In light of the catastrophic conditions and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Bishop Edward M. Lohse, in accord with canon 1266 and along with The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has requested a second collection during the weekend of August 30/31st to assist with emergency humanitarian relief aid for the Gaza region. Monies collected will be divided equally to support the on-the-ground efforts of The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). 

Checks should be made out to the parish with a notation written in the reference line for “Gaza Relief Fund”. Funds collected will be sent to the Diocese for forwarding to the USCCB. You may also give directly to Catholic Relief Services at crs.org. The situation in Gaza and across the Middle East cries out for the assistance of the Catholic community of the United States. To expedite this process, all funds from the collection are due to the Diocese of Kalamazoo on September 12th, so we can get funds quickly to Gaza relief and save lives.