A LETTER FROM THE BISHOP

Dear Parishioners:

                Yesterday the Bishops of the United States received a letter from Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and Vice-President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He wrote in the name of His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, and all those who are working hard to help the grief-stricken in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

                Catholic Charities USA has been working tirelessly throughout these afflicted areas to bring relief and assistance to those affected by this catastrophic weather event. The rains are expected to continue for at least a few more days and some areas may receive a total of 50 inches of rain. Rivers are rising and will be at historic flood stages for quite some time. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones and to all who have lost homes and businesses along with their sense of peace and normalcy.  We also pray for all bishops and clergy who are providing pastoral care to their people amidst such trying times.

                In addition to our prayers, financial support is urgently needed. In response to this catastrophe, I have asked all parishes of our Diocese to take up a special voluntary collection in response to the needs of the people who are in need of our financial aid in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

                The collection will be designated for immediate relief and to assist with long-term rehabilitation for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. I am deeply grateful for your generous response to this collection.

                We offer our condolences and prayers, as the Catholic Church of Western New York, to our brothers and sisters in the Gulf Coast region who have suffered as a result of this natural disaster. May we all be united in prayer as we pray for the victims and survivors and all those who are working so hard to assist them. Thank you and may Our Lord bless you!

Yours sincerely in Christ, 

+Richard J. Malone

Most Reverend Richard J. Malone Bishop of Buffalo