The shortest verse in Sacred Scripture is “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). In our pain, Jesus weeps with us. Following the devastation of Hurricane Ida, wildfires in California, flooding in Tennessee, and turmoil in Afghanistan, the funds collected during the Disaster Relief 2021 Voluntary Special Collection will become part of the Bishop’s Emergency Disaster Fund. It will be used to support the response of Catholic Charities USA and/or Catholic Relief Services for immediate emergency needs such as water, food, shelter, and medical care as well as aid in long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts. Please prayerfully consider making a donation. To donate, note “Disaster Relief 2021” when giving by check or online to your parish, and continue to pray for all of those affected.