PORTLAND — Bishop Richard J. Malone, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Portland, has authorized a special collection to assist in bringing relief and humanitarian aid to victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines on the weekend of Nov. 30/Dec. 1.

In addition, at all Masses that weekend, special intentions for the typhoon victims, their families and the relief efforts will be offered.

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.

To donate online, go to the Catholic Relief Services website at http://crs.org/. To donate by phone, call 1-877-435-7277. To donate by mail, send a check or money order to Catholic Relief Services, PO Box 17090, Baltimore, Md. 21297-0303.