To the editor:
Catholic parishes in Aroostook County took up a special second collection at all masses recently to aid victims and communities impacted by the earthquakes in Haiti. Bishop Richard Malone said that 100 percent of the money collected will be directed to Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which has maintained a presence in Haiti for more than 55 years. CRS is mobilizing emergency staff to set up shelters for the homeless and to distribute food, water purification tablets, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits.
“We are called to support our Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ both is terms of financial aid and solidarity in prayer,” said Bishop Malone.
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic Church. It is funded primarily through collections taken by Catholic churches around the world and by individual donations made directly to CRS. The agency works in more than 100 countries worldwide.
CRS Executive Director Carlene Cook says that this horrible tragedy is bringing out the best in people. Many people gave generously in dollars and goods as well as supporting the Haitians in prayer. A company in Gorham, Maine provided a ship to bring supplies to the afflicted country. Hannaford stores donated water, for example. A fully loaded Sub-Research ship was heading from Boston to Haiti last week.
Cook said her heart “is touched by the innate goodness of the people, especially the children. It’s impressive and reassuring.”
The total amount collected from both Sundays will be announced as soon as those numbers are available.
The diocese and CRS are trying to determine the status of missionaries and lay people from Maine who are currently stationed in Haiti. Donations to CRS may be made directly to this address: Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 11559, Portland, Maine 04104-7559; or to the national office at P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090.
Frenchville
