October 1, 2024 at 2:04 p.m.

'JOIN IN PRAYER'

Bishop Scharfenberger calls on Christ's 'healing love' for all those affected by Hurricane Helene

A drone view shows debris surrounding some homes left standing in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Sept. 28, 2024, after Hurricane Helene swept through the area. Helene caused at least 120 deaths and billions of dollars of destruction across a wide swath of the southeastern U.S. (OSV News photo/Marco Bello, Reuters) (Courtesy photo of Anthony D. Alonzo)

A special message from Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger

Matthew 25:40
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

By our Baptism, we are called to share the love of Christ in our world. That love is desperately needed right now in southern states hit hard by Hurricane Helene. As I write this, more than 120 deaths are confirmed, and the damage left is overwhelming.

I am calling on the people across our Diocese to join in prayer for those in need. Scripture tells us, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20). Let us join as people in Christ and call on His healing love for all who are impacted. St. John Chrysostom said, “Nothing is equal to prayer; for what is impossible, it makes possible.”

I have received questions about where people can donate. Catholic Charities USA has a Hurricane Helene Relief fund. You can find a link on its website https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/ which says 100 percent of donations go to help those affected by this disaster.

We are coming up on a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has chosen “Pilgrims of Hope” as the theme. I pray that we may all be pilgrims of hope for those in need.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger