Tsunami relief now totals $1.2 million

Catholics in the Albany Diocese have contributed more than $1.2 million to the victims of the December tsunami in Asia.

"This outpouring of concern, selflessness and generosity from the people of the Diocese is nothing less than extraordinary," said Sister Maureen Joyce, executive director of diocesan Catholic Charities.

The total, as of this week, is $1,248,197. The money is being funneled to the victims through Catholic Relief Services, the overseas aid agency of American Catholics.

More than 1,200 letters of appreciation are going out to Catholics from Sister Maureen and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. In the letter, they say that the response is "tangible evidence of the solidarity we have with our brothers and sisters in our global village, and of the tremendous compassion of the people of our 14-county Diocese."

Donations have come from individuals, religious education programs, Catholic schools and other sources, and represent every parish in the Diocese.

(5/26/05)