Emergency National Collection to Assist Dioceses Affected by Hurricane Harvey

WASHINGTON—ArchbishopJosé H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice-president of the U.S. Conference of CatholicBishops (USCCB) has called on the bishops to consider takingup a special collection to support victims ofHurricane Harvey and to provide pastoral and rebuilding support to impacteddioceses.

Inan August 28 letter, Archbishop Gomez requested that the collection be held duringthe weekend of September 2-3 or September 9-10.

"Ourhearts and prayers go out to the families that have lost loved ones and to allwho have lost homes and businesses along with their sense of peace andnormalcy," said Archbishop Gomez. "We also stand with our brother bishops inthe region who have the difficult task of providing pastoral care in these mosttrying times while managing their own losses. Our prayerful and financialsupport is urgently needed."

Fundsgiven to the collection will support the humanitarian and recovery efforts ofCatholic Charities USA and will provide pastoral and rebuilding support toimpacted dioceses through the USCCB. The hurricane has affected southeastTexas, including the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and could also strikeLouisiana. As a result, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston,president of USSCB, has asked Archbishop Gomez to coordinate this effort.

"Togetherwith Cardinal DiNardo and the bishops throughout the affected region I expressdeep gratitude to the first responders and countless volunteers who areassisting the Gulf Coast region in countless ways," Archbishop Gomez said.

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

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

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