When news of the June 3 volcanic catastrophe in Guatemala reached the ears of parishioners in St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, their response was a single question: “What can we do to help?”

From that question grew a colossal campaign to raise funds for the families and victims of the Volcan de Fuego eruptions – the Volcano of Fire that claimed the lives of 165 people, leaving 260 still unaccounted for as of Aug. 9, and covered entire villages in clouds of ash and lava flows.

“The whole community worked together, both Anglo and Hispanic, to raise funds,” said pastoral associate Sheila Conway. “Various parish groups hosted special collections and a big food sale, where people cooked and packaged dinners to sell.”

The three-week fundraising effort culminated in the collection of $5,000, which was sent to Bishop Victor Hugo Palma Paul, Bishop of Escuintla, Guatemala, to aid recovery. Bishop Palma replied recently with a heartfelt thank you letter acknowledging the generous gift.

“All of the parish participated and donated to the cause,” Conway noted. “[It’s] a very strong group here, with such a wonderful effort … Anything is possible with God.”

The June eruption of Volcan de Fuego was the most severe in 45 years, and affected more than 1.7 million people in three central departments, or states. Sitting about 25 miles southwest of the capital, Guatemala City, the extremely active 12,346-foot peak is one of 34 situated in Guatemala.