headlines today include regular updates on the path and expected impact of Hurricane Florence. We are simultaneously being warned about two other hurricanes (Hurricanes Isaac and Helene) that are close behind Hurricane Florence.
As pastors and administrators of our parishes and missions in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, you are authorized and encouraged to act immediately when natural disasters occur.
While special collections are still a wonderful way for our parish communities to express their solidarity with and support for those affected, more and more people choose to contribute electronically when these needs arise, and there is often confusion as to where donations should be directed.
When a natural disaster occurs in the United States and its territories, electronic donations may be made and parish collections may be directed to Catholic Charities USA, which assures us that 100% of donations go to the local organizations providing assistance. They and their member agencies respond to immediate emergency needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter and medical care, as well as to the long-term need to rebuild and recover after widespread destruction. They also assist the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops with pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church. Their address information follows:
Catholic Charities USA
Online: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
Mail: Catholic Charities USA
P.O. Box 17066
Baltimore MD 21297-1066
Phone: 800-919-9338
When disasters happen in other countries, collections and individual donations should be directed to Catholic Relief Services (CRS):
Catholic Relief Services
Online: www.crs.org
Mail: Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21297-0303
(Please indicate the specific relief effort in the memo line)
Phone: 877-Help-CRS
I ask that you keep this information at your fingertips. The important thing is not the way our Catholic families participate, but rather that they do. The people of God in our Archdiocese are always incredibly generous in responding during these difficult moments.
Please be creative in promoting ways for your parish faith community to assist during announcements at Masses, in your bulletin, on your website and social media, and on video monitors.
On behalf of all who respond in the name of the Catholic Church and all who rely on and benefit from your extraordinary kindness, thank you in advance for your promotion of and your participation in these important efforts.