The following is a message from Bishop Mark to pastors, parishes, and Catholic schools in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown sent on October 10, 2024:
In recent days, our brothers and sisters in the southeastern part of the United States have endured devastation from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. We here in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown stand in solidarity with those individuals and families. I invite the local faithful to join me in praying for them and asking the Lord to give them strength and healing in the challenging days ahead. In a special way, we also remember those who have lost their lives and those who mourn them.
As we see the suffering of the storm victims on the news, I think I speak for everyone in expressing a great desire to help in some way. Therefore, I am asking all parishes in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to take a special collection to benefit hurricane victims on the weekends of October 12-13, October 19-20, and October 26-27. All contributions to this special collection would be tax deductible. Parishes should forward the proceeds to the diocese, and I will see that those monies are forwarded to agencies such as Catholic Charities USA, which will ensure that the funds are used to help the recovery efforts. At this time, there is no need for items such as food, clothing, or toiletries to be sent to the southern states.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us that what we do for the least among us, we do for Him. In that spirit, I ask that local parishioners please be generous in the upcoming special collections, and I encourage everyone keep all those affected by the hurricanes in their thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless them and those on the front lines who are working hard to provide aid and comfort.
