Bishop Tobin has issued the following statement on Hurricane Harvey.
Bishop Tobin's full statement follows.
"The damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, especially the flooding presently taking place in the Houston area, is unprecedented and heartbreaking. I urge the Catholic community in the Diocese of Providence to be spiritually united with all those affected by this catastrophe and to offer fervent prayers for their well-being, and to pray also for the safety of the first responders. May our nation be united in this time of crisis, and may God’s grace support us during this time of enormous suffering and pain. In the very near future, and as the long-term recovery begins, the Diocese of Providence will offer an opportunity for members of the Church to provide financial assistance as well."
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) president, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, has called for prayers and solidarity with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Cardinal DiNardo also called on all people of good will to closely monitor future calls for assistance for victims and survivors in the days ahead.
Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows.
“Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast in a catastrophic and devastating way this weekend, bringing with it severe flooding and high winds which have taken human life, caused countless injuries, and severely damaged homes and property throughout the region. The effects of this storm continue to put people in harm’s way, with horrific scenes playing out all around, such as those of people trapped on their rooftops as water continues to rise around them. Many dioceses of the Church in the United States have been affected; many others will be as the storm continues.
As the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, this crisis hits very close to home. In solidarity with my brother bishops in this area of the country, I call on people of faith to pray for all of those who have been impacted by this Hurricane, and I ask people of good will to stand with the victims and their families. May God, the Lord of mercy and compassion, protect all who are still in danger, and bring to safety those who are missing. May He care in a special way for those who were already homeless, or without support and resources, before this disaster. We pray in thanksgiving for the first responders who are risking their lives to save others at this very moment. We include in our intentions the everyday heroes reaching out to help their neighbors in need, those who, like the Good Samaritan, cannot walk by a person in need without offering their hand in aid.
The USCCB is working closely with affected local dioceses, Catholic Charities USA and St. Vincent de Paul, along with other relief organizations, to assess the needs on the ground. In the next couple of days, we will share more about the best ways to assist those in the Gulf region with material needs based on the latest information we can gather. May God bless you and your families this day and always
All donations to OLM Outreach for the month of September will be dedicated to Hurricane Harvey Relief efforts. Also Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, needs your support to ensure the delivery of compassionate care and support to individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey. Their agencies provide essential support before, during and after disasters hit. In fact, long-term recovery is an integral part of Catholic Charities’ holistic approach and we work tirelessly to ensure individuals can live their lives with the dignity we all deserve. This service is provided to the community regardless of religion, social or economic background.
You can donate directly to CCUSA Hurricane Relief or you can give to OLM Outreach online by clicking the link to Parish Giving.
Thank you for your support and prayer
Prayer for Hurricane Harvey Relief
Compassionate God,
We pray for all those affected by Hurricane Harvey, and offer the words of the psalmist: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!” (Psalm 29:11)
As families seek shelter, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”
As people search for loved ones, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”
As survivors look to the future, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”
As rescue workers work tirelessly, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”
Lord, give might to those who need your strength to carry on. Fill their troubled hearts with your peace and move us with your compassion that we may respond generously to those in need.
Amen.