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To: Priests, Deacons, Brothers, Sisters, Chancery, Parish and School Staff
From: Most Reverend Joel M. Konzen, S.M.
Hurricane Dorian is a tragic reminder of the suffering that can be caused by natural disasters. Whether these catastrophes occur in slow motion as Dorian has or with little or no warning at any hour of the day or night, people of faith naturally want to offer assistance. Please remember that, as pastors and administrators in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, you are authorized and encouraged to act immediately when these calamities occur. Please promote ways to assist during announcements at Masses, in your bulletin, on your website and social media, and on video monitors.
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, electronic donations may be made and parish collections may be directed to Catholic Charities USA. 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 a disaster happens in another country, 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 write the specific incident in the memo line)
Phone: l-877-Help-CRS
In some instances, particularly in the case of a hurricane like Dorian, domestic and international aid are both desperately needed.
Please keep this information on file. The important thing is not the way people participate, but rather that they do. The people of God in our Archdiocese are always incredibly generous in responding during these difficult moments. On behalf of Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services, thank you in advance for your promotion of and your participation in these important efforts.
May God bless all those affected by these catastrophic events.