Bishop Thomas John Paprocki has urged all parishes in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois to heed the call of bishops nationwide to aid suffering Christians and others victims of violence in the Middle East.

Web exclusive: Bishop Paprocki's letter on the Special Collection for Victims of Violence in the Middle East

In a recent letter to pastors, parochial administrators and pastoral facilitators, Bishop Paprocki asked that a special collection be taken the weekends of Sept. 6-7 and Sept. 13-14.

Bishop Paprocki  amplified Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops,  concern for the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

“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,” said Bishop Paprocki.

Bishop Paprocki said the funds will be used by Catholic Relief Services and other Catholic agencies working in partnership with the local church to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Iraq, Syria, Gaza and surrounding countries where refugees have fled.

“Our Christian brothers and sisters and other innocent victims of the violence in the Middle East urgently need the assistance of the Catholic community of the United States,” Bishop Paprocki continued.

Parishioners are urged to reference “Special collection for the Middle East” in the memo line of their checks.