We will have a special collection this weekend, September 2-3, at all of the Masses to benefit those who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. Please see the letter below from Bishop Noonan regarding the collection. Donations will be sent to Catholic Charities USA to assist with their relief services.
Letter from Bishop John Noonan:
Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be yours this day. Over the past several days, all of us have been following the historic flooding in southeast Texas. Hurricane Harvey has created an unprecedented and catastrophic weather event of immense proportions. The hurricane may now, quite possibly, also strike Louisiana. Our partners at Catholic Charities USA have conveyed that, along with Category 4 hurricane winds, 14-28 inches of rain fell in the Houston area on Saturday night alone. In some areas, it is anticipated that a total of 50 inches will fall, as the rains are expected to continue for at least another two days. Twelve million persons were under a flash flood warning over the weekend. Rivers will be rising and will be at historic flood stages for some time.
In solidarity with our brothers and sisters, we join dioceses throughout the country to participate in an emergency collection to assist the victims of Hurricane Harvey. I ask that you hold a special collection this weekend, September 2,3 or next weekend, September 9,10 to benefit those who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.
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. We pray for the first responders as they minister to those who are suffering. We ask God to enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might bring hope to His people.