The Archdiocese of Denver, along with dioceses all over the country, will collect funds at Masses this weekend Nov. 16-17 to aid relief efforts following the devastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan in the central Philippines.
“Thank the people of your parish for their generosity in sharing in this very great moment of need,” wrote Msgr. Thomas Fryar, moderator of the curia, in an email to pastors.
The death toll, which stood at 2,275 Nov. 13, continues to rise as rescue workers reach more areas. Based on population figures where the typhoon made direct hits, an estimated 200,000 homes could have been destroyed.
Donations collected by Colorado Catholics will be forwarded to the office of the U.S. bishops, which is working in conjunction with Catholic Relief Services, the official international humanitarian agency of the Church in the United States. CRS field teams on the ground in the Philippines have reported “total devastation” as they assess damage, reach those affected, transport supplies and work to help rebuild the country. The agency aims to help an estimated half million Filipino people with shelter, water and sanitation, hygiene, vital living supplies and re-establishing their livelihoods.
“May the Lord’s blessings come upon all those who help relieve the sufferings of those halfway around the world,” Msgr. Fryar wrote.
Checks can also be mailed to the Archdiocese of Denver with “Philippine Typhoon Relief” in the memo section and sent to: Accounting Department, Pastoral Center, 1300 S. Steele St., Denver, CO 80210. To donate online to CRS, visit http://crs.org.
