Chaput calls for special Sandy collection

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput is encouraging Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join in the post-Sandy relief efforts with a special collection the weekend of Nov. 24-25.

Funds from the Archdiocese's 257 parishes will go to the Catholic Social Services' Sandy-related relief efforts, according to a press release.

"It is hoped that, as people take the opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings present in their lives," the release reads, "they will be as generous as possible to those who are still lacking basic necessities and common comforts."

In his weekly column, published Thursday, Chaput described Sandy as having a much deeper impact than Tuesday's election for many people.

"Most of the time, for most people, political passion is viral: It appears and disappears like the flu every campaign season," the column reads. "Hurricane Sandy has come and gone as well. But its human imprint, its extraordinary devastation and suffering, will be with us for a very long time."

This week's column, titled "What a 'Community of Believers' Really Means," calls for donations and support of relief efforts.

"A Christian community . . . defines itself by the generosity of its people," the column reads. "Please give your financial support to these vital Sandy relief efforts through Catholic Charities USA. And please be as generous as you can."