Diocese collects for tsunami relief effort

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
February 17, 2005

The Diocese of Sioux City has collected $185,254 to send to Catholic Relief Services for tsunami relief efforts.

The diocese has sent one check for $165,948 to Catholic Relief Services along with checks that were already made out to Catholic Relief Services. An additional $19,306 has been collected and will be sent at a later date.

"This is simply amazing," said Julie Luft, controller for the Diocese of Sioux City. "Usually our largest collection every year is Catholic Charities. Our next largest collection is the retirement for religious."

Msgr. Michael Sernett, chancellor for the Diocese of Sioux City, commented that this collection does not really compare to other collections that the diocese conducts. This is an emergency relief collection in response to a natural disaster and the others are scheduled collections that happen each year.

"I think people see the need," said Luft. "It seems to me that people give more when they can see an immediate need."

This is a time to "respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters who find themselves in crisis because of this natural disaster. More importantly, reflecting on our role as brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to reach out especially to the poor and those in need," explained Msgr. Sernett.

"The people of the Diocese of Sioux City certainly should be congratulated on the results of these collections," said Msgr. Sernett. "I know there is more coming in all the time. The people are still responding. The generosity certainly was poured out to the needy and the tsunami victims."

The money sent to Catholic Relief Services will be distributed to help with the tsunami relief efforts. A high percentage directly benefits the recipients. Ninety-eight percent of the money is sent to the particular cause that the collection is being taken and two percent is used for administration.

"The importance of this is being able to have the opportunity, during this time of year especially, for almsgiving," said Msgr. Sernett. "More importantly the mission of the church is always and has been to reach out to the poor and those in need. This always gives the Christian an opportunity to fulfill those Gospel values. That is ongoing, not seasonal, whenever the need is there. It is important that we respond to that missionary activity of the church."

The chancellor wanted to emphasize how grateful the Diocese of Sioux City is in the response that has been given to the tsunami relief collections.