Emergency National Collection to Assist Dioceses Affected by Hurricane Harvey

August 29, 2017
By Ss. Peter & Paul

WASHINGTON—Archbishop
José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice-president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops (USCCB) has called on the bishops to consider taking
up a special collection to support victims of
Hurricane Harvey and to provide pastoral and rebuilding support to impacted
dioceses.

In
an August 28 letter, Archbishop Gomez requested that the collection be held during
the weekend of September 1-2 or September 8-9.

“Our
hearts and prayers go out to the families that have lost loved ones and to all
who have lost homes and businesses along with their sense of peace and
normalcy,” said Archbishop Gomez. “We also stand with our brother bishops in
the region who have the difficult task of providing pastoral care in these most
trying times while managing their own losses. Our prayerful and financial
support is urgently needed.”

Funds
given to the collection will support the humanitarian and recovery efforts of
Catholic Charities USA and will provide pastoral and rebuilding support to
impacted dioceses through the USCCB. The hurricane has affected southeast
Texas, including the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and could also strike
Louisiana. As a result, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston,
president of USSCB, has asked Archbishop Gomez to coordinate this effort.

“Together
with Cardinal DiNardo and the bishops throughout the affected region I express
deep gratitude to the first responders and countless volunteers who are
assisting the Gulf Coast region in countless ways,” Archbishop Gomez said.

This
collection is to be taken on the weekend alternate to the CUA Collection. For
more information on how to participate contact your local diocese or visit: https://catholiccharitiesusa.org/

—

Keywords:
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Hurricane Harvey, collection, victims,
devastation, flooding, Texas, Louisiana, Catholic Charities USA, national
collection, emergency, Archbishop José H. Gomez, pastoral, rebuilding

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Norma Montenegro Flynn
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops