Help Haiti Message from our Very Reverend Richard M. Erikson, Ph.D., V.G.
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia Archdiocese of Boston
Good morning,
Cardinal O'Malley has asked me to share with you his request to announce this weekend that a special second collection in all parishes the weekend of September 20th will be taken up to assist with the Catholic Relief Services emergency response to the people of Haiti following the succession of hurricanes and tropical rains which have caused massive flooding. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians in this impoverished country have been cut off from aid and the death toll from the storms and subsequent flooding is mounting. Monetary assistance is needed to guarantee desperately needed medical supplies, food and drinking water reaches the most vulnerable people quickly.
If a parish has a second collection already scheduled on September 20th and 21st, Cardinal Seán requests that the parish hold this collection on the first open Sunday after September 20th and 21st.
Parishes are requested to please send a check to the Archdiocese for the proceeds of this special second collection payable to the RCAB. In the memo portion of the check please note, "September 2008 Haiti Relief Collection."
Blessings,
Fr. Erikson
[here is a second letter]
Good evening,
We have received a number of inquiries about the announcement we sent earlier today regarding the special second collection for Haiti flood victims.
Please note that while Cardinal Seán has authorized this collection and hopes all parishes will participate, this special second collection is not mandated and it is up to each pastor whether or not he wishes his parish to participate in this much needed relief effort.
The funds obtained from this special second collection will be distributed by CRS to all of those who have been impacted by the tropical storms and flooding in Haiti, as well as in Cuba and the Caribbean. In light of this information, please amend the instructions below by noting in the memo portion of the check for the special second collection to read, "September 2008 Hurricane Relief Collection."
Thank you,
Fr. Erikson
