September 16, 2021

Dear friends in Christ,

There is perhaps no better way for us to thank God for having been spared the ravages of recent hurricanes and natural disasters than to help others who have been less fortunate. 

Recently I joined with my brother bishops in the United States asking for your donations to assist Haiti in their rebuilding efforts. As always, the people of this diocese have been most generous in their response, for which the people of Haiti are truly grateful.

Sadly, only a few weeks later, we must ask you to consider how you can help the Gulf state residents in their long term recovery from Hurricane Ida. 

In making his appeal to the American bishops, Archbishop Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops noted that this special collection would be used to support the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church, as well as the efforts of Catholic Charities USA and/or Catholic Relief Services. These official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church along with their local agencies respond to immediate emergency needs and recovery efforts.

I recognize that you must first respond to needs at home and, of course, to the operation of your parish and local non-profit efforts. All I ask is that you prayerfully consider this request and, if possible, I am confident that you will respond with a generous spirit. Parishes are being asked to take up the collection at the next available weekend that works with their local parish schedule. An online donations option will also be available on our diocesan website homepage at www.worcesterdiocese.org.  If you have already made a gift through another relief agency, please be assured of my gratitude for your caring response.

With every prayerful best wish, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus

Bishop of Worcester