Special collection for hurricane victims

Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan has issued the following statement in announcing an emergency collection to be conducted at all Masses in the Diocese of Camden. The collection on behalf of the victims of Hurricane Harvey will be held the weekend of Sept. 2-3.

Five years ago, Superstorm Sandy caused upheaval of lives and destruction of properties for many people living along the Jersey shore. No one had experienced in their lifetime a storm of such magnitude that hit our Garden State. We pitched in, supported our suffering neighbors, and received help and financial aid from all over the United States.

Now another part of our country is beset by a natural disaster the likes of which has never been seen before. People in southern Texas have been devastated by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath. Even now, days later, there is no way to tell the full, brutal extent of the damage that has occurred. The images we have seen and the stories we have heard about the suffering of people living in those areas are staggering.

It is our turn to offer assistance to those who have been affected by the havoc of Harvey’s wind and historic rainfall. During the weekend of Sept. 2-3, I have requested that at all Masses in the parishes of the Diocese of Camden an emergency collection be conducted on behalf of the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

This collection will be used both to support the humanitarian and recovery efforts of Catholic Charities USA and to provide pastoral and rebuilding support through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to the impacted dioceses.

I urge you to be generous in your offerings for the victims of this unprecedented disaster. I know you will.

Let us keep the victims of Hurricane Harvey in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort those who have lost loved ones; help those whose homes and businesses have been destroyed; encourage a generous response from around the country; assist the first responders; and bring peace and comfort to all who have been affected.

With gratitude for your attention and response to this request, I am,

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan

Bishop of Camden