New Orleans archbishop thanks Catholics for generosity after Katrina

Published: 2005-12-07

NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans thanked American Catholics for their "outpouring of love and concern" for the church in New Orleans and neighboring dioceses following Hurricane Katrina. "Dioceses, parishes, lay organizations, corporations, individuals and even young schoolchildren have generously contributed thousands of hours of volunteer time and funds in excess of $12 million to rebuild our parishes and schools," he said in a letter released Dec. 6. Among programs he cited was Operation Helping Hands, through which 2,400 people, many from other parts of the country, have volunteered to help restore the homes of the poor and elderly. Hurricane Katrina hit the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast Aug. 29. The region suffered extensive damage from wind and storm surges, but in the city of New Orleans the situation was complicated by the breach of three levees. Almost the entire city was flooded.

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