14 May 2008

Bishop Murphy Expands Authorization of Special Collection to Include Disaster Relief in China

ROCKVILLE CENTRE,  NEW YORK —  Bishop William Murphy, Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, authorized that a special collection be taken up at the 133 parishes in the diocese to assist the victims of the devastating cyclone that hit Myanmar last week.  Today, he expands that authorization to also include disaster relief in China as a result of the May 12, 2008 magnitude 7.9 earthquake.  Pastors may take up a single collection for both efforts or separate collections if they so wish.

To contribute to the diocesan Myanmar Cyclone/China Disaster relief effort, parishioners are asked to contact their local parish.  Donations can also be sent to the Diocese of Rockville Centre, P.O. Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023.  Donors are asked to mark “Disaster Relief” on their envelope and in the memo section of their check. 

Please remember in prayer those who have lost and suffered so much as well as the relief workers.

About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Diocese of Rockville Centre www.drvc.org was formed in 1957 and covers 1,198 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million Catholics (total population in both counties is approximately 2.8 million). There are 134 parishes in 115 towns. Last year over 18,000 baptisms, 18,000 confirmations, 19,000 first communions and 4,000 marriages took place in the diocese. There are approximately 22,000 students in Catholic elementary schools; 13,000 in secondary schools and 3,300 in higher institutions. There are 69 Catholic elementary and high schools and one Catholic college in the diocese. There are also 120,189 total students in religious education. Catholic Health Services of Long Island consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, a community-based home for those with special needs and a hospice. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more than 59,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on Long Island. (4/20/07)

 

Contact: Diocese of Rockville Centre
Sean P. Dolan
516-678-5800, ext. 625
rvcinfo@drvc.org