The Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando has asked that we assist our brothers and sisters affected by the tremendous destruction caused in July by Hurricane Beryl which severely impacted parts of the Caribbean, the Yucatán Peninsula and the US Gulf Coast. More recently, the devastation from Hurricane Helene continues to unfold in parts of Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. In addition, the impact of other disasters this year throughout the nation and the world, such as wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes, will be long-lasting. We offer our prayers to all the families affected by these disasters and pray for the repose of the souls whose lives were taken.
In solidarity with our brothers and sisters, consider participating in Disaster Relief 2024, a voluntary special collection for the humanitarian, long-term recovery, and Church needs arising from these calamities. The funds collected in this special appeal will be used to support the efforts of the official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church, Catholic Charities USA and/or Catholic Relief Services, as they and their local agencies respond to immediate emergency needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter, and medical care, and aid in long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts; and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church, including needs which may arise within the Diocese of Orlando.