On Monday, May 26, the Cathedral Basilica will gather for Mass at 8:00 am in recognition of Memorial Day.  This will be the only Mass celebrated here at the Cathedral on Memorial Day. 

May 19, 2025

 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The St. Louis region was once again devastated by a tornado this past weekend, and our neighbors in St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis desperately need our support. Many of our brothers and sisters have been displaced, and early reports indicate the damage inflicted by this severe storm impacted over 4,000 housing units and could exceed $1 billion in damages. In the City of St. Louis, hundreds of homes were completely destroyed.

 
Since late last week, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis has been working closely with City and County officials. We are helping to provide vital assistance, and we will also be offering a structured pathway toward stability by addressing both urgent and long-term concerns and providing healing, help, and hope. Many of those most affected by this disaster live in some of the poorest parts of our community—areas already burdened by hardship and scarcity. As they strive to rebuild their lives, we must meet them with dignity, compassion, and unwavering support.

 
Considering the earlier impacts of this damaging storm season for our region, Catholic Charities’ capacity to support the vulnerable has been greatly stretched. While we work to gauge the support needed in St. Louis, we are still engaged in efforts to address the damage in Franklin, Jefferson, Perry, and St. Louis counties from tornados in March of this year. Therefore, I am asking each parish of the Archdiocese of St. Louis to hold a special collection at Masses either this weekend, May 24 and 25, or next weekend, May 31 and June 1.

Please know that we do not make this request lightly; the funds raised will assist individuals and families as they begin the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding. Contributions should be forwarded to Catholic Charities, which will ensure that resources are distributed where they are needed most.  Additionally, parishioners who are unable to contribute during the special collection may bring their donation the following Sunday, putting it in an envelope stating, “tornado relief.”

In these dark hours where our neighbors cry out in need, let us also be the hands and feet of Christ, offering them tangible support and hope. I am grateful for your generosity and your pastoral care for those suffering in our community.
May God bless you and your parishioners abundantly for your compassion and charity.

Sincerely,

Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski