Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The gravity of the devastation in the Philippines, Vietnam and Asia by Super Typhoon Haiyan becomes more evident to us each day. Thousands have lost their lives and millions have been affected. The survivors are seriously threatened by the lack of pure water, food, medicine and shelter. Homes, businesses and essential services have been destroyed.
At the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Francis urged the faithful to pray in silence for the typhoon’s victims. He asked us to offer generous assistance to those impacted by the typhoon.
Through Catholic Relief Services (the international humanitarian agency representing the U.S. Catholic Church), we are working to respond to the needs of the survivors. Catholic Relief Services, in cooperation with our partners, will provide families with shelter, essential living supplies, and clean water and sanitation.
I urge you to contribute generously to Catholic Relief Services’ relief work in the areas devastated by the typhoon. Given the urgency of the situation, I ask you to make your contribution, if possible, this weekend at your parish. Donations should be sent to the Archdiocesan Finance Office, Attention: Catholic Relief Services – Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Relief, 20 Archbishop May Drive, St. Louis, MO 63119. (NOTE, WE WILL TAKE UP A SECOND COLLECTION this weekend for those affected. IF you want to participate but were not prepared to do so, please drop off your gift by this Friday to the rectory.)
Please continue to pray for those impacted by this tragedy, especially those who have lost their lives and their families.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson
Retreat Opportunity for Men:
Since we don’t offer our own version of the White House Retreat, here is an opportunity:
If you are interested in making a White House Retreat from February 20th – 23rd 2014, contact: Mark Fain at 314-910-2105, [email protected]. This retreat is offered by a Catholic north county group, independent of our parish, in the hopes of bringing as many men as possible to the special experience that White House offers. Come away to be with the Lord at the magnificent retreat center we have right here in St. Louis.