October dedicated to prayer, adoration for those affected by Katrina

Jackson, Miss., Sep 19, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Catholics in the Diocese of Jackson have been called to dedicate the month of October to prayer and eucharistic adoration for those affected by Hurricane Katrina and those helping in the relief efforts.

Bishop Joseph Latino asked parishes to organize ample opportunities for the faithful to pray before the Blessed Sacrament throughout the month, reported the Mississippi Catholic.

“We have been so heavily involved in relief efforts and many of us are getting stressed and frayed around the edges,” the bishop said. “A month dedicated to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament will help us draw strength to continue this vital task at this moment in our history as a church family.”

Since the storm hit Aug. 29, Catholic Charities, the diocesan chancery staff and parishioners have been working non-stop to bring much-needed survival supplies to devastated areas. The diocese has also become a temporary home to thousands of evacuees.

“It is time for us to come together as a Catholic community and worship our God – a God who not only is with us and has been with us during this horrific time of suffering, but also has been reflected to those suffering in the hearts and actions of all who have been ministering to them,” Bishop Latino said.

The month of prayer will conclude with mass Oct. 29 at 11 a.m., celebrated in several parishes throughout the diocese.