In the largest single collection by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, Catholics throughout the state donated a total of $565,000 for victims of hurricanes in the Gulf Coast. The collection, which was conducted nationwide in September, was organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and is being administered by Catholic Charities USA.
In an effort to offer aid quickly, this emergency fund-raising effort took place before all the needs of the area were recognized. Since the collection was taken, Catholic Charities has identified requirements that go beyond the immediate physical necessities of food, water, medicine and shelter. Other humanitarian assistance such as counseling, childcare, and eldercare is now required, as is support for church needs: including repairs to church property, salaries for Catholic school teachers and other diocesan staff.
“This is yet again another amazing sign of the generosity and thoughtfulness of Maine Catholics,” said Bishop Richard J. Malone. “Not only have our parishioners recognized the victims’ physical needs but they also understand the plight of our sister parishes and dioceses in the south who are struggling to re-build. This outpouring shows an awareness and belief that spiritual guidance and resources are critically important to a community in crisis.”
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