Parish Partnership Program Also Helping Gulf Coast

Parish Partnership Program Also Helping Gulf Coast Parishes

CHICAGO, IL - The Catholic Church Extension Society will provide $5 million in rebuilding grants to six Gulf Coast dioceses affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The funds will be used to rebuild and repair churches, chapels, and parish buildings in the Dioceses of Biloxi, Mississippi, Beaumont, Texas, and New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Houma-Thibodeaux, in Louisiana. Immediately following the catastrophic storms, Catholic Extension provided $460,000 in emergency relief funds.

"We are pleased to respond to some of the tremendous needs facing these areas affected by the hurricanes," said Catholic Extension President Bishop William R. Houck. "We obviously cannot solve all of the problems, but it is our privilege and our responsibility to do all we are capable of doing in offering our emotional, spiritual, and financial support. We are extremely grateful to our donors who are passionate about pitching in and helping their fellow Catholics in need."

Bishop Houck indicated that the rebuilding effort will take a number of years to complete, and expressed gratitude for the contributions that have made the $5 million grants-in-aid possible.

"We have all been touched deeply - not only by the extent of the destruction, but also by the response of so many Americans," Bishop Houck said. "In a time when we are seeing so much violence, the example of this caring for others and generous sharing of resources gives all of us hope."

Catholic Extension will continue its fundraising efforts to help these dioceses rebuild while also continuing its regular commitment to support the needs of the other home mission dioceses. Contributions can be made online at www.catholicextension.org, or mailed to Catholic Church Extension Society, P.O. Box 2303, Chicago IL 60606.

In September, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Task Force called upon Catholic Extension to head up a Parish Partnership Program to connect parishes across the country with the affected Gulf Coast parishes during the long process of rebuilding communities, parishes, schools, and lives.

To date, more than a hundred parishes have registered with the Parish Partnership Program. Parishes with an interest in helping a Gulf Coast parish are encouraged to sign up for the program online at www.catholicextension.org or by calling Bridget Monahan at 312-795-6073.

Founded in 1905, the Chicago-based Catholic Extension works to support the Church in poor, remote and rural areas of the United States by providing grants to support church construction; vocations; subsidies for priests, religious and lay missionaries; religious education and evangelization programs; and disaster relief. Catholic Extension is the leading supporter of America's Catholic missions, distributing more than $20 million this year.