North Carolinians are still feeling the effects of Hurricane
Matthew, which hit the state Oct. 9.
In the aftermath, Catholic Charities staff and Arlington Bishop
Michael F. Burbidge (former Bishop of Raleigh) traveled to some of the hardest
hit areas to assess the damage and bring relief. Bishop Burbidge also called
upon Catholics in Raleigh to contribute to a second collection for long-term
assistance.
To date, $382,000 has been raised within eastern North Carolina. Dec.
21, Bishop Burbidge informed the Diocese of Raleigh that through special
collections initiated by Bishop Paul S. Loverde, his predecessor in the Diocese
of Arlington, an additional $68,017 had been raised.
“Please allow me this opportunity to thank Bishop Paul Loverde
for initiating this important effort and for the continued solidarity he and
Bishop Burbidge have shared with us following the effects of Hurricane
Matthew,” said Msgr. Michael Shugrue, diocesan administrator of the Diocese of
Raleigh. “The donations from his generous parishioners in the Diocese of
Arlington will go a long way to help bring relief to those still suffering from
the recent flooding. I also want to thank the parishioners of the Diocese of
Raleigh for their support of the flood victims and for those volunteers who
have been so courageous in their witness to the Corporal Works of Mercy.”
