The Most Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, today asked for prayers and a special collection be taken in the parishes of the Diocese of Rockville Centre during the weekend of September 16 -17, 2017, to assist those in the Gulf Coast region suffering from the after affects of Hurricane Harvey.

“We join in prayer and solidarity with all those who have been and continue to be impacted by Hurricane Harvey,” said Bishop Barres. We pray for the victims and their families during this tragic time. We also pray for the heroic first responders and rescue personnel, some now coming from our own diocese to aid and assist, that our mother Mary wraps them in her mantle and protects them as they save others. We also ask the parishioners of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, still feeling the effects of Superstorm Sandy, if they are able, to help our brothers and sisters in Christ down south.”

To contribute to the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s Hurricane Harvey Fund, parishioners are asked to contact their local parish or they can send a donation to the Finance Office, Diocese of Rockville Centre, P.O. Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023. Checks should be made out to the Diocese of Rockville Centre. “Hurricane Harvey” should be marked on the memo section of the check. For more information call 516-678-5800, ext. 622.