Many around the world watched in sadness as a fire tore through historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris causing severe damage to the centuries old-structure.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. has set up a fund to help the Cathedral resurrect and rebuild. The Shrine, whose board members consist of the Administrative Committee of the USCCB, has the infrastructure to manage donated funds.

“The cathedral’s place in history is unsurpassed as a symbol of medieval Cristian Europe and a pilgrimage site for Christians all over the world. It housed essential relics, including those related to the crucifixion of Christ,” said Archbishop Paue Etienne, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on National Collections.

Donations can be sent directly to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Attn: Monsignor Water Rossi, Rector, 400 Michigan Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20017. Checks should be made payable to “Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception” and please indicate “Cathedral of Notre Dame Fund” in the memo portion of the check

Parishioners can also visit www.SupportNotreDame.org which is a site solely dedicated to this.