October 11, 2005

Dear Father Williams,

I am so grateful for your faith community's gift of $5900.00 which will support the ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Your compassion is a true blessing for the victims of these tragedies.

Because of the overwhelming devastation of the hurricanes, we have established two funds: the first (and largest) fund is for Catholic Charities USA which will use each donation wisely - with approximately 96 percent of contributions used for emergency response and recovery efforts. Catholic Charities USA has been distributing emergency grants to Catholic Charities agencies in the affected areas. These are the first of many grants to local agencies as our Church engages in the long-term recovery, which may take up to five years.

The second fund is for our local efforts, here in Western Washington, and for direct assistance to dioceses, parishes and schools in the Gull coast areas. Our Catholic Community Services and Archdiocesan Housing Authority are providing counseling, tuition help, temporary housing and other humanitarian services for dozens of evacuees in Western Washington.

It is my hope that this- wonderful spirit endures as we continue to recover from these tragedies and help heal the spirits of those people whose lives were forever changed by the hurricanes in the Gull coast areas.

Please join me in keeping these victims, survivors and evacuees in our prayers during this difficult time. Thank you again for your generosity and heartfelt concern.

Sincerely yours in Christ

Most Rev. A J. Brunett
Archbishop of Seattle