Loyola’s University Ministry will donate all collections taken up during Masses to Japanese disaster relief during this Lenten season.
The donations will then go to Catholic Relief Services, where they will be sent to Caritas Japan, a committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan. The committee cooperates with the activities of the worldwide Catholic Church in the fields of relief, welfare and development. Caritas itself is a Catholic global movement that aims for solidarity for a fairer world.
“Once the money collected by CRS goes to Japan, it’s up to Caritas to administer it where it’s most needed. This is just the beginning of a long-term strategic plan to help rebuild Japan,” said Nick Albares, employee of CRS in New Orleans.
“I think it’s really good that the school is donating the Lenten collections. I think it is important to help in whatever way we can, even though it may not be directly affecting us,” said Brittney Holmes, mass communication senior.
Others at Loyola have been donating to Japan as well. The baseball team wanted as many as possible to attend the March 25 game against Lee University in order to aid relief efforts in Japan. The department of Athletics and Wellness is donating a portion of the proceeds from the game to NOLA Japan Quake Fund, and members of the Japan Club of New Orleans were there accepting donations.
The Loyola University Sociology Student Organization has also played a part in Loyola’s relief efforts. They set up tables in the Danna Center this week, selling various foods, such as curry and cookies, to raise money for Japan.
“We were originally were planning on raising money for a different cause this week, but the Japan disaster is a much more pressing issue,” said Max Ciolino, sociology senior.
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