Special collection across archdiocese to help victims of Hurricane Harvey

Archbishop George J. Lucas is urging a special collection during weekend Masses for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

In an Aug. 28 email to pastors, the archbishop asked that the collections be held the weekend of Sept. 2-3 or Sept. 9-10.

"The people of the archdiocese have a generous history of assisting our suffering brothers and sisters throughout the world with our prayers and resources," said Deacon Tim McNeil, chancellor.

A similar call was issued for dioceses across the country by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice-president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Money collected will support humanitarian and recovery efforts through Catholic Charities USA, and pastoral and rebuilding support to be provided to impacted dioceses through the USCCB.

The hurricane and its aftermath devastated Houston and other areas of southeast Texas.