As Peruvians living in Southern California mourn loved ones who perished in the deadly earthquake, efforts are quickly being organized to raise critical financial support for those who survived.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) field teams are delivering lifesaving items including food, water, blankets and medical supplies. Locally, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is organizing financial support to assist CRS in its critical work.

"Our Archdiocese, in a spirit of Christian solidarity, wishes to extend our prayers and financial assistance to the people of Peru," said Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Solis in a statement to all archdiocesan parishes. The bishop, who serves as director of the Office of Justice and Peace, announced an archdiocesan-wide effort to collect funds for CRS relief efforts.

Two St. Rose of Lima Churches --- one in Maywood and the other in Simi Valley --- were among those quick to respond to the need following the Aug. 15 violent temblor.

Betty Origel, business manager of the Maywood parish named after a 17th century Peruvian saint, said a second collection during the weekend Masses raised nearly $9,000. Father David Velazquez, pastor, was contributing another $1,000 from the parish to make it an even $10,000, said Origel.

"Our community, whenever there is a disaster, we empathize," said Origel of the largely Mexican and Central American parish. "We are very conscious of our responsibility to help people who are in need."

St. Rose of Lima in Simi Valley --- which had previously scheduled the celebration of its patron saint's Aug. 23 feast day last weekend --- added a special collection which brought in close to $3,000 during the weekend Masses. And St. Madeleine Church in Pomona collected a little over $2,000.

Soņia Elizabeth Costa, St. Madeleine business manager and a native of Peru, said she immediately called her father and daughters following the 8.0 magnitude earthquake. Thankfully, they all survived. But then the depth of the destruction began to be shown on television. The cities hardest hit --- Chincha, Pisco and Ica --- are some 100 miles south of Lima.

"I feel a lot of sorrow," said Costa. "People are left without their homes. They are on the streets and don't have food to eat. There is so much destruction."

She fears for the safety of the elderly and the young people, particularly children who were left orphaned. Costa hopes the contributions from the U.S. will help people survive the crisis.

Also quick to respond to the disaster is a local Catholic Peruvian fraternal association called La Hermandad Seņor de los Milagros (Brotherhood/Sisterhood devoted to Our Lord of Miracles).

Victor Mendoza, the association's general secretary, suffered the death of several friends who died in the earthquake. "I feel very sad. This is very hard for us," said Mendoza.

His brothers, sister-in-law and their children who live in Ica survived the quake but lost a great deal. The beloved church in Ica was also heavily damaged.

"We have to accept life as it is and we have to respond to the need and keep going," added Mendoza.

Hermandad, which has several chapters throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, is organizing a "United in Prayer" Mass to pray for the victims and survivors of the Peruvian earthquake. The liturgy takes place Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church (La Placita), 505 N. Main St. in Los Angeles.

The association will also sponsor a day-long fundraising event that includes food and music on Sept. 22, from 1-11 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 4245 S. Acacia Ave. in Pico Rivera. The suggested donation is $10.

Mendoza said he hoped the association's local events would help bring together the Los Angeles Peruvian community to support their native country in a time of great need, adding, "We're calling everyone to work on this and to be united."

Support Peruvian Relief Efforts To assist Catholic Relief Services in its critical relief work in Peru, make checks payable to CRS/ADLA - Peru Relief Funds and mail to: Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Office of Justice and Peace, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010.