|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
|
Diocesan Tsunami Relief Approaches
$1.5 million |
|
Funds Disbursed to CRS, Cor Unum
and Affected Areas |
|
|
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, February 8, 2005 - Today,
the Diocese of Rockville Centre announced it has
collected nearly $1.5 million from generous parishioners
for relief efforts aimed at assisting survivors of the
Dec. 26 tsunami that struck South Asia and Eastern
Africa. As of February 8, collections taken at weekend
Masses following the disaster have amounted to
$1,474,526. To date, 131 out of 134 parishes in the
diocese have remitted monies collected to the diocesan
Controller’s Office. St. Aidan’s parish in Williston
Park reported the largest Tsunami collection at $72,000.
The Diocese disbursed $500,000 in funds received to
Catholic Relief Services and $500,000 to the Pontifical
Council COR UNUM for Human and Christian Development.
COR UNUM is the Holy Father’s instrument for carrying
out special initiatives in the field of humanitarian
actions when disasters occur. The diocese is disbursing
the remaining money directly to local Churches and
religious orders in the affected areas of India, Sri
Lanka and Indonesia.
Following the disaster, Bishop Murphy authorized a
special collection be taken up in the parishes during
the weekend Masses of January 1-2, 2005.
“The outpouring of generosity from the people of Long
Island is moving and is an example of living the message
of the Gospel,” said the Most Reverend William Murphy,
Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
“What particularly touched me were the efforts of our
school children, pulling together and holding all sorts
of creative fund raisers for the victims, from offering
up their snack money, to the selling of special
bracelets, to the dress-down days and various dances
that have occurred in the diocese over the past month.
For these efforts I’m deeply grateful and I thank them
for their hard work and generosity.”
About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Diocese of Rockville Centre was formed in 1957 and
covers 1,222 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk
Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.5 million
Catholics (total population in both counties is
approximately 3 million). There are 134 parishes in 119
towns. Last year over 21,000 baptisms, 18,000
confirmations, 21,000 first communions and 5,000
marriages took place in the diocese. There are 2,622
students in kindergarten, 26,738 in primary or
elementary school, 11,979 in secondary school and 9,310
in higher institutions. There are 77 Catholic elementary
schools, high schools and colleges/universities in the
diocese. Catholic Health Services of Long Island
consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, two
home care agencies, two senior housing complexes, a
community-based home for those with special needs and a
hospice. These facilities served over 743,000 people
last year. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more
than 80,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and
disadvantaged on Long Island. For more information visit
www.drvc.org
For more information:
Sean P. Dolan
sdolan@drvc.org
516-678-5800, ext. 625
Cell: 516-313-8215
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* * * * *
Click
here to go back
|
