First Posted: 4/30/2015

SCRANTON — In union with Pope Francis and his brother bishops in the United States, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera is asking parishioners in the Diocese of Scranton to respond to the needs of the people of Nepal affected by the devastating earthquake that struck that country Saturday, April 24.

Bishop Bambera authorized a special collection to be taken up at all Masses of obligation in parishes of the Diocese this weekend, May 2-3.

The funds will be used to support the efforts of Catholic Relief Services as that agency addresses the immediate emergency needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter and medical care as well as the long-term needs to rebuild the communities in the regions hit with widespread destruction. A CRS team is already on the ground in Kathmandu, the capital city and one of the most affected areas, and its local partner Caritas Nepal has started distributing food and shelter.