Prayers & Action for Victims of Katrina

For those who died in Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath:

Lord, as we mourn the sudden death of our brothers and sisters who died in Hurricane Katrina, comfort us with the great power of your love, and strengthen us in our faith that they are with you for ever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, may they rest in peace. Amen.

For those suffering due to Hurricane Katrina:

All powerful Father, God of mercy and compassion, look kindly on those who suffer due to Hurricane Katrina. Ease their burden and make their faith strong, that they may always have confidence and trust in your fatherly care. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.Father of mercy, You always answer your people in their suffering. We thank You for your kindness and ask You to free us from evil, that we may serve You in happiness all our days. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for the Rescue Workers

Lord, please strenghten the rescue workers and give them the resources your people need. Enable them to reach all who need help quickly and effectively. Give strength, hope, and faith to all those who are in need at this time. I ask this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Other Prayers to say: Pray the rosary as a family (or at least part of the rosary) for the victims, the survivors, and for the rescue workers.

Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the victims.

Spend part of your Holy Hour during Eucharistic Adoration lifting up the victims in prayer.

Pray the Scriptures -- the psalms or other passages -- which offer encouragement and hope to those who are suffering. Since we are all one body in Christ, we all suffer in union with our brothers and sisters.

Scripture Passages to meditate on and share:

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. "

~ Jeremiah 29: 11-12

"Those 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 40:31

"I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I will help you."

~ Isaiah 41:13

12 Ways to Help:

1. Pray for and with victims and their families, that they will find their fears calmed, that they will be given hope in their loss, and that they will be given the strength to begin anew.

2. Listen to the local news to find out about relief efforts in your area and how you might participate.

3. Set aside some portion of your income to help those in need and donate it to charities such as Catholic Charities, Knights of Columbus, or your local church or diocese or other reputable charity.

4. Offer hospitality to displaced persons and families.

5. Offer to care for the pets of those who have been displaced.

6. Write a letter of hope and encouragement to victims and send it to your local politicians, and to your local newspaper editor.

7. Smile and act courteous toward every person you meet. They may not be a victim, but they may have family or friends who are victims. You never know who you meet that may be affected by this tragedy and how much one small act of kindness or love can affect their lives.

8. Go to a charitable site and offer your services as a volunteer.

9. Organize a Mass or prayer vigil at your church.

10. Pray for those who have died, and for their families and friends who grieve.

11. Invite the Red Cross to sponsor a bloodmobile in your parish or community.

12. Talk to your children and your family about the disaster. Encourage them to express their feelings with pictures or words. Answer their questions honestly. Let them know that such disasters are rare. Assure them of their safety and your protection. Assure them of God's love for them. Find concrete ways for your children to get involved in helping the survivors.