Bishop McManus Asks for Hurricane Relief Collection

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
 
Since the evening of Friday, August 25, we have watched in horror as the people of Texas and Louisiana were inundated as Hurricane Harvey made landfall and set records – not just in the historical amount of rain and damage to property, but life-changing damage to the hundreds of thousands of residents in its path. Even as I write this letter, we continue to feel helpless as these poor brothers and sisters continue to be pummeled by this seemingly endless rainfall. The continuous news footage also moves us to offer our sincerest gratitude to the first responders and countless volunteers who are assisting the Gulf Coast region in countless ways during the storm and for the weeks and months of recovery efforts which will follow Hurricane Harvey.
 
In order to assist in the humanitarian and recovery efforts through Catholic Charities and the many parishes in the affected area, I am asking that pastors take up a second collection for relief efforts on either the weekend of Sept 2/3 or Sept 9/10.  We join our efforts with many thousands of Catholics around the country who are being asked to demonstrate that those impacted by the storm are not forgotten.
 
We are called by faith to bring hope to those in need. This is an immediate opportunity to thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed on us by sharing our blessings with others less fortunate than ourselves. In that same spirit, I have asked that an initial contribution of $10,000 be made by the Diocese of Worcester to give thanks for the Partners in Charity Appeal having surpassed its goal.
 
Please keep the people of the Gulf Coast in your prayers in the weeks and months ahead as we ask God to extend comfort and hope to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, and all those whose lives have been shattered by this storm.
 
With every prayerful best wish I remain,
 
Sincerely yours in Christ

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Bishop of Worcester