September 11, 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the devastation of the island of Kauai by Hurricane Iniki. And as I write, we are aware of Hurricane Harvey, which already has done enormous damage to parts of Texas and Louisiana, and of Hurricane Irma, which has damaged many Caribbean islands and is threatening Florida. As we know so well, the recovery needs are many and multi-faceted, and they will require the assistance of those who live outside the affected areas.

For this reason, all parishes are encouraged to take up a second collection for Hurricane Relief on at least one weekend during the month of September. The proceeds should be sent to the Chancery Office in the usual manner, and they will be forwarded from the Chancery to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The USCCB, in dialogue with the bishops of the affected areas, will distribute the funds either through Catholic Charities USA for humanitarian relief, or through the affected dioceses for help in rebuilding churches, schools, and other buildings used as infrastructure for evangelization. Your generosity to those in need at this critical moment will be richly rewarded by the Lord and much appreciated by our sisters and brothers.

Thank you for your generosity! Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Larry Silva Bishop of Honolulu