In response to the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which struck Florida and several southern US states within two weeks of each other, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley is asking the parishes of the Archdiocese to once again step forward with a special collection to help our brothers and sisters in need.
Contributions will be forwarded to Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) which is the official domestic disaster relief agency of the Catholic Church in the United States. CCUSA is providing immediate disaster relief with necessities such as water, hygiene kits, diapers, and blankets among many other items. 100% of funds raised are sent directly to Catholic Charities agencies in disaster-stricken communities to care for those impacted.
Pastors are encouraged to hold a collection over any weekend between October 25/26 and November 23/24, prior to Thanksgiving. Parishioners are asked to address their checks to their parish, with “Hurricane Relief” in the memo. All funds raised will be forwarded to CCUSA by the Archdiocese of Boston.
The Archdiocese of Boston has a proud history of stepping forward to assist people in need. Whether in response to the floods in Brazil, earthquake in Haiti, Tsunami in Japan, or the relief efforts in response to the fires in Maui, we have provided necessary resources to stem the suffering. Most recently, for the Brazil flood relief efforts, the Archdiocese of Boston raised $245,000.
This special collection will be requested following this weekend in order to fulfill the annual collection for World Mission Sunday on October 20th.
World Mission Sunday, October 20
World Mission Sunday is celebrated annually on the second to last Sunday of October; this year it will be marked on October 20th. World Mission Sunday is an important day that unites Catholics worldwide in prayer, solidarity, and support for the Church’s mission efforts. This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Francis, is rooted in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet.” To read the Holy Father’s message, please click here.
Parishes have been provided bulletin announcements, Mass announcements, Intercessory prayer intentions, and mission stories to share. The Pontifical Mission Societies USA “seek prayer and sacrifice to support 1,100 territories throughout the world where the Catholic Church is too young, too poor, or is actively persecuted and cannot thus be self-sufficient.” The Archdiocese of Boston has always been generous during this collection exemplified by the 2023 collection where we raised nearly $1 million in 2023 of a USA total amounting to just over $17 million.
Cardinal Seán, who is currently in Rome for the Synod extends his gratitude and prayers to the people of the Archdiocese of Boston for their great generosity during this time of need.