Pray. A prayer chapel for Haiti has been created in the St. James’ Street vestibule (to the right of the altar). There you may light candles, and say and write prayers for all those who are suffering and providing relief efforts.

Donate. The Episcopal Church is already on the ground providing relief efforts in Haiti through Episcopal Relief and Development. You can make your donation to the Haiti Fund at www.er-d.org. The IRS has created a special provision so that those who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim these donations on either their 2009 or 2010 tax return. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, enacted Jan. 22. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card. The new law only applies to cash (as opposed to property) contributions. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Taxpayers have the option of deducting these contributions on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both.

Do you know someone who is working in Haiti right now? We are collecting the names of parishioners and friends who are working in Haiti so that we may pray for them each Sunday. If you know someone then you may add their name to our Prayer List here. Be sure to let us know in the comments that your request is for the Haiti group.