FRIENDS OF THE DIOCESE OF MONTEGO BAY

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FRIENDS OF THE DIOCESE OF MANDEVILLE

Thus, serving the poor of the entire western half of the Island Nation of Jamaica

A Florida Based 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Charity

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Hurricane Melissa

On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa—one of the strongest storms ever to strike the Caribbean—made a direct hit on the Island of Jamaica. The storm’s path crossed the western end of the island, impacting two of Jamaica’s three Catholic dioceses: the Diocese of Mandeville and the Diocese of Montego Bay.

These communities suffered catastrophic damage from the Category 5 hurricane. In areas such as Black River, within the Diocese of Mandeville, entire neighborhoods were leveled. Families are without shelter, clean water, electricity, food, and access to medical care—basic necessities for survival. The devastation has left countless people struggling to meet even their most immediate needs.

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As we slowly transition from the emergency phase into recovery and rebuilding, it is clear that the road ahead will be long and painful. Many church-related buildings—churches, rectories, parish halls, schools, and health clinics—were severely damaged or completely destroyed. These buildings were not insured, as insurance premiums are simply unaffordable for small mission dioceses operating on limited budgets.

Despite these challenges, the Church remains committed to serving the poor and most vulnerable. Both dioceses are largely rural, with widespread poverty; Sunday collections cover only about 10% of parish operating costs. Donor support is therefore essential to sustaining our mission and restoring hope, dignity, and stability to those we serve. In many ways, our donors are the true missionaries, making this work possible.

Housing and Outreach Ministry

Through our Outreach Ministry, donor support provides food, clothing, and housing for the poor across both dioceses. Many families live in overcrowded, makeshift shacks without running water, electricity, or sanitation—some even sheltering in abandoned structures. Poverty, displacement, and unsafe living conditions are daily realities for those we serve. In response, the Diocese of Mandeville, with the help of donors and volunteers, has developed a housing ministry that builds simple, safe homes with plumbing and hurricane-resistant roofing for approximately $6,000 per home. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the need has grown urgent. We ask you to consider gifting a home—or a portion of one—to help restore safety and dignity to a family in need.

Father Glen P. Baptiste
Charity Founder/President
Friends of the Roman Catholic
Mission Diocese of Montego Bay
PO Box 1665
Wildwood, FL 34785-1665

“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40)