CAMDEN (December 12, 2005) – Parishioners, school students and the Knights of Columbus in the Diocese of Camden donated more than $1 million between September 25 and November 30 to be used to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The total of $1,057,524.26 represents the amount of money collected in the Diocese of Camden since November 30 from parishioners at 128 churches and missions, as well as schools, and the Knights of Columbus. The funds will be used by Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden as well to assist hurricane victims.
The Diocese received donations for Hurricane Katrina relief from: St. Francis de Sales Regional School, Barrington, and St. Teresa Regional School, Runnemede, and Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Newfield, totaling $2,500. Also, the Knights of Columbus St. John Newman Council, donated $250 and another $1,000 was donated by the Knights of Columbus Council #1713. Hurricane Katrina hit on Aug. 23, and has been blamed for more than 1,200 deaths across the Gulf Coast, more than 1,000 of them in Louisiana.
The 11th storm of the turbulent 2005 hurricane season, it was also the most destructive and deadly. Bishop Joseph Galante, D.D., J.C.D., announced the 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.