Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has invited all 257 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to consider taking up a special second collection for relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy during the weekend of November 24-25, 2012.

In his column on CatholicPhilly.com this week, Archbishop Chaput said, "Hurricane Sandy's human imprint, its extraordinary devastation and suffering will be with us for a very long time . . . A Christian community-a community of believers in Jesus Christ-defines itself by the generosity of its people. Catholics in Philadelphia have again and again shown their willingness to help other people in need, and especially the victims of disaster."

All contributed funds will support Catholic Social Services' relief efforts for hurricane victims locally and in other dioceses.

The collection, which is optional, will take place at Masses on the weekend following Thanksgiving. It is hoped that, as people take the opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings present in their lives, they will be as generous as possible to those who are still lacking basic necessities and common comforts.

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Editor's Note: To read Archbishop Chaput's column regarding Hurricane Sandy relief efforts please visit www.catholicphilly.com. For information on Catholic Social Services in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit www.catholicsocialservicesphilly.org.

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