Updates from Missions Office - March, 2011

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Response:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is responding in Japan through its partner, Caritas Japan, the humanitarian agency of the Japanese Catholic church. Caritas Japan has indicated that for now it will not be involved in immediate relief work, a huge operation run by the Japanese Army, but will focus on long-term recovery. In a statement, Caritas Japan noted that the damage is not only physical but also psychological. “We will accompany people who lost their beloved, who lost everything and may stay at temporary shelter, and who have no one to rely on.” As mentioned on our website since last Friday, individuals in western Washington wishing to offer financial gifts can donate online to CRS through the Archdiocese of Seattle. (Note: if parishes collect or wish to make donations, please send parish checks to CRS through us*). More information, prayer resources and updates as we receive themcan be found on our website.

Catholic Relief Services Collection: April 2/3
This annual national collection of the U.S. church will be held as scheduled in all of our parishes early next month. CRS is able to respond to disasters around the world, such as the one in Japan, in part because of this collection which also helps to leverage foundation and multi-government grants. Our thanks to all of you for your personal and community support of this vital response to the poor by six agencies of the Church, including CRS. More information.

Days of Action to Confront Global Poverty:
If you have not yet done so, please join “Catholics Confront Global Poverty,” a campaign of CRS and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, for “days of action,” telling Congress that it is morally unacceptable for our nation to balance its budget on the backs of poor people at home and abroad. Fiscal responsibility is important, but it requires shared sacrifice, not disproportionate cuts in programs that serve poor persons. Find out more and what you can do to take action. (Note: March 15 is the “Day of Action” but any time this week is a good time to act!)

Grateful for your service,

your Missions Office staff
*Archdiocese of Seattle, 710 9th Ave, Seattle WA 98104
missionsoffice@seattlearch.org
(206) 382-4580; (800) 869-7028