MOTHER NATURE CONTINUES TO CHALLENGE

                It seems as if the natural disasters just won’t end. In response to the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and second devastating earthquake in Mexico, the U.S. Conference of Bishops has requested that an opportunity be given to the Roman Catholic Community to aid the victims of Hurricane Maria and the Mexican Earthquake. Many people of Western New York have ties to Puerto Rico as well as friends and family living in Puerto Rico. These natural disasters have continued to grab global attention and as well as challenge us to assist with helping people who have lost everything.

                Bishop Malone is requesting that a collection be taken as soon as possible to help the people of Puerto Rico and Mexico. His letter follows:

                My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

                This last month has been a difficult time as many were affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. I sincerely thank you for your generosity in offering prayers, outreach, and donations to aid those impacted by these terrible storms.

                Without much time to take a breath, Hurricane Maria swept through much of the same geography as Irma and our brothers and sisters in Central Mexico were hit with a 7.1 magnitude earthquake not even three weeks after Southern Mexico experienced an 8.1 magnitude quake. As we have all seen from the reports on television, the Caribbean and Mexico have experienced substantial damage and have suffered significant devastation.

                I wish I did not need to ask, but would you prayerfully consider making a donation to help those who have suffered from these two additional calamities. If you are unable to do so, please keep these communities in your prayers. The news coverage will quickly end, but the impact and loss will continue for time to come. Contributed funds will be used to support the reconstruction and pastoral needs of the Church, as well as humanitarian and recovery assistance through Catholic Charities USA (Hurricane Maria) and Catholic Relief Services (Mexico Earthquake).

                Your pastor will determine the weekend when this collection will take place.

                Again, thank you for your generous concern for all those communities that have experienced these calamities.

                May the Lord bless you and your family and those who have suffered so much loss, peace, and hope.

Next weekend, October 7th and 8th, our second collection will be to assist the victims of the latest disasters.