WHEELING—Several West Virginia communities are once again devastated after another severe flash-flooding event that occurred July 21. The scope of the devastation is not yet fully clear as flood waters still restrict access to many communities. Many roads, hospitals, churches, and emergency communication centers all remain closed or inaccessible in the wake of severe weather.

Most Rev. Evelio Menjívar, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, thanked all who have already come forward, including volunteers from our parishes, schools, and Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) to assist in the relief efforts as well as the first responders who continue to assist the victims of this horrific event. “West Virginia is truly one community. The way the people of this state support each other, especially in times of great need like this, is a testament to how we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us now put that love into action by helping our sisters and brothers during this tragic time.”

To aid the relief efforts, Bishop Menjívar is asking all parishes and missions within the Diocese to conduct special collections on the weekends of August 1-2 or August 8-9. Checks should be made out to your respective parish with “Disaster Relief” on the memo line. Immediate donations to the relief effort can also be made today by clicking on the donate button above.

All of the funds collected will remain in West Virginia and will be managed by CCWVa. Monies will support both immediate and long-term needs met by CCWVa and affiliated Catholic agencies and will be allocated along a four-tier priority list as follows:

1. Parishes in and around the affected area who directly assist families will receive funds from this collection to give aid to those in need.
2. El personal regional de la CCWVa recibirá financiación para la asistencia directa a corto plazo a las víctimas en su recuperación.
3. Organismos asociados que colaboran con la CCWVa para administrar ayuda a los residentes de Virginia Occidental afectados por las inundaciones.
4. Any funds remaining will be given to CCWVa for long-term humanitarian and recovery efforts. This fund will assist families long after other organizations have moved out, helping families and individuals in the rebuilding process to restore safe, secure, and sanitary living conditions.

Por favor, recuerden en sus oraciones a todos aquellos cuyas vidas han cambiado tras estas catástrofes. Unámonos ahora para apoyar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Cristo que han resultado heridos y han perdido sus casas, coches, empleo y acceso a alimentos y agua.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026