CHARLOTTE — Parishioners across the Diocese of Charlotte will have the opportunity to participate in a special collection to benefit victims of Hurricane Matthew, which devastated several countries in the Caribbean and communities throughout the southeastern United States, including eastern North Carolina.
A memo sent to all parishes by the diocesan Chancery has encouraged a second collection to be taken up at Masses the weekends of Oct. 29-30 or Nov. 12-13.
The funds will be used to support disaster recovery efforts. One-third of the funds collected will be forwarded to the Diocese of Raleigh to be used by their local Catholic Charities for both immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of the hurricane in the eastern half of North Carolina.
The balance of the funds will support the efforts of Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA in providing immediate humanitarian aid and long-term support to communities suffering widespread destruction, and to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church in the Caribbean and the U.S.
To donate, place your contributions in the specified collection at your parish, making checks payable to your parish and clearly marking the envelope for “Hurricane Matthew Disaster Relief.”
Hundreds of faithful took to the streets Oct. 2 for Respect Life Sunday, participating in "Life Chains" outside their churches, in their downtown areas, or other busy public thoroughfares.
Life Chains were organized in more than 30 locations in 24 towns across the Diocese of Charlotte, marking the start of Respect Life Month in October.
Respect Life Month is held each year by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with supporting the dignity of the human person, and therefore the gift of every person's life.
Learn more and download educational resources at http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program/index.cfm
(Photos by SueAnn Howell and Rico De Silva, reporters; John Cosmas, Paul Doizé, Mike FitzGerald, Patrick Hession, Giuliana Riley and John Kenny, correspondents; provided by Diane Hoefling and John Russell)
