The Archdiocese of New York is asking its parishes and faithful for prayers and support of those in need in the greater Los Angeles area and elsewhere in California. 

Wildfires that began on January 7, 2025, have burned over 40,000 acres, killed 24 people, and displaced at least 100,000 others. The fires continue to burn in areas around Los Angeles.

In a letter to archdiocesan priests dated January 14, Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general of the archdiocese, suggested that parishes should remember those affected by the fires in their prayers and that they may wish to consider taking up special collections or making parish donations to those in need.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ news site, Angelus, has covered numerous stories of both faithful stricken by the fires and of hope in their wake.