NEW ORLEANS PRELATE

SAYS THANKS FOR FUNDS

            The archbishop of New Orleans has thanked the people of the Diocese of Brooklyn for “the remarkable way” they have responded to an appeal to assist relief efforts there since Hurricane Katrina.

            In a letter to Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio acknowledging receipt of a donation of $85,091, Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes said he was “deeply humbled and grateful” for the “magnanimous gift” provided by parishioners in Brooklyn and Queens “for our support efforts to those who have been impacted” by the hurricane.

            A collection taken in parishes of the Diocese in August, a year after Katrina, was earmarked particularly for the rebuilding of church structures. The Diocese of Biloxi also benefited from the funds contributed, receiving $56,727.

            “Obviously, Hurricane Katrina has presented to us all a human catastrophe of overwhelming proportions,” Archbishop Hughes wrote. “I assure you that your gift will enable us to reach out in an effective way to those who are now suffering because of the hurricane.”

            The Aug. 26-27 collection was taken by dioceses across the country, which raised about $3.9 million by mid-November. In September 2005, American Catholics contributed $130 million to a national collection immediately following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Parishioners in Brooklyn and Queens donated $1,201,125.

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11/21/06