By Bishop Joseph N. Latino
Last week residents throughout our diocese began the process of once again picking up the pieces of their lives after a terrible storm. The tornadoes that ripped through our state on April 24 left behind a scene of wreckage and broken hearts because of the tragic loss of 10 lives including young children.
Our Catholic Charities’ Disaster Response Team, which was developed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, went into immediate action and was on the ground in Holmes, Yazoo and Choctaw counties shortly after the storm. This team has been providing counseling and material needs to survivors and their communities.
Once again on May 2, more tornadoes and severe weather have left a path of death and destruction in our diocese as six people have lost their lives. Our efforts to provide relief and comfort to storm victims will continue and the need is great.
Catholic Charities has developed a page on its website with more information about the needs of our communities and how they can be met. Visit Catholic Charities website and click on the tornado link for ways to assist in the relief efforts. (See related Article)
I have asked parishes to take up a special collection for the victims of the storm. Funds from this will go to our Catholic Charities’ efforts on the ground. We are blessed to have a ministry such as Catholic Charities that deals directly with people in need. Catholic Charities serves as the hands of Christ to so many families and individuals across our diocese.
The work of Catholic Charities exemplifies the fact we are indeed one family in Christ. God bless you all.
