SPECIAL COLLECTION SEPT. 6-7, FOR GAZA RELIEF
FROM THE DESK OF BISHOP MARK BRENNAN:Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In recent months, our hearts have been deeply moved by the suffering of so many in the Holy Land, particularly in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has led to devastating humanitarian consequences. Thousands of families have been displaced, and essential resources such as food, water, medical care, and shelter remain critically scarce. Amid these hardships, our Christian brothers and sisters in the region continue to bear witness to the Gospel in the face of profound adversity.
In solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land and in response to the call of Pope Leo XIV for the global Church to offer both spiritual and material support, I am asking all parishes in our diocese to participate in a Special Collection for Gaza Relief on the weekend of September 6-7, 2025. Funds collected will be sent to The Catholic Near East Welfare Association and Catholic Relief Services, both reliable Catholic charitable organizations who are already working on the ground to provide emergency humanitarian assistance.
Checks are to be made payable to your respective parish/mission and on the memo line indicate Gaza Relief Collection. The parish/mission will then send one check for all contributions for this collection to the DWC Finance Department, attention – Flor Prianti.
I urge you to give as generously as you are able. Please also continue to pray fervently for peace in the Holy Land, for those who suffer from violence and displacement, and for our Church’s ongoing witness of hope and reconciliation in this sacred yet wounded region.
Sincerely in Christ,
+Mark E. Brennan Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston
