Dear Friend

CAFOD Haiti Earthquake Emergency Appeal – Please hold a special collection in your parish this weekend

People are removing rubble with their bare hands to find survivors in Haiti, where a massive earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale has devastated the capital. We fear that more than three million people could be in need of shelter, food, clean drinking water and medicine.

We know that you will be concerned about the people affected by this disaster and will want to do what you can to help. Because the need is so urgent, we would like you to hold a special collection in your parish this weekend for the CAFOD Haiti earthquake appeal.

Print off a reply coupon, fill in your parish details and send it with your donation at www.cafod.org.uk/replycoupon

The earthquake was so strong that it destroyed many buildings including the cathedral, the National Palace and the UN headquarters, as well as hundreds of thousands of homes. It is believed that tens of thousands of people have died including the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Monsignor Joseph Serge Miot.

We are in a strong position to respond on the ground in Haiti through our church partners, including Caritas Haiti who are assessing the situation right now and finding out what is most needed. Because the earthquake has been so destructive, most of the roads are impassable so our partners are travelling by motorbike or on foot to reach the most vulnerable people.

We will be working closely with Caritas International – a group of Catholic agencies from around the world – to get help to those who need it most. The money you raise will help our partners supply water, food, medicines and shelter to people in the worst affected areas and help people to rebuild their lives in the long term.

We know that you are busy preparing to support us during the season of Lent, but hope that you will understand the people of Haiti need our help urgently. We greatly appreciate your continued support and ask you to keep those affected by this disaster in your prayers.

Below is a prayer of intercession for the people of Haiti to use in your parish.

We pray for the people of Haiti, struggling with the devastating effects of the recent earthquake: that despite the destruction around them they may not lose hope and may find the strength to rebuild their lives. Lord in your mercy…

View a prayer for the people affected by the earthquake in Haiti and find out more about our response at www.cafod.org.uk/haitiappeal

The Disasters Emergency Committee, of which we are a member, is launching a Haiti earthquake appeal. Find out how to give at http://www.dec.org.uk

Many thanks in anticipation of your support.

David

David Cross
CAFOD Diocesan Manager
Diocese of Middlesbrough
54 Blossom Street
York
YO24 1AP

Tel: 01904 671 767
Fax: 01904 658 054