Bishop Evelio Menjívar-Ayala has charged parishes in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, with carrying out special collections to support disaster relief efforts after severe flash flooding on July 21.
State Treasurer Larry Pack said the deadly flash flooding that swept through Upshur, Lewis, and nearby counties killed at least two people. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said preliminary assessments show about 151 homes in Upshur County suffered damage.
Morrisey, a Catholic Republican who was elected governor in 2024, acknowledged the work of “faith-based organizations” in aiding relief efforts in a July 27 statement.
“Volunteer organizations remain at the heart of the recovery effort,” Morrisey said.
Menjívar-Ayala, who was installed on July 2, asked parishes to hold the collections on Aug. 1–2 or Aug. 8–9. All of the funds collected will remain in West Virginia and will be managed by Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa), a July 22 press release said. CCWVa will direct funds first to parishes aiding families, then to CCWVa regional staff assisting victims, followed by partner agencies, with any remaining money supporting CCWVa’s long‑term recovery work, the statement said.
“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,” Menjívar-Ayala said in the release. “Let us now put that love into action by helping our sisters and brothers during this tragic time.”
“Please remember in prayer all those whose lives have been changed in the wake of these disasters. Let us come together now to support our brothers and sisters in Christ who have been injured and lost their homes, cars, employment, and access to food and water,” Menjívar-Ayala said.
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