Diocese of Covington raises funds for Eastern Kentucky flooding victims

Maura Baker, Staff Writer

 After devastating floods ravaged Eastern Kentucky in July, resulting in the loss of both lives and homes, the Diocese of Covington’s response to the needs of our neighbors included a collection to raise funds for flood victims. 

This collection included not only second collections gathered at weekend Masses, but also online donations made through the diocesan website. 

With donations from parishes and individuals all across the diocese, $314,399.96 will be provided to Eastern Kentucky relief efforts. Bishop John Iffert will forward the funds directly to Bishop John Stowe of the Diocese of Lexington, which includes Eastern Kentucky. One hundred percent of these funds raised by the diocesan collection will go directly to those most affected by the floods. 

“People really stepped up,” proudly remarked Michael Murray, Director of the Office of Stewardship and Mission for the Diocese of Covington, “We have a wonderful faith community here.” 

According to Catholic News Service, other Catholic diocese and organizations have stepped up to the plate to provide relief to those victims as well, including a collection held early August by the Archdiocese of Louisville, and a donation of $250,000 made by Catholic Charities as of Aug. 8. 

Image: A Kentucky National Guard flight crew from 2/147th Bravo Co. flies over a flooded area in response to a declared state of emergency in eastern Kentucky July 29, 2022. CNS photo/Sgt. Jesse Elbouab, U.S. Army National Guard via Reuters