Recalls aid received here after June 1, 2011 tornado.
Linda Tearl, left, and her daughter Stacy Criddle sort through the rubble of their home, May 24,in Moore, Okla., in the aftermath of the May 20 tornado. The pair moved from Tulsa to live in Moore, where their home has an underground storm shelter. The Most Rev. Timothy A. McDonnell, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, has requested that diocesan parishes take up a special collection over the coming weeks to aid in tornado relief efforts in Oklahoma.
In a letter dated May 24 he recalled the impact of the June 1, 2011 tornado which hit Western Massachusetts, "(N)ow, two years later, an ever more devastating tornado has torn through the mid-west and Moore, Oklahoma has suffered great destruction and numerous deaths, most sadly those of children."
He asked first that prayers be offered for the people in the impacted area, and if possible, for financial assistance. All funds collected will be distributed by Catholic Charities USA. Checks should be made payable to Catholic Charities USA in care of the "Oklahoma Fund".
A full copy of the Bishop's letter follows.
My Dear Friends in Christ,
Two years ago this weekend, Western Massachusetts suffered the devastating June 1st tornado. We found ourselves the recipients of aid assistance from so many parts of the United States. Now, two years later, an ever more devastating tornado has torn through the mid-west and Moore, Oklahoma has suffered great destruction and numerous deaths, most sadly those of children.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, together with Catholic Charities USA, is seeking to provide aid to Oklahoma and other areas of our country suffering from such terrifying natural disasters.
I ask your prayers for all of those who have suffered from such tragedies and, if you can give financial assistance, I have asked parishes to schedule the appropriate means of collecting such assistance.
Checks may be made payable to Catholic Charities – Oklahoma Fund. All the monies will be forwarded to provide such necessities as water, food, shelter, medical care and help in the long term rebuilding that is so necessary after such widespread destruction.
Again, I request your prayers for all those who have suffered so much and I thank you for all your generous hearts in responding to the tragedies that come upon our brothers and sisters.
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