Haiti Earthquake release

Diocese of Venice requests prayers and contributions for people in Haiti

Collection to be held this weekend to support victims

STAFF REPORT

VENICE –

The Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, sends his condolences to the victims and their families who were caught in this devastating earthquake which struck the island nation of Haiti on Jan. 12.

The Diocese of Venice is home to a vibrant Haitian Catholic community with Mass celebrated at six parishes each weekend.

Bishop Dewane said Wednesday: “I want to extend my prayers and my profound sympathy for those impacted by this earthquake that devastated Haiti. Many people in the Diocese of Venice are worried about the loss of both family members and friends who are in Haiti. I ask everyone to pray for those who suffer. We all know this nation with a significant Catholic population is a country of absolute poverty which is also vulnerable to natural disasters and they desperately need our help at this time.”

The Diocese of Venice in Florida will be taking up a special collection at all Masses this weekend (Jan. 16-17). All money collected will directly aid the victims who have been affected by this tragedy.

More importantly, throughout the Diocese of Venice during the coming week Masses will be held at which the faithful will pray for the victims of the earthquake.

All men and women of good will are encouraged to come together to support their brothers and sisters who are suffering through this devastation.

Those who would like to be part of this undertaking can join in by sending a check to: Diocese of Venice in Florida, Attn: Haitian Relief, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. Make all checks payable to “Diocese of Venice: Haitian Relief.”

People can also make a contribution online by visiting the Diocese of Venice Web site at www.dioceseofvenice.org and click the “Haitian Relief” link.

“The generosity, and most of all your prayers, will give strength, hope and comfort to the people of Haiti,” Bishop Dewane said.