Catholic parishes plan prayer services

The Archdiocese of Boston has planned a series of prayer services for the Boston Haitian community and friends: "The Office of Outreach and Cultural Diversity for the Archdiocese of Boston has announced a series of prayer services for those impacted by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Tonight, (January 14) there will be a prayer service at St. Angela's Church 1545 Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan at 6p.m. On Friday, January 15, there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 10:00 AM until 6:00 p.m. at St. Angela's Church in Mattapan On Friday evening, there will be a prayer service at 6p.m. at St. Matthew Church in Dorchester, 39 Stanton Street. As a reminder, the Cardinal is authorizing a second collection in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Boston. Parishes may choose either this coming weekend, January 16 & 17, or the weekend of January 30 & 31 to take the collection. Funds collected will be sent to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to assist in relief efforts in Haiti. CRS will coordinate with local and international agencies to determine how best to provide help where it is most needed. Parishes are requested to please send a check to the Archdiocese for the proceeds of the special second collection payable to the RCAB. In the memo portion of the check please note, "Haiti Relief Collection." In addition, the Cardinal announced that Catholic Charities Boston is actively engaged in working with the local Haitian community to assist families locally who have loved ones impacted by the earthquake. To stay informed, please visit www.ccab.org.