Solidarity with Katrina Victims, Helping the poor and vulnerable

Over a year ago, I attended a lecture on Solidarity given by St Mary’s University professor Steve Cortwright. It was fascinating to explore the real meaning of this word and concept as it is often misused and abused for political or ideological purposes. After a complete analysis about how the word has been used in Catholic social teachings, he left me with the most beautifully succinct definition of human solidarity, which can be simply described as looking at another person and not turning away.

Through the miracle of television, we have gotten to know some of the victims of hurricane Katrina and have heard their stories. We will hopefully hear more stories in the weeks to come. This has help to humanize the tragedy for those of us who can hardly imagine the degree of human suffering that continues to occur with death of loved ones, separation of families, and the destruction of stable lives through the lose of homes, clothing and means of income.

The pain is great; the need and its duration is great. As the months go on, let us make a concerted effort to remember in prayer and in deed the needs of our brothers and sisters who were in the path of Hurricane Katrina.

Bill May
Chairman, Catholics for the Common Good

Some Catholic Contribution Alternatives for Disaster Relief and Long-term Care of Survivors:

Catholic Charities Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund:

Call (800) 919-9338

OR

Donate to Catholic Charities Online

OR

Send checks to:

Catholic Charities USA
2005 Hurricane Relief Fund
P.O. Box 25168
Alexandria, VA 22313-9788

Catholic Charities USA is unable to accept contributions of food, clothing, blankets and other relief supplies. Its federal ID number is 53-0196620. Catholic Charities USA’s members — more than 1,400 local agencies and institutions nationwide — provide help and create hope for over 6.5 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For more than 275 years, local Catholic Charities agencies have been providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from day care and counseling to food and housing. For more information, visit www.catholiccharitiesinfo.org.

Knights of Columbus Katrina Relief Fund

The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council has pledged a minimum of $2.5 million in financial assistance and will match any funds beyond that donated to the Knights of Columbus Katrina Relief Fund over the next 60 days.

Donors in the United States should make checks payable to Knights of Columbus Charities USA, Inc. and send donations to:

Knights of Columbus Charities USA, Inc.
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 9028
Pittsfield, MA 01202-9028
Attention: Hurricane KATRINA Relief

Donors in Canada should make checks payable to Knights of Columbus Canada Charities, Inc. and send donations to:

Knights of Columbus
Canada Charities Inc.
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 7252 Station A
Toronto, ON M5W 1X9
Attention: Hurricane KATRINA Relief

Both your check and envelope should be clearly marked: Attention: Hurricane KATRINA Relief.