WASHINGTON (August 26, 2004) — Catholic parishes nationwide have been asked to participate in a national collection to assist Florida hurricane victims.

The request came in a late August letter from Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, who asked bishops across the country to make a gift from their dioceses to the Hurricane Charley Relief Fund of Catholic Charities USA. No specific date was set for the collection.

"As we look at the remnants of homes and businesses literally torn apart into small pieces, it is difficult to imagine the discouragement people must feel at seeing all that is familiar in their lives strewn around and unrecognizable," Bishop Gregory said.

"A generous response and our collective assistance will be a sign of our mutual support and fraternity, and will allow Catholic Charities USA to work with the local diocesan Catholic Charities agencies in all of the affected dioceses in Florida, and if necessary in neighboring states, to provide what is most needed as soon as possible," Bishop Gregory said also.

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