January 22, 2010
In letter to Pastors, PLCs, Bishop Gettelfinger urges contributions to CRS or to twin parishes
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
“The stunning news about the devastating earthquake in Haiti is beyond comprehension,” said Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger in an e-mail message to”Brother Priests and Pastoral Life Coordinators” on Jan. 15.
He noted that is was “heart rending to so many members of our diocese in that many of our parishes have twin parishes there,” and that “Many individuals have established personal relationships with our brothers and sisters in Haiti.”
“I am very proud of you for so generously supporting your twin parishes in Haiti. Once again, I turn to you to ask you to offer your parishioners the opportunity to assist with their financial gifts even in these hard times.
“A second collection is one way to give your folks a chance to contribute to the massive effort necessary to assist those in the devastated area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti and surrounding area. You may have other ways that might be more effective. I leave those decisions up to you.
For those who want to make contributions to Catholic Relief Service, Bishop Gettelfinger noted that CRS “is a most effective arm of the USCCB and is able to provide help very quickly and to the human beings who have survived the devastation. You may send your contributions directly to the CRS or forward them to the Diocese of Evansville and we will forward it immediately.”
He concluded his message with a prayer, that “all those who have died in the earthquake already know the fullness of eternal life in Heaven.”
(Related: How parishes in the diocese are linked to Haiti | St. Joseph, Vanderburgh County, committed to Haiti)