Catholics at 97 parishes and missions around the Upper Peninsula are raising funds for survivors of Hurricane Katrina and the Diocese of Marquette will send the money to Catholic Charities USA. The funds will be used by local Catholic Charities emergency and long-term disaster recovery efforts.

Catholic Charities USA, which has been commissioned by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster, responds with emergency and long-term assistance as needed. Its Disaster Response Office connects the Church’s social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation.

Bishop James H. Garland asked that a second collection be taken as soon as possible to give parishioners an opportunity to contribute to the relief of those suffering losses as a result of the disaster.