Special Collection for Hurricane Irma Victims

Parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh will take up a special collection for victims of Hurricane Irma on the weekend of September 30–October 1, 2017.

“While emergency outreach was immediate, we know that the road to recovery and the rebuilding of communities will be long and additional support will be needed,” Bishop David Zubik wrote in a letter to priests. Irma caused devastating damage in the Caribbean, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and both Carolinas.

Most proceeds from the collection will go to Catholic Charities USA both for immediate needs, such as food and clean water, and for long term recovery and rebuilding. Some funds will also be distributed to affected dioceses through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to help parishes in devastated areas with repairs, rebuilding and pastoral ministry.

The collection will take place two weeks after an identical appeal to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The Hurricane Harvey donations have not yet been forwarded to the diocese, so no estimate of the total is available.

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