A 7.0 magnitude earthquake has ravaged the island nation of Haiti. The quake occurred 10 miles southwest of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince just before 5 p.m. EST (Haiti is also on EST) on January 12, 2010. Port-au-Prince, with a population of over 2 million, has been devastated. There are also recently confirmed reports that the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Monsignor Joseph Serge Miot, was a victim of the quake. The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Port-au-Prince has sustained severe damage.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has made an initial commitment of 5 million dollars for immediate use in the relief effort and are gearing up for what will certainly be a massive and extensive relief effort. They have asked for our prayers and our help.

The most immediate and versatile way to assist is through a monetary donation. Parishes may wish to participate in these relief efforts through a collection or direct donation.

Monetary Donations

Individuals or parishes wishing to contribute to the relief effort in Haiti may send checks or money order to Catholic Charities, who will be accepting donations and remitting them in full to Catholic Relief Services. Checks or money orders can be sent to:

Catholic Charities of Louisville
Haitian Earthquake
2911 South Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40208

Please notate "Haitian Earthquake" in the memo line.

Individuals also may make donations directly to Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org or by sending a check to Catholic Relief Services, PO Box 17090, Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090.

Other Resources

Catholic Relief Services also has provided the following prayer and petitions:

Prayer

God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.
In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster
      to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.
Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti.
Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry,
      shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.
With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.
Amen

Petitions

For our Brothers and Sisters in Haiti Affected by the Earthquake,
      Lord, hear our prayer.

For the Haitian people, that help comes to them quickly and comfort comes to those who hurt,
      Lord, hear our prayer.

For the lost or buried, that they are found and reunited with their loved ones,
      Lord, hear our prayer.

For the relief workers, that they have the tools they need, the courage and the strength to respond fully,
      Lord, hear our prayer.

For the families in Haiti and in the United States who are waiting to hear from loved ones, that good news comes to them,
      Lord, hear our prayer.

For those whose who have perished, may their souls rest with you, oh Lord, where they will find eternal love.

Amen

Questions/More Information

Questions regarding the relief efforts may be forwarded to Catholic Charities care of:

Mark Bouchard, Coordinator of Education, Advocacy and National Programs
Phone: (502) 637-9786
E-Mail: Click here