August 30, 2005

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The tragedy that Hurricane Katrina brought the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama is unprecedented in scope and severity. We are shocked and saddened by the devastation. At this time, we do not even know how many people have been killed by the storm, how many will be left homeless, and what challenges our neighbors will face in the coming days, beyond that the need will be extreme, and the continued risk to life and health must be addressed swiftly.

Having endured our own recent catastrophic hurricane, we can certainly understand some of the difficulties, although no one can truly comprehend what the days ahead will bring. After Hurricane Ivan last September, many good people all over the country came to our aid. It is now our turn to reciprocate.

As the governmental authorities conduct search and rescue missions, we offer our heartfelt prayers for all those who have been impacted. As relief and recovery follow rescue efforts, we will continue to pray as we pledge our solidarity with all the storm victims.

I have asked that all parishes of our diocese take a special second collection next weekend, September 4th, for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Our diocese will also accept donations, by mail and through our website, which will be forwarded to Catholic Charities in the affected dioceses, as soon as communications are restored.

In the coming days, we will also provide additional assistance to the storm victims. The types of assistance will be determined by the most urgent needs of victims.

In the past, I have been overwhelmed at the profound generosity of the faithful in times of tragedy. I trust that, once again, you will be most generous in your response to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ
Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee