October 29, 2025 - Archdiocese of Boston Special Collection for Hurricane Melissa Relief

Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm with winds of 180 mph when it made landfall in Jamaica, has caused enormous damage, cut a path of destruction and led to many deaths and injuries. Among the other countries in the region impacted include Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Cuba. The storm has brought torrential rainfall, life-threatening flooding and caused enormous damage to power and communications capabilities. 

Recognizing the immediate and expected need for assistance, Archbishop Richard G. Henning has requested that pastors consider taking up a special collection to support Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Pastors are encouraged to hold the collection at their discretion as early as this weekend but not later than the weekend of November 15 & 16. Parishes may determine other ways to lend support along with prayers and special intentions in responding to this natural disaster. 

CRS, already on the ground, will provide lifesaving support—including emergency shelter, clean water and essential supplies—to families most at risk. Per CRS, “Many families in the storm’s path live in fragile shelters or informal settlements, where flooding can be devastating and deadly.”

To process this collection, parishioners are asked to make their checks payable to their parish, with “Hurricane Melissa Relief” in the memo. The Archdiocese will process all funds raised directly to Catholic Relief Services (CRS).  

Archbishop Henning is grateful to the parishes of the Archdiocese for their expression of solidarity with those who are suffering. The Archdiocese has a long track record of stepping up in times of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis to help people all over the world recover and rebuild.