BROWNSVILLE, RGV – Bishop Daniel E. Flores has asked priests in the Diocese of Brownsville to take a second collection at each Mass to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in the state.
“The Rio Grande Valley in the past has often received the help of others in times of dire distress; we are called to offer our assistance in that same spirit to others,” Flores said.
On his twitter account, Flores said: “If the Río Grande Valley was spared the major impact of Hurricane Harvey, it is so that we can more ably help those most affected.”
Here is Flores’ letter:
Dear Fathers:
Diocese of Brownsville
1910 University Boulevard • P.O. Box 2279 Brownsville, Texas 78520
Tel. (956) 542-2501 • Fax (956) 542-6751
The devastation and destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey has left many people in the Gulf coast displaced and in dire circumstances. The effects of this storm continue with additional potentially disastrous flooding.
In response to this catastrophic event Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley with the assistance of Telemundo 40, have set up several sites to receive donations of water, dry goods, diapers, canned foods etc… They will be taking donations as of today through Thursday, August 31, and thereafter will deliver the donations to distribution centers in the most affected areas. For questions or further information, you may call Catholic Charities at (956) 702-4088 for San Juan or (956) 544-7580 in Brownsville.
Trucks will be set up to accept donations; however, if there is no truck available, you may drop your donations inside the offices at the following locations:
Catholic Charities/Brownsville 955 W. Price Rd.
Brownsville, Texas 78520
10:00 am to 8:00 p.m.
Catholic Charities/San Juan 700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd. SanJuan,Texas78589
10:00 am to 8:00 p.m.
St. Anthony Parish 209 S. Tenth St.
Harlingen, Texas 78550
8:30 am to 5:30 p.m.
If you have not done so yet, I am asking all of our parishes and mission chapels to participate by taking up a second collection within the next two weeks as a concrete way of helping our brothers and sisters in need. Please forward the proceeds from this collection to our diocesan finance office as quickly as possible for processing. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
The Rio Grande Valley in the past has often received the help of others in times of dire distress; we are called to offer our assistance in that same spirit to others.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Daniel E. Flores, S.T.D.
Bishop of Brownsville
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying the above story shows Houston Police officer Daryl Hudeck carrying Catherine Pham and her 13-month-old son, Aiden, after rescuing them from their home surrounded by floodwaters on Sunday in Houston. (Photo: David J. Phillip/AP)
