Responding to the Haitian Earthquake in Your Theology Class


Yesterday’s 7.0 earthquake was a catastrophic event for a country already suffering from tremendous heartache. Listed below are some opportunities for you and your students to get involved in the relief efforts. As time goes on there will be more and more opportunities for organized relief services. If you teach social justice, then please interrupt whatever you are teaching – this is time for both prayer and action!

Fact Sheets about Haiti (pre-earthquake)

“Haiti – Fast Facts,” Food for the Poor

“Haiti Fact Sheet,” Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights

“Haiti,” USAID

Haitian Earthquake Prayer Service

Leader: Let’s begin in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We gather today in prayer for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. May the Lord provide comfort to those in need and strength for those who aid them.

Reading: A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah

The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

Leader: The Response is “Lord, hear our prayer.”

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: For all those who died during the earthquake in Haiti, that they experience the peace of Christ in heaven. We pray.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: For families who have lost loved ones, that they would be comforted in their time of need.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: For the organizations and governments that will be providing aid during the coming weeks and months, that their work will be blessed with speed and efficiency.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: For an alleviation of the devastating poverty of the country of Haiti, that in the rebuilding of the country new structures would be set in place to assist in the growth of its people.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: Let us take a moment of silence for the people of Haiti.

All: Our Father…
All: Amen


Where can I donate?

Catholic Relief Services

American Red Cross released $200,000 in Aid

Food for the Poor

UNICEF

MercyCorps


Ways to stay connected with up-to-the-minute news on the relief efforts:

www.twitter.com/CatholicRelief

www.twitter/com/CRSnews

www.twitter.com/FoodforthePoor

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