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WASHINGTON (September 13, 2001) -- Catholic Charities agencies are mobilizing to help victims and their families recover from the devastation in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all who were affected by this horrible act," said Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, president of Catholic Charities USA. "As our local agencies continue to assess the needs of their communities, many are providing grief counseling and emergency assistance to help people cope. Over the coming days, weeks, and months our agencies will continue to provide whatever services are necessary to see our neighbors though this difficult time."
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic bishops across the country, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that "[a]t this time of national tragedy, the bishops of the United States are gratified by the Catholic community's continued outpouring of comfort and concern for those seriously affected by the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. The Catholic community is reaching out to the victims of this mindless violence. We urge people who seek to help those in need to join with their fellow Catholics through Catholic Charities USA."
Catholic Charities USA has been commissioned by the U.S. Catholic bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster. Our Disaster Response Office connects the Church's social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation. Those who wish to contribute to the Sept. 11 disaster relief fund can call (800) 919-9338 or visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org. Checks may be sent to
Catholic Charities USA
PO Box 25168
Alexandria, VA 22313-9788