As recent news reports have highlighted, areas of southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky continue to be pummeled by severe weather resulting in extreme damage, loss of life, and
destruction of entire communities.

Most recently, severe storms on July 26, 2022, have resulted in dozens of deaths and the displacement of thousands.

Catholic Charities West Virginia and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lexington are providing long-term recovery efforts. 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.

Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, has approved a special collection to be held the weekend of August 13-14, 2022, in all parishes and missions throughout the diocese to support recovery efforts related to the series of disasters that have occurred in these areas throughout the summer. Checks should be made out to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston 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 humanitarian and recovery efforts of Catholic Charities as well as their partner agencies in both states.

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 these disasters, as well as all those who have been injured and lost their homes, cars, employment, and access to food and water.

*** Parishioners please note that this collection is different from our usual second collections because you are asked at the Bishop’s request to make your check payable to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. Please DO NOT make your check for this collection payable to your parish. Your donations will be collected and mailed directly to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston for processing.

Counters please do not endorse checks or deposit funds for this special Disaster Relief collection in with the regular offertory! Thank you!!!