In recognition of this Sunday, January 12, 2014 as the fourth anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti, my colleague, Shannon Kelly, posted the following article today on the EpiscoLifelong blog.

I highly commend the referenced Lesson Plans and bulletin insert and hope that your faith community will consider the special collection to support rebuilding Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince.

Lesson Plans, Bulletin Insert and Offerings for Diocese of Haiti on Earthquake Anniversary

by Shannon Kelly

Sunday, January 12, 2014 marks the fourth anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti.

On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck Haiti, killing more than 300,000 people, seriously injuring more than 250,000, and leaving 1.3 million homeless. An extensive number of private and public buildings were destroyed including Holy Trinity Cathedral and the affiliated Episcopal institutions in the Cathedral Complex.

Despite this destruction, the Episcopal Church in Haiti continues to be a significant part of the everyday lives of the people in Haiti with 250 schools, a dozen clinics, two hospitals, and 170 congregations. Haiti remains the largest and fastest growing diocese in The Episcopal Church.

In solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has asked Episcopal churches to mark and remember this day in prayer and gratitude for the continued ministry in Haiti.

Download the special bulletin insert for this Sunday, 1 Epiphany (A)

Additionally, to help you mark this anniversary, raise awareness, and contribute to the rebuilding of the Cathedral, we are proud to present two lesson plans with stories, ideas, videos, prayers, and pictures.

Lesson Plan for Haiti, Children and Younger Youth
Lesson Plan for Haiti, Adults and Older Youth

Finally, Episcopal churches are being asked to collect a special offering on Sunday, January 12 to aid the Diocese of Haiti in rebuilding Holy Trinity Cathedral. More information about this offering, including instructions on where to send the gifts, is in the bulletin insert linked above.