Photo courtesy of Catholic News Herald
In response to the trail of flooding and devastation left by Hurricane Helene, Bishop Luis Zarama asked those in the Diocese or Raleigh to respond with "willing hands and open hearts" to assist our brothers and sisters in need. The bishop shared information about how parishioners could provide support to hurricane victims through Catholic Charities and also requested that parishes hold a second collection for hurricane relief.
The first relief check from the Diocese of Raleigh in the amount of $133,075.75 was issued to Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Charlotte this week.
“We received a near immediate response from nearly a third of our parishes and expect to be able to send even more relief funds in the coming weeks,” explained Russell C. Elmayan, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer for the Diocese of Raleigh.
Dr. Elmayan attributed the response to the common bonds we share as North Carolinians and as a people who have seen significant disasters on both sides of the state.
“The Diocese of Charlotte helped us very quickly and very generously when we suffered here in our diocese from hurricanes,” Dr. Elmayan said. “Now we have the opportunity to help them.”