The Archdiocese of Denver, at the request of the U.S. bishops, will take up a special collection to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for those suffering in the Middle East at weekend Masses Sept. 13-14.
“We want to take this action while it is fresh in the minds and hearts of the people as they have been hearing about and seeing the devastating effect of the terrible suffering of Christians and innocent victims of violence in Iraq, Syria, Gaza and surrounding countries where refugees have fled,” Father Randy Dollins, vicar general and moderator of the curia wrote in a letter to pastors Aug. 26.
Funds will be used by Catholic Relief Services and other Catholic agencies, in partnership with local churches to meet the needs of those struggling to survive and protect their families.