Efforts continue across the Mountain State after the severe flooding that occurred earlier this month. West Virginia encountered tornados, microbursts, strong winds, heavy rains, and mudslides. Several counties have experienced moderate-to-substantial flooding, notably along the Ohio River and its tributaries. The National Weather Service has confirmed 5 tornadoes in West Virginia – Huntington (Cabell/Wayne), St, Albans (Kanawha), Cross Lanes (Kanawha), Quick (Kanawha) and Lavista (Fayette). A State of Emergency has been declared in 17 West Virginia Counties.

Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, has approved a special collection to be held the weekend of April 20-21, 2024, in all parishes and missions throughout the diocese to support recovery efforts related to the series of disasters that have occurred. Checks should 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/.

Proceeds from this collection will support the long-term humanitarian and recovery efforts of Catholic Charities West Virginia. Their offices assist families long after other organizations have moved out. The role of Catholic Charities will last months and years as they help families and individuals in the rebuilding process to restore safe, secure, and sanitary living conditions. All of the money raised will stay in West Virginia to assist our neighbors.

Please remember in prayer all those whose lives have been changed in the wake of these disasters. Let us come together now to support our brothers and sisters in Christ who have been injured and lost their homes, cars, employment, and access to food and water.