Late in the afternoon on Thursday December 22nd, just 3 days before Christmas, Catholic Charities staff were met with a wonderful surprise. Like something out of a storybook, four boxes of pre-wrapped Christmas gifts were unexpectedly delivered without a note. With a little work, staff were able to track down the generous elves who put together this wonderful donation. “I was surprised when the boxes were delivered,” recalled Mr. Daniel Altenau, director of disaster services…. Read More
The overriding theme of tonight’s Gala can be summarized in two words: “thank you,” and they are addressed to each of you gathered here this evening. While your generous support of Catholic Charities and its mission to provide direct assistance to those in most need does not carry your expectation of being recognized and thanked, it is my hope and prayer that you allow our sincere and heartfelt expression of gratitude to be conveyed. It… Read More
Homeowners, renters and business owners in the following counties are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as they may be eligible for disaster assistance Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Pender, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrrell, Washington, Wayne and Wilson . Residents should register with FEMA even if they have insurance, but only if their property was damaged by the floods… Read More
Make an Online Donation North Carolinians, including many within the boundaries of the Diocese of Raleigh, are feeling the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew. The state reported 20 storm fatalities, more than 80,000 homes without power and 2,000 rescues as of Oct. 12. And the situation could get worse before it gets better. Waters, such as the Neuse and Tar rivers, are forecasted to crest around Saturday, creating additional inland flooding that could be potentially… Read More
By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic Charities agencies joined emergency response efforts in coastal communities in four Southeastern states as residents and parish staffers began returning to assess the damage Hurricane Matthew left behind. Some evacuation orders remained in effect in South Carolina, where the storm came ashore Oct. 7, dumping up to 18 inches of rain in communities near Charleston. High water blocked some roads, preventing people from returning to their… Read More
News of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew here in North Carolina is saddening. As rivers continue to rise, more damage and more need for relief efforts in the coming days is expected. Given the magnitude of this disaster and the need for a timely response, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge has asked that parishes take up a special collection for Hurricane Matthew relief efforts, to be used here in eastern North Carolina. The… Read More
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge offers the following statement: I ask for prayers from all of the faithful in the Diocese of Raleigh and from all people of goodwill for those who have been impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew. I express deep sympathy for the families of those who have died here in North Carolina, in other parts of the US, and throughout the Caribbean. I also ask for prayers for the first… Read More
Early this morning, the Diocese of Raleigh was informed that Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, who has led the Raleigh Diocese for the past 10 years, has been appointed by Pope Francis to serve as the Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. Today at 10:00 a.m., Bishop Burbidge will lead a press conference in the Diocese of Arlington in which he will be introduced as the Bishop of that Diocese, succeeding the current Bishop, Most… Read More
For the past year, Ms. Maty Ferrer, Director of Centro para Familias Hispanas, a program of Catholic Charities, attended the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs meetings as a member of the public. During that time, she had the opportunity to be an active participant and contribute to the topics that were being discussed. This allowed the council to see not only her knowledge, but also the passion Ms. Ferrer brought to representing and advocating… Read More