In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and elsewhere, Bishop Mark has asked all parishes in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to take up special collections as soon as possible to benefit relief efforts.
“This disaster hits especially close to home here in our local Church,” explained Tony DeGol, Diocesan Director of Communications. “For decades, the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has been missionary partners with the Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica, and some of our parishes enjoy cherished partnerships with parishes in that region.”
In fact, Father Marek Bzinkowski, Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Maggotty, Jamaica, just visited the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown this past summer, DeGol noted. Father Bzinkowski was the guest homilist at a special outdoor Mass in Loretto in observance of this Jubilee Year of Hope in the Catholic Church, during which Father Bzinkowski spoke about the enduring relationship between the two dioceses.
“On behalf of Bishop Mark, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the catastrophic hurricane, especially our missionary brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Mandeville,” DeGol added. “May the Lord provide safety, comfort, and relief to those in need.”
