Posted November 8, 2012

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput invites all 257 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to consider taking up a special second collection for relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy during the weekend of Nov. 24-25, the archdiocese announced Nov. 8.

“Hurricane Sandy’s human imprint, its extraordinary devastation and suffering will be with us for a very long time,” the archbishop wrote in his weekly column. “A Christian community — a community of believers in Jesus Christ — defines itself by the generosity of its people. Catholics in Philadelphia have again and again shown their willingness to help other people in need, and especially the victims of disaster.”

All contributed funds will support archdiocesan Catholic Social Services’ relief efforts for hurricane victims locally and in other dioceses.

The collection, which is optional, will take place at Masses on the weekend following Thanksgiving. People will have the opportunity to help those who are still lacking basic necessities and common comforts.