HAITI and OUR RESPONSE

We are all understandably upset with the horrendous destruction and devastation that struck the country of Haiti two days ago. The photo images are so unreal, so difficult to comprehend the vast loss of life, of injuries, and of complete turmoil.
But anytime a natural disaster occurs, I am always impressed with the incredible response of our people--especially here in the United States.
Great efforts are underway to assist those devasted people, along with our fervent prayers.

Here in the Archdiocese, we have launched two special efforts:
1. The first is to support Catholic Relief Services [CRS] in their on the ground efforts in Haiti.

2. And to launch the "Hats for Haiti" Program whereby children
in our Catholic elementary and high schools will assist
children and young people in Haiti by wearing a hat
next week at school, and donating one dollar for the
privilege to wear a hat at school that day. We have
80,000 Catholic school youngsters, and we hope to raise
both awareness and funds for Haiti relief. We also have
a local donor who will match, dollar for dollar, all that
is collected up to $100,000.

CRS is the organization of the Catholic Church in the United States to assist in all kinds of disaster relief efforts throughout the world. They have been in Haiti for years, and have some 300 personnel--mostly Haitians--working with the poor and with disaster relief.

All of the funds collected the weekend of January 16 and 17 will be sent directly to CRS for immediate use in Haiti.

Please visit their website: www.crs.org

Let us continue to intensify our prayers for the peoples of Haiti, and to demonstrate our solidarity in our Lord Jesus Christ through out generous gifts.

God bless you!!