As an expression of our solidarity with the earthquake and tsunami victims, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong has adopted the following course of action in support of their emergency relief:

(1) A gathering presided over by Bishop Joseph Zen, SDB, will be held in the Cathedral, Caine Road, at 8:00 pm on Saturday, 1 January 2005. Special prayers will be offered for the earthquake and tsunami victims. We are cordially inviting our Catholic Church members and all other people who would like to join us in this cause.

(2) The diocese has made a donation of HK$1,000,000 as relief fund.

(3) Our parishes have provided special donation boxes for collecting relief funds outside Mass, until 7 January 2005.

(4) The Sunday collections on 1-2 January 2005 (Saturday evening - Sunday) in all parishes will be reserved for the above emergency relief purposes.

(5) Donations may be forwarded in one of the following ways:
(i) sent to the Office for International Cooperation, Caritas-Hong Kong, Room 603, Caritas House, 2 Caine Road, Hong Kong, by cheques made payable to "Caritas-Hong Kong" (with the indication "Earthquake and Tsunamis in South and Southeast Asia" at the back);
(ii) credited into Caritas-Hong Kong's account at any branch of Belgian Bank, A/C No. 649-578363-615, in the name of "Caritas-Hong Kong (Special Donations) No. 2 A/C";
(iii) credited into HSBC Current A/C (No. 502-476914-001) in the name of "Caritas-Hong Kong - Emergency A/C";
(iv) credited into Hang Seng Bank Current A/C (No. 773-027057-001) in the name of "Caritas-Hong Kong (Emergency) 2 A/C".

(6) Individual donors should indicate their names and addresses if they wish to have receipts for tax deduction purposes.

(7) All the donations will be sent to the countries and regions concerned through Caritas Internationalis.

(8) For enquiries, please call Ms. Winnie Kan at 3589 2514 or Ms. Michelle Tsang at 2843 4615.

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Lord God, enable us to support and to love each other. Help us realize your will in all uncertainties. Help us relieve the victims; wipe away tears of sorrow, and cherish life, your divine gift. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong
31 December 2004