The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has asked all bishops in the country to take up a special collection to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for the residents of Nepal, reeling from the April 25 earthquake.
“We are asking that all of our parishes take up a relief collection sometime during the month of May,” Father Dollins wrote in a letter to priests of the Archdiocese of Denver April 29, “or (otherwise) make a charitable donation toward this effort.”
The collection will support the work of Catholic Relief Services in Nepal. CRS is the official humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States and is already in place, responding to urgent needs for shelter, water and food in Nepal.
“Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of our brothers and sisters affected by this powerful earthquake,” Father Dollins wrote.
The 7.8‐magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal toppled buildings and homes, causing widespread panic, and claimed thousands of lives.
Father Dollins extended gratitude to the Catholic community for their generosity “in sharing in this very great moment of need.”
“May the Lord’s blessings come upon all those who help relieve the sufferings of those halfway around the world,” he wrote.
For more information, or to make a donation to Catholic Relief Services, visit www.crs.org.