St. Monica stands in prayer and solidarity with all those affected by the recent devastation in Houston, Texas.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles guides us, "Our hearts and prayers go out to the families that have lost loved ones and to all who have lost homes and businesses along with their sense of peace and normalcy. We also stand with our brother bishops in the region who have the difficult task of providing pastoral care in these most trying times while managing their own losses. Our prayerful and financial support is urgently needed."

This weekend at all Masses, a special collection will be held to support the victims and to provide pastoral and rebuilding support to impacted dioceses.

Msgr. Torgerson also encourages you to make individual donations to any of these qualified organizations:

• American Red Cross: www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey
  You can also text HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10.
• Catholic Charities: www.catholiccharities.org/donate-now-and-help-our-neighbors-recover-from-disaster
• Salvation Army: www.distaster.salvationarmyusa.org or 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
  You can also text STORM to 51555.

Please continue to pray for the victims and for all those involved in the rescue efforts.