From the Bishop...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

            The Catholic Relief Services Collection will take place on the weekend of July 12 and 13. CRS is the official international relief and development agency of the Catholic Community in the United States. This important annual collection provides an opportunity for Catholics to live their faith in solidarity with poor people overseas by providing support, and addresses the root causes of poverty, on the basis of need-not race, creed, or nationality.

            The mission of CRS to provide humanitarian relief and development assistance to the poor and marginalized in over 100 countries around the world works through regional offices within the U.S. to support Catholic individuals, parishes, and diocese like ours. In recent months we have partnered with CRS to offer emergency disaster relief to people in China, Myanmar, and Haiti. The work of CRS in our Diocese aims to assist those who strive to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and make decisions as consumers, voters and advocates for the promotion of more just and peaceful societies. With your assistance we continue to raise the consciousness of all people, especially our local youth and young adults so that they will carry on our efforts to be of service globally as one truly Catholic family.

            The CRS collection theme Jesus in Disguise reminds us of the presence of Christ. Last year in our Diocese, this collection generated $116,244. This outpouring along with CRS’s yearly Lenten Operation Rice Bowl donations helped rebuild the lives of over 800,000 made homeless in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami and is currently helping with relief efforts in Myanmar, China and Haiti. Your continued generous support of this collection builds the Church’s international social ministry while making positive changes to systems that contribute to injustice, hunger and war around the world.

            With gratitude for your continued dedication and generosity, and with assurance of my prayers, I am

                                                            Sincerely yours in Christ,

                                                            +Gerald M. Barbarito

                                                            Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito

                                                            Bishop of Palm Beach

6/30/08