September 3, 2014 - Parishes of the Archdiocese to take up a special collection this weekend

 
Parishes of the Archdiocese to take up a special collection this weekend (Sept 13 & 14) for humanitarian relief and pastoral support for our affected brothers and sisters in the Middle East
 
  Cardinal Seán has authorized a special collection, to be taken the weekend of September 13-14 in all parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston, to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for our affected brothers and sisters in the Middle East.   
 
All monies collected will be distributed by the USCCB to Catholic Relief Services and other Catholic agencies working in partnership with the local church to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs facing the people in Iraq, Gaza, Syria and surrounding countries where refugees have fled. These organizations have well-established partnerships with the Catholic Church in the region which allows them to respond quickly and efficiently to victims in some of the hardest to reach areas. Funds will be used to support Church programs to aid persecuted Christians and to respond to rebuilding needs of Catholic dioceses in the impacted areas. We thank you for promoting and supporting this special collection through your various church communications.
 
The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) stated that the impetus for the special appeal is a “great concern for the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the cradle of Christianity,” Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explained in a recent letter. “Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Iraq, Syria and Gaza who are struggling to survive, protect their children and live with dignity in dire conditions.”  He added, 
“Our Christian brothers and sisters and other innocent victims of the violence in the Middle East urgently need the assistance of the Catholic community of the United States,” Archbishop Kurtz wrote. “Thank you for your support of this special collection and for your continued prayers for the victims of this crisis.”
 
More information can be found at: www.usccb.org/about/national-collections/index.cfm 
 
Parishioners are asked to address their checks to their parish, with “Middle East Collection 2014” in the memo.