Cardinal Justin Rigali, authorized a special collection in all the parishes of the Diocese, immediately, after the news of the devastation in Haiti was released. The collection has risen to $380,109, by now.

In addition, 65 parishes and schools have collected $276,202.31. Also, the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, located in Stockbridge, has collected an additional $37,000 for CRS from its local, national as well as international benefactors.

All the Diocese collections would be forwarded to the Catholic Relief Service, to assist its ongoing emergency relief work in Haiti. CRS is working with the on-site partners in Haiti to ensure that funds get utilized well, for the relief of the victims.

Donations can be made through all Catholic parishes or directly to the diocesan offices. The diocesan mailing address is Haitian Relief Fund, c/o Diocese of Springfield, P. O. Box 1730, Springfield, MA 01102-1730.

In addition, the diocesan Catholic Charities Agency will be offering a workshop for all persons from Haiti, residing in Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin and Berkshire Counties to provide them, an opportunity to apply for Temporary Protected Status, under the recent ruling through the U. S. Department of Homeland Security. The workshop will be held on February 9, at 10 a. m. in the Bishop Marshall Center located behind St. Michael's Cathedral at 254 State St., Springfield.