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In this season of Advent, and as the second anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti approaches in January, we would like to gratefully acknowledge the generosity and hard work of dioceses and congregaions throughout the Church who are particpating in the Rebuild Our Church in Haiti appeal.  Every contribution helps.

As the Diocese of Haiti continues to plan its way forward, we wish also to acknowledge the four continuing Episcoapl dioceses that are engaging their congregations in mission by participating in the Rebuild Our Church in Haiti appeal, the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Diocese of Quincy, and the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.  These four dioceses too are planning their way forward and working to pursue their mission and ministry, and to respond to God's call.

Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth:
The people of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth gave enough money to more than triple Bishop Walllis Ohl’s goal of raising $11,000 by Ash Wednesday [March 9] to help in the rebuilding of the Cathedral Center in Haiti. Episcopalians gave $36,000 in less than two months.

Bishop Ohl reminded the diocese that Haiti is the largest diocese in The Episcopal Church, with more than 100,000 Episcopalians.  “Bishop Jean Zaché Duracin and the people of Haiti have asked for our help,” Bishop Ohl said, adding that The Episcopal Church, acting through the church’s Executive Council, has asked every Episcopal diocese and congregation to join in this effort.

Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh:
After challenging the Diocese of Pittsburgh with a matching gift, Calvary Church, Pittsburgh, PA, under the leadership of the Rev. Harold Lewis, held a requiem Mass on November 2, to present gifts from congregations all over the Diocese to Bishop Duracin of Haiti.

The Rt. Rev. Ken Price, Provisional Bishop was enthusiastic about the challenge, saying, “When this project was first put forward, I was overwhelmed at the immediate and generous response from every one of our parishes. "

During the Mass, representatives from participating congregations came forward to present their offerings to the Rebuild Our Church in Haiti campaign. Additional gifts were collected at Pittsburgh’s Diocesan Convention on November 4.

"So many in the reorganizing dioceses were particularly sensitive to the need to rebuild Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince because we understand, in one real measure, what it is like to have your church torn apart by forces beyond your control. Our experience was the tearing apart of our people (with the resulting damage to mission and ministry and witness), their's was the tearing apart of the actual stones of their cathedral church (also with resulting damage to mission and ministry) and, also of course, the death of many of their people." The Rev. Jeff Murph, St. Thomas Church, Oakmont, PA

Diocese of Quincy
The Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of Quincy, John C. Buchanan, reflected on how participation in the Rebuild Our Church in Haiti appeal has been a healing experience for his diocese as well.  "This very small reorganizing diocese set a goal for every man, woman and child to purchase one brick to Rebuild Our Church in Haiti. We have exceeded our goal. You will receive our check in the amount of $11,977.12. This has been a wonderful project for our struggling diocese, which has been estranged from the Episcopal Church for many years. It has been good for us to be apart of something larger than ourselves. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to be a part of the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church."

Diocese of San Joaquin:
The Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of San Joaquin, Chet Talton, challenged convention goers to donate "bricks" for Haiti, as well as to form a partnership with the Diocese of Haiti.  Talton finds common ground as he works to repair his fractured diocese.  "We here have some things in common with the church in Haiti. We too have been left suddenly without churches in which to worship just as they have been. Their suffering has been physical, emotional and psychological. Ours has been emotional and psychological. We also share with the Diocese of Haiti the determination to rebuild and recover our churches and diocese."

Thanks to every individual, congregation, diocese and Episcopal organization that is participating in Rebuild Our Church in Haiti.

Rebuild Our Church in Haiti is a national grass roots effort launched on the first anniversary of the magnitude seven earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. The appeal was authorized by Executive Council in response to the request from Bishop Jean Zaché Duracin and the people of Haiti to help rebuild Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

For more information, visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/haitiappealor email Terri Mathes at or call her at 717-599-0627.