My Brother Priests:
Over the past days, all of us have been sadly following the historic devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and the ongoing flooding of many areas in Texas.  It is difficult to estimate how many thousands of our brothers and sisters have lost their homes and possessions.  As a people of God, let us come to the aid of our neighbors.
I am requesting that a special collection be taken in all parishes in the Diocese of Laredo this Saturday and Sunday, September 2nd and 3rd to assist the victims of Hurricane Harvey.  Please announce this collection in all your Masses and encourage your parishioners to put their faith into action by expressing their compassion for those suffering from the effects of this disaster.   Because of the urgency of this crisis, the special collection for the Catholic University of America, which was previously scheduled for this weekend, will be moved to the weekend of September 16th and 17th.   After this weekend’s collection, I ask that you promptly mail your check payable to the Diocese of Laredo indicating the special collection account number 2595.  
In addition, members of the ACTS community in our diocese are arranging for trucks to be placed at four parishes this weekend for those who are able to donate water, toiletries, clothing and other supplies for those who were living in the devastated areas.  Further details will be coming soon.
Let us continue to keep the victims of Hurricane Harvey in our prayers.  Thank you for your generosity. 
JT/lrm
bc: Lizzy Escamilla, Diocesan Accounting Manager

For full statement, please click here.