PORTLAND---Bishop Robert P. Deeley has authorized a special collection at all of Maine’s Catholic churches on the weekend of June 13-14 to provide aid and recovery support to the people impacted by the destructive earthquake that shook Nepal on April 25.

“The Diocese of Portland has a long history of meeting humanitarian challenges and providing hope to those facing circumstances of great need,” said Bishop Deeley. “In this moment of devastation and suffering for the people of Nepal, I ask that we come together and offer our prayers, compassion, and generosity to assist and support the thousands of individuals and families affected by this tragedy.”

The proceeds of the special collection will support Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as they address relief and recovery efforts. CRS is already on the ground in Kathmandu, the capital city and one of the most affected areas, distributing food and providing shelter. Materials for shelter, water purification, and hygiene kits will be needed for months to come.

In advance of the special collection on June 13-14, the Diocese of Portland is providing the following information to those looking to donate to the relief efforts:

To donate online, visit Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org.

To donate by phone, please call 1-877-435-7277 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (EST).

To donate by mail, make checks payable to “CRS” and mail to P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297-0303. Please write “Nepal Earthquake” on the memo line.