Marquette News Briefs
JANUARY 20, 2010

To the Marquette Community:

As we begin the second semester, the images and stories of the devastation in Haiti continue to astound us. We ask all of you to join us in prayer for the people of Haiti, both those killed in the earthquake and those survivors struggling in its aftermath, as well as the first responders who are providing medical and humanitarian assistance, and to think about how we can assist with the material needs facing the Haitian people.

A number of activities and fund-raising initiatives having been planned, and more will be forthcoming.


• The Church of the Gesu has planned a Mass at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, in support of the people of Haiti. Learn more about Gesu’s relationship with St. Jude Parish, located in Mon Opital, Haiti. A forum on Haiti will precede the Mass; it will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the lower church.


• Collection jars will be available at the Winter Flurry Spotlight Event Thursday evening and the dance Saturday evening. There will also be a card reader at Snowball for donations of Marquette cash.


• Additional collection points will be set up around campus in the next few days. Please watch for them.

All proceeds collected at Marquette will go to two agencies that we are confident are reaching and will continue to address the needs in Haiti: Catholic Relief Services and Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. All collections at Marquette Masses over the next four weekends will go to these two agencies, as will proceeds from several campus organizations planning fundraisers.

As people of faith, we want to help, to act. The question, of course, is how. How can we most appropriately respond to this tragedy? First and foremost, our prayers are needed. And while many will be inclined to want to do something very practical — collecting food items, clothing, etc. — the agencies dealing with the situation advise that what is most needed at this time is money. Unsolicited supplies and donations are clogging the UN/USA distribution system.

A number of academic departments and offices are planning educational sessions to help us learn more about Haiti and her people. Watch for announcements in News Briefs and around campus and check out www.marquette.edu/haiti for more information.

In the weeks ahead, we will continue to look for opportunities to help. If any of you have specific ideas, please contact either of us by phone or e-mail.

Asking with you God’s blessings on the people of Haiti,

Stephanie Russell                                       L. Christopher Miller
Vice President for Mission and Ministry         Vice President for Student Development
8-1881                                                       8-7206

 

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