Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The response to the Right Reverend Jean-Zache Duracin, Bishop of the Diocese of Haiti, and the appeal to rebuild the cathedral in Port-au-Prince after the devastating earthquake two years ago has been gratifying.
Last year, Calvary Church challenged the rest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh to match its pledge of $25,000. To date, we have raised over $46,000 in contributions or pledges toward our goal of $50,000. So, we still need less than $4,000. Although most of our parishes have already responded, we would like to have 100 percent representation. If you have not already done so, please consider contributing as you are able. If you have made a contribution and can do more, it would be much appreciated.
The cathedral was not only a place for worship, but also a cultural, educational, and spiritual center for the people of Haiti. Its murals of Biblical scenes were painted by Haitian artists in the 1950's. The Diocesan offices serve over 100,000 Episcopalians. More than 200 schools, health clinics, and hospitals serve the Haitians throughout the country. After the earthquake left destruction on the cathedral grounds, the 4,000 students of the professional, primary, and secondary schools that were there now meet under tin roofs held up by posts.
We hope to complete our efforts by March 1, 2012. Please send your checks or pledges to the Diocesan office, clearly designated for rebuilding the cathedral in Haiti. We welcome gifts from individuals in your congregations also; they should indicate their parish so it receives credit.
With greetings in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Kenneth L. Price, Jr.
Bishop of Pittsburgh
Nancy Lapp, Chair
Social Justice and Outreach Committee
Additional information and resources about the Diocese of Haiti can be found at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/HaitiAppeal/, and see the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article reporting Bishop Duracin's visit at http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11307/1187155-53-0.stm