Saturday, January 16, 2010

Prep for Haiti


Dear Tom,

In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, St. Joseph's Prep is putting together several opportunities to help the people of this distressed country and the relief efforts underway there. Not only do we have students and staff from Haiti, or who have family members there, but the Jesuit community has served in the country for years as missionaries, working to help the people of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, St. Joseph's Prep has been and will be going to the Dominican Republic on the border of Haiti to help rebuild communities as part of the various opportunities for summer service.

All our efforts will be coordinated through the Mission and Ministry Office. At this time, our efforts include:

-- Dress Down Day for students, faculty and staff on Friday, January 22. All participants are asked for a $5 donation;
-- Donations (checks made payable to Jesuit Relief Services/USA with "Haiti Earthquake Relief" written in the memo or cash) will be collected during homeroom from January 19-22;
-- A coin drop in the Dining Hall and at Chief's Place all week;
-- A Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday after school (2:45 p.m.) in the Chapel to pray for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

All money collected at the Prep will be given to the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and will be distributed through JRS programs in the Dominican Republic, Jesuit parishes and other Jesuit programs in Haiti. Alumni can send their donations to us as a conduit to the JRS. Please note that all checks must be made payable to Jesuit Relief Services/USA and not St. Joseph's Prep.

"For many years Jesuit Refugee Service has had a grassroots presence in Haiti and has provided humanitarian assistance to displaced Haitians in both the Dominican Republic and along the Haitian border. In addition, JRS has responded to the needs of Haitians following successive natural disasters, a food crisis, and repeated hurricanes."

- Excerpt from a letter from Rev. Kenneth J. Gavin, S.J.,
National Director of JRS.


If you would like to donate directly to JRS, please go online and select "Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund" from the "Purpose" menu.

Or you can send a check to:

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
1016 16th Street NW Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036


Checks should be made payable to "Jesuit Refugee Service/USA."

Please clearly note "Haiti Earthquake Relief" in the memo field on the check.


Let us continue to offer up our support not only with our financial assistance, but also with our prayers, thoughts and awareness.



Sincerely,

Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. '59
President

Michael Gomez
Principal

Sam Deitch
Director, Ignatian Service

Brian Reinhart
Co-Director, Campus Ministry


Jesuit Refugee Service


Prayer

God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.

In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.

Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti.

Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.

With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.

For our Brothers and Sisters in Haiti Affected By the Earthquake
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the Haitian people, that help comes to them quickly and comfort comes to those who hurt.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the lost or buried, that they are found and reunited with their loved ones.
Lord, hear our prayers.

For the relief workers, that they have the tools they need, the courage and the strength to respond fully.
Lord, hear our prayers.

For the families in Haiti and in the United States who are waiting to hear from loved one, that good news comes to them.
Lord, hear our prayers.

For those whose who have perished, may their souls rest with you, oh Lord, where they will find eternal love.

Amen.


A • M • D • G

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