Bishop announces special collection for those impacted by storms in Texas

The following message was issued Monday, Aug. 28, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.:

My Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Diocese of Trenton,

We who live in New Jersey are no strangers to the wrath of nature. The devastation of Hurricane Sandy lingers in our memories, the effects of which are still visible in places along our coastline.  Dioceses throughout the United States responded so generously to us in the Diocese of Trenton in our time of need, contributing almost $700,000 to our diocesan relief efforts through the outreach of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). 

Now, as Hurricane Harvey wreaks havoc and destruction in Texas and along the Gulf Coast, I am asking the parishes in the Diocese of Trenton to respond with a similar generosity by making a contribution to the “Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund” this weekend --- Labor Day Weekend (September 2/3) --- in a special  second collection.  These funds, collected by our Diocese, will be sent in their entirety to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for disbursement among the dioceses affected by the storm. 

Please be generous and keep our sisters and brothers affected by the storm in your good prayers.  As I write this on the feast of St. Augustine, I am mindful of his words:“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like (St. Augustine).”  Thank you for your love!

Gratefully yours in the Lord,
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D.
Bishop of Trenton