I don’t mean this to sound curmudgeonly or to demean what other people are doing, but just to make a larger point. Yesterday, the Archdiocese of Boston announced what it had been doing as part of hurricane relief for the Gulf Coast. The list consists of all good things, but as I read I was struck by what wasn’t listed. See if you can figure out what that is:
The following is a brief, but significant, summary of what has been done thus far:
The Archdiocese through its collection for Catholic Charities USA is sending all funds collected to the relief of victims of the hurricane. This amounts to direct assistance to those in need. Such assistance at this time is absolutely the best help we can provide.
The Archbishop will make some presently unused buildings in the Archdiocese available for transitional housing for victims of the hurricane. These facilities will be available for individuals and families now housed at the Cape and for others who may be sent to us through Catholic Charities USA.
Caritas Christi has made doctors and nurses available to the evacuees at Camp Edwards on the Cape.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese is participating in an ecumenical effort to link congregations with the needs of those who have come to Massachusetts. Details about this program will be made available to parishes as soon as they are finalized.
Catholic Charities is providing professional assistance of counseling, social services and translations, as these are needed at Camp Edwards. Boston Catholic Charities will also make its staff resources available to Catholic dioceses in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama as needed.
