Fort McMurray Relief Efforts
With sadness and concern, Canadians have seen coverage of the wildfires in Fort McMurray and surrounding areas in Alberta.
Moved with compassion and concern, many are responding in prayer and generosity to help those affected by this tragedy. The Diocese of Hamilton is encouraging the faithful to respond in these ways. Please read Bishop Douglas Crosby's comments below:
In response to many who have asked how our Diocese might participate in helping those who have experienced great loss due to the devastating fire in Fort McMurray, you are asked to do the following in solidarity with other Dioceses across the country:
1) make a personal donation to the Red Cross which is providing immediate assistance to those who are affected (the Federal Government has agreed to match each individual donation); and
2) a special collection will be taken up in parishes on or before the June 4/5 weekend, which will be sent, through our Diocesan Office, to the Most Reverend Paul Terrio, Bishop of St. Paul Diocese. Bishop Terrio has informed the CCCB that half of the receipts will be shared with the Ministerial Association of Fort McMurray. The other half of these funds, (which are not matched), will help St. Paul Diocese to assist the parishes in Fort McMurray to rebuild or restore their losses.
This approach is the same proposed by the Archbishop of Edmonton and the Bishop of Calgary, from whom we take our lead.
Letter from CCCB President Bishop Crosby to Most Reverend Paul Terrio, Bishop of St. Paul Diocese
Letter from His Holiness Pope Francis on Fort McMurray
CNS photo/Chris Schwarz, Government of Alberta via EPA