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In the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, Catholic Relief Services provided food to 500,000 survivors, gave shelter kits to about 6,500 families and oversaw efforts to revive St. Francois de Sales Hospital in Port-au-Prince.

It's with this in mind that the international humanitarian agency is asking for assistance during its annual collection, to be taken up this weekend in parishes across the Albany Diocese. The theme, once again, is "Jesus in disguise."

Last year, the faithful in the Diocese of Albany contributed about $167,250 to the appeal, said Mary Olsen, diocesan director for Catholic Relief Services.

Other programs of the Church's emergency services arm continue to solve food crises and provide health care and clean water to impoverished citizens of 100 countries.

For example, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network advocates for more than 400,000 immigrants and refugees. Migration and Refugee Services, an agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, resettles about a quarter of all refugees admitted to the U.S. each year and is helping families reunite in Haiti.

The CRS collection also supports the U.S. bishops' Depart-ment of Justice, Peace and Human Development and the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, as well as the Holy Father's Relief Fund.

The human development department funds a diocesan art contest that aims to empower students in grades seven through 12 to eradicate poverty in their communities. A graduating senior from the Diocese won the national contest last year and received a trip to a youth conference in Ohio, $500 for herself and $500 for the anti-poverty organization of her choice.

In his letter to parishes, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard explains that the collection will support agricultural development to strengthen economies, outreach services to survivors of human trafficking and pastoral care for immigrants and refugees.

"Our Gospel call as Catholics is to reach out to and care for each other," the Bishop wrote. "The theme reminds us that Christ is present in those who suffer - and in those who respond compassionately to their needs."

(03/11/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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