Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, today announced that due to the generosity of the people of the Archdiocese of New York, the Archdiocese will be able to respond to the needs of  families, individuals, parishes, Catholic institutions and charities, and other community organizations that were harmed by Superstorm Sandy.  The proceeds of the special collection taken up in our parishes will be supplemented by The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation and the Cardinal’s Annual Appeal which will each contribute an additional $500,000 to the relief fund.   

 

The Cardinal had previously asked that a special collection be taken up in all of the Archdiocese’s nearly 375 parishes last weekend and this weekend.  Although the final tally for that collection will not be known until next week, pastors are reporting a generous response from the people to this special appeal for help.

 

Cardinal Dolan expressed his thanks to all those who have responded so selflessly in the wake of the devastation and hardship caused by Superstorm Sandy.  The Cardinal said, “Everywhere I go, everyone I speak to, the stories I hear are not just of the pain and destruction caused by Sandy, but the overwhelming goodness of people in helping those in need.  Catholic Charities and our parishes are doing a magnificent job in reaching out and providing help to people on Staten Island, in Lower Manhattan, and elsewhere, as are so many other agencies and individuals. This new fund will augment those efforts already underway in providing direct aid where it is needed most.”

 

A board of pastors from the most afflicted parts of the Archdiocese will oversee the distribution of the funds, to make certain that they go to the people and institutions most in need of assistance in recovering from this unprecedented storm.

 

“We have an obligation – a sacred duty – to help those who are hurting,” the Cardinal said.  “The efforts of the Catholic Church, along with so many other organizations and individuals, are helping us to fulfill this responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters in need.”