In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which devastated areas across Florida and other parts of the southeastern US, recovery and cleanup efforts continue. Many lives have been lost and thousands of homes, business, and Church properties have been damaged or destroyed.

Throughout the region, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in conjunction with other agencies, are already hard at work providing humanitarian aid. Items like food, water, sanitation assistance and clean-up services are already being provided and the agencies will remain in the area to support repair and rebuild efforts in communities.

To support the efforts of these organizations, Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, has approved a special collection to be held the weekend of October 29-30, 2022. Bishop Brennan appreciates your generosity this past summer to those affected by the severe storms and flooding in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. But he feels impelled once again to ask you to do what you can to help our fellow Americans suffering from Hurricane Ian in Florida.

All funds collected in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston will become part of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund which provides for the pastoral and reconstruction needs of Catholic Churches in the region as well as the efforts of CCUSA and CRS.

Checks can be made out to your respective parish with “Disaster Relief” on the memo line. Donations can also be made on the diocesan website at https://dwc.org/disaster-relief/.

As we hold the victims and first responders in our prayers during these critical days, let us also spend time in prayer and discernment as we prepare for this upcoming collection. Let us come together now to support our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering this horrible loss.

Please remember in prayer all those who have lost their lives in the wake of Hurricane Ian, as well as all those who have been injured and lost their homes, cars, employment, and access to food and water.