Dear friends in Christ,

The devastation of the Bahamas caused by Hurricane Dorian is beyond heartbreaking. Homes, schools and businesses that stood there a month ago now simply no longer exist. Its people are now in dire need of medical care, shelter, food, water, clothing, and other supplies, as well as the materials to rebuild. The recovery process will remain for months, if not years.

In the wake of this humanitarian tragedy, Pope Francis has expressed his "hope that the international community will respond with prompt and effective assistance," while invoking "upon all engaged in this massive work of relief and rebuilding the Lord's gifts of strength and generous perseverance in the service of their brothers and sisters." Joining our prayers with the Holy Father's and people around the world for those who have died and for survivors who are homeless, injured and suffering, the Church of Washington is acting to help provide assistance to those beleaguered people. In addition to a direct $50,000 contribution from the Archdiocese of Washington to the Archdiocese of Nassau, Archbishop Gregory would like to provide ways for the Catholic faithful to participate and offer their assistance to the Bahamas and to other areas affected by this disaster.

As shepherds of this flock, we have been encouraged to promote ways to assist during announcements at Masses, in your bulletin, on your website and social media. Special second collections have been a traditional way for our parish communities to express their solidarity with and support for those affected. Some people, however, may choose to contribute directly to relief agencies when these needs arise.

Parishes are therefore asked to support relief efforts through (a) providing information on how to contribute to Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org, or telephone 1-877- Help-CRS; to Catholic Charities USA at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org or telephone 1-800-919-9338; (b) the parish taking up a special collections or (c) a combination of these avenues. Funds from the poor box may also be designated for this purpose. All funds collected at the parish level should be processed in the normal fashion for second collections. The fund will then be forwarded to those areas in need of assistance.