In early March, the Israeli government sealed borders to prevent aid from reaching the people of Gaza. Most Gazans cannot access the limited aid now being allowed into the country because it is dangerous and logistically challenging to retrieve.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has asked his brother bishops of the United States to assist with humanitarian relief efforts and pastoral support in the region through a second collection. He writes, “It is with great pastoral concern for the ongoing crisis in Gaza that I write to you today. Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Gaza and surrounding areas who are struggling to survive, protect their children, and live with dignity in dire conditions. The Holy Father continues to call for a cease fire and for aid to enter the territory, noting with great sorrow that ‘Gaza is starving.'”
The situation in Gaza and across the Middle East cries out for the assistance of the Catholic community of the United States. Bishop Walkowiak has asked the priests of the diocese to take up a second collection at Masses during the weekend of Aug. 23/24 in support of these humanitarian relief and pastoral support efforts.
Funds from the second collection will be split evenly between two organizations, The Catholic Near East Welfare Association and Catholic Relief Services. These Catholic organizations have well-established partnerships with the Catholic Church in the region which allow them to respond quickly and efficiently.
The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)
The Catholic Near East Welfare Association was founded by Pope Pius XI in 1926 as an instrument of love and a sign of hope for those in need scattered throughout the historic but unstable lands of the ancient Eastern churches — the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe.
Learn more about CNEWA’s work in the region
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Catholic Relief Services provides international aid and humanitarian assistance overseas on behalf of the U.S. Bishops. CRS has supported vulnerable communities in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza since 1961 and has maintained a continuous presence in the Gaza Strip since 1984.
Learn more about CRS’ work in the region
