Bishop Alfred Schlert has asked parishes to take up a special collection to aid earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
Seeing the heart-rending news coverage of this humanitarian disaster, many people around the Diocese have wondered how best to ensure that any financial assistance they provide reaches the appropriate agencies and is used as intended.
Funds donated to parish special collections will be forwarded to Catholic Relief Services, which is a reliable means of providing international disaster relief.
“Catholic Relief Services will support emergency relief efforts led by local partners in both Syria and Turkey,” the agency says on its website. In coordination with local authorities, CRS partner agencies are distributing hot meals and needed clothing, providing safe shelter, and giving people access to clean water and hygiene supplies.
“I thank the faithful of our Diocese in advance for their generous and timely assistance in response to such great human suffering,” Bishop Schlert said.
