Diocese of Rochester in formal partnership of hope,
healing with Archdiocese of New Orleans

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Roman Catholic
Diocese of Rochester today announced a
partnership agreement with the Archdiocese of
New Orleans to assist in long-term recovery
efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and
Rita. While individual parishes across the
country have formed alliances to offer long-term
help beyond financial assistance, this agreement
marks the first such relationship by a diocese as a
whole with the Archdiocese.
Details of the support offered by this agreement
will be worked out in the coming weeks, but
likely will include:
• Parish-to-parish partnerships matched up with the assistance of the Catholic
Charities USA national database.
• Diocese-to-diocese support in the form of volunteers and material support
• Other partnerships between schools (e.g. Newman Community groups on college
campuses), religious groups and involvement by area Roman Catholic deacons.
“This partnership is a long-term commitment and a pledge to help the rebuilding process
and to assist by whatever means we can to assuage the suffering,” Bishop of Rochester
Matthew H. Clark said.
This partnership comes in addition to the more than $500,000 in cash donations that
Diocese of Rochester parishes have already raised for hurricane relief on behalf of
Catholic Charities USA. As well, local Catholic Charities agencies throughout the
Diocese, as well as individual parishes, are actively supporting the various needs of a
number of evacuees who have come to this area.

“We wish to express our
Christian solidarity with
those affected by the
Hurricane and offer not
only our daily prayers
and donations, but
hands-on involvement in
the rebuilding process.”
~ Bishop of Rochester
Matthew Clark

“In announcing this agreement,” Bishop Clark added, “we wish to express our Christian
solidarity with those affected by the Hurricane and offer not only our daily prayers and
donations, but also our hands-on involvement in the rebuilding process. The partnership
is intended to focus our response as a Diocese, aligns our efforts with those already
underway by Catholic Charities and provides a concrete means for our parishes to
participate with direct assistance.
This agreement was prompted by not only the overwhelming devastation wrought by the
hurricanes but the outpouring of desire by individuals and parishes within our diocese to
respond in ways beyond giving money. This agreement goes to the heart of our
understanding of Christian fellowship and community. St. Paul tells us that we are part
of one body of Christ: “If one member suffers, we all suffer together with it.” (1
Corinthians 12:26)
The Archdiocese of New Orleans, which has been deeply affected by this tragedy, has:
• 480,000 Catholics in a general population of 1.4 million people, and includes the
City of New Orleans and 7 other neighboring civil parishes. Together, they have
suffered:
o Approx. 800 deaths
o The loss of over 300,000 homes
o The loss of approx. 250,000 jobs
• The Archdiocese itself has:
o 142 parishes, of which only 70 will be able to hold Eucharistic celebrations
this coming weekend of October 1. Of the remainder, perhaps 60 are
seriously damaged or destroyed.
o 220 diocesan and 195 religious priests, 800 religious sisters and 186
deacons

• The Archdiocese of New Orleans is trying to address the following needs:
o Basic human needs of its staff, parishioners and the general public
o Cash flow to keep operations going, especially as collections suffer through
the disruption
o Damage to churches, schools and other buildings

(The 12-county Diocese of Rochester has approximately 350,000 Catholics and more
than 150 faith communities.)
“Through these efforts over several years, the people of both dioceses expect to gain a
richer understanding of their own faith, new friendships and a larger sense of God’s work
in the world,” Bishop Clark said.

Four men will be ordained to the permanent diaconate on Saturday,
May 21, 2005 at a special 10:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Flower City Park.
They are Kevin R. Carges of Farmington, H. Wilson Johnson of Pittsford, David L. LaFortune of
Corning and Joseph J. Placious of Chili
A permanent deacon – most often a married man – is ordained for service within the church,
according to Deacon David Palma, director of deacon personnel for the diocese. A deacon’s
ministry ranges from Service of the Word (proclaiming the Gospel message, teaching, conducting
retreats and counseling), Service of the Altar (assisting at Mass, witnessing marriages, baptizing and
presiding at wakes and funerals) to Service of Charity (building up human dignity as ministers of
charity and justice).
Because deacons and their families normally live in the communities that they serve and hold secular
jobs, unless retired, they are uniquely positioned to promote Catholic social teaching.
Candidates for the diaconate must participate in four years of formation at St. Bernard’s School of
Theology and Ministry. Many deacons complete a master’s degree in theology.
The Diocese of Rochester has 104 active deacons.
Note to photojournalists: Please follow established guidelines for coverage during the Mass at Sacred
Heart Cathedral, staying in the balcony area or behind the baptismal font in the south area of the
sanctuary.
Four men to be ordained as deacons
Saturday at Sacred Heart Cathedral