MANCHESTER - Catholic parishioners from across New Hampshire donated $165,500 dollars to help in relief efforts from Hurricane Sandy.


Bishop Peter A. Libasci called for a special collection on Nov. 10-11, 2012, 11 days after the hurricane devastated communities from the Caribbean to the mid-Atlantic.

Funds collected will be distributed to Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services, and the Diocese of Rockville Center on Long Island.

Libasci said, "Like so many, I was shaken by the destruction in New Jersey, New York and on Long Island. Some of the areas affected were places where I grew up and where I served as a priest and bishop, so this disaster is particularly painful for me to witness. The people of New Hampshire are always quick to respond to a need, either here in our state or during times of disasters. I am so grateful to those who have come together to offer what they can to help rebuild. Your generosity and the power of your prayers are added to millions of others around the world and will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by Hurricane Sandy."