Special Collection in Parishes Sept. 20/21 Will Assist Victims of Crisis in Middle East Author: Diocese of Fall River In the News 12 Sep 2014 Share FALL RIVER — In response to a request from U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ President Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, parishes in the Fall River Diocese will take up a special collection to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for suffering Christians and other innocent victims of the violence in the Middle East. The collection will be taken at Masses on the weekend of September 20-21 or another weekend convenient to the parish. Proceeds from the collection will be used by Catholic Relief Services and other Catholic agencies working in partnership with the local Church to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs facing the people in Iraq, Gaza, Syria and surrounding countries where refugees have fled. These organizations have well-established partnerships with the Catholic Church in the region which allow them to respond quickly and efficiently to victims in some of the hardest to reach areas. Collection funds will also be used to support Church programs to aid persecuted Christians and to respond to rebuilding needs of Catholic dioceses in the impacted areas. In his letter to bishops across the country, Archbishop Kurtz writes, “Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Iraq, Syria and Gaza who are struggling to survive, protect their children and live with dignity in dire conditions. Given the extraordinary nature of this crisis, I am asking you to consider taking up a special collection to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for our affected brothers and sisters in the Middle East.” He concluded with his gratitude for support of the special collection and for continued prayers for the victims of the crisis in the Middle East. Diocese of Fall River Office of Communications Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Previous Next Related Posts In the News 28 Feb 2014 Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton Catholic Middle School to Join TAUNTON — In a move to provide students with more opportunities and resources for their Catholic education, Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton and Taunton Catholic Middle School will … Read More In the News 22 Feb 2023 Bishop Asks for Special Collection to Support Victims of Earthquake FALL RIVER — Parishes in the Diocese of Fall River have been invited to join together to offer financial support along with their prayers for all those affected by the … Read More In the News 28 Apr 2022 Diocese Raises Over $250,000 in Collection for Ukraine FALL RIVER — This year Ash Wednesday fell in early March less than a week after the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and as the heartbreaking plight of the Ukrainian … Read More