My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I write you today to express my profound gratitude for the generosity of parishioners throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Our region has withstood an unprecedented number of tornadoes, straight-line winds, and powerful storms over the past few months. Since March of this year, our neighbors have been displaced, structures have been damaged, and members of our community have suffered injury and death. In these hours of despair where hope seems all but lost, Catholics in St. Louis have responded with love, compassion, and sacrifice.

I am mindful of the challenges these storms have presented for our Church. We have several buildings with severe damage, parishioners who find themselves unhoused, and communities in turmoil. And yet, in every tragedy, there has been hope. In every loss, there has been comfort. And in every setback, there has been a resolve to rebuild.

Twice now, we have asked parishes to engage in special collections for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Your generous response on each occasion has been an inspiration to those on the front lines. Thanks to your support, with the most recent tornado, Catholic Charities has been able to respond to nearly 3,000 urgent requests for assistance, providing food to the hungry, delivering essential supplies, helping families secure stable housing, and offering compassionate care to those with the greatest needs.

At the same time, Catholic Charities is working with those affected by other tornadoes in Washington County, Perry County and Jefferson County. Catholic Charities will be with those in need for the long haul. Your overwhelming generosity empowers us to be present in the hardest-hit areas and will play a critical role in the long road to recovery for our neighbors.



On behalf of myself, President and CEO of Catholic Charities, Dr. Jared Bryson, and all those who have been affected, I wish to express my sincerest thanks for your sacrifice. As I consider the many gifts we have been given, I am mindful of Psalm 23, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff comfort me.” We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, to spread not just his message of peace, love, and mercy, but to exemplify his unceasing care for the vulnerable and those who are hurting.

I am incredibly grateful to the many families who have given us the means to respond in love. Please know of my ongoing prayers for you and my deep appreciation for the generosity and compassion of Catholics in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski