All parishes encouraged to contribute during Masses July 18-19
A priest holds a monstrance at the site of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela, July 1, 2026, in the aftermath of earthquakes. Two catastrophic earthquakes hit Venezuela in quick succession June 24, leaving at least 3,500 dead, which experts say is a major undercount. (OSV News photo/Ricardo Arduengo, Reuters)
CHARLOTTE — Building on Bishop Michael Martin's call for Catholics to support victims of the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte will take up a special collection during Masses this weekend, July 18-19, to aid the Church’s humanitarian response.
The collection comes as the Church in Venezuela and Catholic Relief Services continue emergency relief efforts after twin earthquakes claimed thousands of lives and left countless others in need of lifesaving aid.
The special collection is part of the diocese’s response to an appeal from the Church in Venezuela and the U.S. Catholic bishops for people to support those affected, many of whom are still searching for loved ones and digging out from rubble.
Funds collected in parishes will go directly to the emergency response Catholic Relief Services is coordinating with Caritas Venezuela and the local Church to quickly deliver emergency shelter, food, water, medical care and other critical relief to survivors.
“Our diocese will answer the call for Catholics and all people of goodwill to stand in solidarity with those affected in Venezuela,” Monsignor Patrick Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and chancellor, wrote in a letter to pastors announcing the special collection.
Parishioners may contribute directly through their local parish or donate online through Catholic Relief Services’ Venezuela earthquake relief campaign.
“As we lift up those who are suffering throughout the world in prayer,” Monsignor Winslow wrote, “may we also open our hearts to God’s call to be instruments of His compassion and peace.”
How to help
A special collection will be taken up in parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte this weekend, July 18-19. Checks may be made payable to the parish and marked “Venezuela Relief.”
Donations also may be made anytime securely online through Catholic Relief Services’ Venezuela earthquake relief appeal: https://www.crs.org/donate/venezuela-earthquake