CAMDEN (Aug. 31, 2005) – Bishop Joseph Galante, D.D., J.C.D., on Wednesday announced a special Diocesan collection September 24-25 to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.
”The media coverage has made it abundantly clear that the needs will be great, and long lasting in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” Bishop Galante said. A letter was sent to pastors at churches in the six-county diocese to let them know about the special, second collection to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
“I also urge you to remember in prayer our neighbors who have lost and suffered so much by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,” Bishop Galante said. Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Camden are already preparing fundraisers for Hurricane Katrina victims when they return next week.
St. Catherine of Sienna School in Clayton will initiate a special Hurricane Relief program the first week of school. Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Camden is also accepting donations to help victims. Monies will be forwarded to Catholic Charities USA. Checks should be made payable to “Catholic Charities” with a notation on the check for Hurricane Katrina, then mailed to: Catholic Charities, 1845 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ 08103, Attention: Hurricane Katrina.
Bishop celebrated noon Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, and offered strength to the faithful with Hurricane Katrina victims on their minds. “When people suffered they did not come to Jesus and ask why. We tend to ask the question why too much. And sometimes that impedes our trust in Jesus,” he said.