Over the past two weeks, we have seen Catholics putting their faith into action, and both national and local Catholic relief organizations have mobilized to meet the material and spiritual needs of hurricane victims in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida.
The people impacted by hurricanes Milton and Helene have seen devastation in their homes and communities.
Milton hit Florida and claimed at least 12 souls while the region was still struggling to recover from Hurricane Helene, which killed at least 227 across six states last month.
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) — the official domestic relief agency of the Catholic Church in the U.S. and a member of Caritas Internationalis, the church’s global network of humanitarian outreaches — launched dedicated disaster relief donation campaigns for victims across the southeast as a result of the natural disasters.
In times of disaster, Catholic Charities steps in to help those who are affected. They provide immediate necessities like food, water, shelter, and medical care. But they also stick around for the long haul, helping communities get back on their feet by offering support for housing, education, and other important services.
This kind of disaster relief fits with Catholic teachings. The Church recognizes the value of every human life, and emphasizes the importance of helping those who are struggling. You can see this in the story of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus tells a man to lend a hand to a stranger in need. It’s a powerful reminder of the Church’s message on the need for compassion and taking action.
Plus, Catholic social teaching emphasizes the idea of subsidiarity, which means helping out at the local level so that communities can take charge of their own recovery.
CCUSA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson has made a plea for Catholics to put their faith into action by reaching out and providing for the less fortunate.
“Our brothers and sisters urgently need our prayers and our support as Hurricane Milton brings life-threatening conditions to Florida communities, some of which are still reeling from Hurricane Helene,” she urged. “Please consider making a contribution today to bring critical relief to those suffering as a result of this storm.”
So far, they have distributed more than $1.9 million to Catholic Charities agencies in states affected by Hurricane Helene, and the agency said it “will stand by these communities through the long-term recovery.”
The faith-based relief is not only on a national stage. There have been numerous reports of local bishops in the affected areas opening their hearts and their arms to aid affected parishes.
“The only thing I can do here is to be with people, pray with them, and remind them that Jesus never leaves them,” said Bishop Michael T. Martin of Charlotte. “They’re tired, they’re worried, and they’re just overwhelmed.
“Jesus steps into that [situation] all the time. My goal was just to get here and be with people.”
The Catholic community’s response to disasters demonstrates the power of following Jesus into action and employing His compassion for individuals needing our support.
To make donations to the CCUSA relief fund, visit: catholiccharitiesusa.org