PORTLAND — Bishop Robert P. Deeley has authorized a special collection at all of Maine’s Catholic churches on the weekend of Sept. 6-7, 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,” said Bishop Deeley. “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 (CRS) 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 peacebuilding.

• In Syria, more than 2 million people, mostly women and children, have sought refuge in neighboring countries.

To donate online, go directly to Catholic Relief Services’ website at www.crs.org. To donate by phone, call 1-877-435-7277. To donate by mail, send a check or money order to USCCB, Office of National Collections, P.O. Box 96278, Washington, D.C., 20090-6278. In the memo portion of the check, write Special Collection for the Middle East 2014.