PORTLAND — Bishop Robert P. Deeley has authorized a special collection at all of Maine’s Catholic churches on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7, to assist in providing humanitarian aid and pastoral support to fellow Christians in the Middle East facing ongoing violence and persecution.

“The Church mourns the horrific suffering of all victims facing this senseless violence,” Bishop Deeley said. “The special collection will provide needed resources and support for those affected in the Middle East. Last year, the boundless generosity of Maine residents helped thousands through our special collection for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. I ask you to once again respond to a crisis with benevolence, and I pray that our gracious God will alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, allowing them to live with dignity in peace.”

The proceeds of the special collection will support the efforts of Catholic Relief Services as it addresses urgent needs by offering assistance to persecuted Christians. As the conflict worsens in the Middle East, millions of refugees and displaced people need support.

In Iraq, the deteriorating security situation has caused mass displacement as nearly 200,000 people are now living in collective centers.

In Gaza, hundreds of innocent civilians have been killed and the rapid escalation of violence has devastated current prospects for peace-building.

In Syria, more than two million people, mostly women and children, have sought refuge in neighboring countries.

In advance of the special collection, the Diocese of Portland is providing the following information to those who have contacted the diocese looking to donate to the relief efforts:

* To donate online, please go to the Catholic Relief Services’ Website at www.crs.org.

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

* To donate by mail, please send a check or money order to USCCB, Office of National Collections, P.O. Box 96278, Washington, DC 20090-6278. In the memo portion of the check, please write “special collection for the Middle East 2014.”