BRIDGEPORT— Parishes throughout the diocese will take up a special collection to address the critical needs of those who have survived the Maui wildfires. Parishes have the options to hold the collection on the weekend of August 19 and 20 or the following weekend, August 26 and 27. Individuals can also make a donation.
“In light of this terrible tragedy, I ask that you consider taking up a special collection to address the critical needs of those who survived,” the bishop said in a letter to pastors and administrators. “We have all been deeply moved and saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the wildfires that raged across the island of Maui.”
“Let us fervently pray for healing and strength for those who survived this tragedy, and for the repose of all those who have died. As always, I am grateful for the generosity of your parishioners,” the bishop said.
The bishop told the pastors that The Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, has sent out a request to dioceses across the U.S., asking for help to respond to this unprecedented tragedy.
The best way to respond is to forward all donations to the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation (HCCF), a 50l(c)(3) nonprofit corporation to set up in 2008 to support Hawaiian parish and school communities. We have set up a dedicated webpage for donations to go directly to HCCF to support the relief efforts for our fellow community members affected by the Maui wildfires.
“This is an opportunity for us to show our solidarity as a Catholic faith community and lend a helping hand to those who have lost so much,” Bishop Silva said.
To make a tax-deductible contribution by visiting the following link: https://tinyurl.com/MauiCatholic. Every donation, no matter the amount, will play a crucial role in helping to rebuild lives and restore hope.
Click to read this story from the Hawaii Catholic Herald: https://hawaiicatholicherald.com/2023/08/16/maui-mourns/
