1. January 12, 2010 ( ( ( Earthquake ! ) ) )

2. Many parts of the already impoverished country of Haiti were devastated on January 12, 2010 by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. Since then, members of the Episcopal Church around the world have been giving their prayers, expertise and money to the country so the Haitian people can rebuild their lives.

3. One of the first steps in this effort will be the rebuilding of the Holy Trinity Cathedral complex in Port-au-Prince. The name of this rebuilding campaign is “Bricks for Haiti.”

4. Holy Trinity Cathedral was once a center of Haitian culture, housing the Holy Trinity Music School, Holy Trinity Professional School, primary and secondary schools, and a convent of the Sisters of St. Margaret. Also, many of the healthcare services in Haiti were provided by The Episcopal Church.

5. The cathedral contained many world-renowned murals depicting biblical stories in Haitian motifs, which were crafted by some of the best-known Haitian painters of the 20th century.

6. On January 12, 2010, all this was destroyed. A total of 222,570 people were killed, and many more were injured and suddenly homeless.On January 12, 2010, all this was destroyed. A total of 222,570 people were killed, and many more were injured and suddenly homeless. On January 12, 2010, all this was destroyed. A total of 222,570 people were killed, and many more were injured and suddenly homeless.

8. Since the earthquake hit, the people of Haiti have had to live in tents. Volunteer workers have been working to clear away all the rubble left by the earthquake.

9. As they say in Haiti, “Men anpil chay pa lou,” or “Many hands make the load lighter.” Working together, we can help them rebuild Holy Trinity Cathedral, brick by brick, and $10 buys a brick. By participating in this week’s Free Dress Week, you are helping the 7 th Grade Religion Class buy as many “bricks” as possible for the people of Haiti.

10. So far this week, we have raised more than $1,100.00! That’s 110 bricks! Thank you so much for helping us help them!