The parishes of the Diocese of San Angelo have been asked to take up a special collection in response to the humanitarian crisis after the April 25 earthquake in Nepal.
These funds will be used to support the efforts of Catholic Relief Services (our official U.S. Catholic international humanitarian agency) as we respond to immediate emergency needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter, and medical care, as well as the long-term needs to rebuild the communities in the regions affected after widespread destruction.
Catholic Relief Services has already begun to embark on a major emergency response to this severe disaster and has committed funds to extended relief efforts. CRS is providing 10,000 families (50,000 people) with emergency shelter materials, blankets, water treatment, and hygiene kits. Given the scale of the disaster, the agency expects to expand relief activities to additional families. CRS is working with Caritas Nepal to identify the most pressing needs in the hardest hit areas, and will scale their operations accordingly.
Individuals who wish to make private donations can make their contributions directly to Catholic Relief Services. Individual contributions can be made here:
By mail: Catholic Relief Services, PO Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297-0303 ("Nepal Earthquake" in memo line)
By phone: 1-800-736-3467
Online: www.crs.org (Click the "Donate Now" button).
Prayer for the people of Nepal:
Loving God, we pray for all those affected by the earthquakes in Nepal,
for those who have lost or are still searching for loved ones,
for those who remain trapped under rubble,
for the rescue workers who provide relief and recovery,
and for all those who are moved with compassion to help.
May they all be strong and take heart.
O God, whose love knows no bounds,
fill all those who suffer with your comfort and peace.
We ask all this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen