Bishops' task force expanded to include Hurricane Rita aid

Published: 2005-09-23

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A special task force created by the U.S. bishops to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will also address the problems expected to be caused by the impact of Hurricane Rita on the Gulf Coast. Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, task force chairman, announced the expanded responsibility Sept. 23 as Rita approached the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. The archbishop was named to head the task force Sept. 14 by Spokane Bishop William S. Skylstad, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "As many victims of Hurricane Katrina who took refuge in Galveston-Houston now move on because this region is facing its own hurricane-related danger, this task force is determined to be prepared to address whatever needs will arise in the wake of this second storm," Archbishop Fiorenza said. The task force made up of bishops and representatives of leading Catholic organizations collecting funds and carrying on relief work was established by the USCCB Administrative Committee.

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