MADISON — The Diocese of Madison has encouraged parishes, at the discretion of the pastor, to take up a special collection beginning the weekend of October 29 for the relief of Hurricane Matthew victims in the United States and Caribbean countries, especially in Haiti.
“There is no requirement from the Diocese of Madison that a parish perform a special collection for Hurricane Matthew victims, although it is generally encouraged, per the discretion of the pastor, as a Corporal Work of Mercy during the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” said Vicar General Msgr. James Bartylla.
“We simply ask that any special collection for this disaster relief not conflict with any already-scheduled international, national, or diocesan collection, which would include the International Combined Collection on the weekend of October 22-23.”Donations will go to support the humanitarian efforts of Catholic Charities USA, the Church’s domestic relief agency, or to Catholic Relief Services, for the Caribbean relief efforts.Parishes can designate which agency to support. If none is indicated, the funds will be split 50/50 percent.
Individuals can also donate directly online at the Catholic Charities USA or Catholic Relief Services websites. Links will be provided on the Diocese of Madison website at www.madisondiocese.org