Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA, Responds to Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

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Mar 11, 2011, 02:36 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), among the nation's largest human services and disaster response organizations, today expressed "heartfelt concerns and prayers for all of those tragically impacted by the Japan earthquake and tsunami."

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"The destruction of a natural disaster of this magnitude is often difficult to comprehend and accept," said Fr. Snyder. "Our thoughts and support are with the people and families who have lost loved ones and whose lives and communities have been devastated beyond belief."

Fr. Snyder reported that CCUSA's Disaster Response Operations has been in touch with Catholic Charities agencies in Guam, American Samoa, Hawaii, and the West Coast to learn of any tsunami conditions and to prepare to help with any relief efforts that may be needed. Catholic Charities USA would receive any donations in support of U.S. territories and states (www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org). Caritas Japan is the affiliated Catholic organization handling disaster services and response in Japan. Catholic Relief Services (www.crs.org), which handles international disaster response, would receive donations to pass along to Caritas Japan.

For more information about Catholic Charities USA, visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrated its centennial anniversary.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA