PORTLAND — Maine Catholic churches will hold special collections to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines on Saturday.

During all Masses this weekend, special prayers for the typhoon victims, their families and the relief efforts will be offered, Bishop Richard J. Malone, apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Portland, said Wednesday.

In addition, special collections will be held at all Masses on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, Malone said in a news release.

Catholic Relief Services, the official international humanitarian agency representing the Catholic Church in the United States for charity outside U.S. borders, will use proceeds to provide immediate necessities such as water, food, shelter and medical care, as well as longer-term recovery assistance, including the reconstruction of damaged or destroyed buildings. Catholic Relief Services anticipate carrying out an emergency relief and recovery effort in the amount of at least $20 million.

In advance of the special collection, the Diocese of Portland is providing the following information to parishes and parishioners, as well as any interested parties who have contacted the diocese looking to donate to the relief efforts:

To donate online, please go directly to Catholic Relief Services’ website at http://crs.org/.

To donate by phone, please call 1-877-435-7277.

To donate by mail, please send a check or money order to Catholic Relief Services, PO Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297-0303.

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