"We want to make sure our donations are channeled to give as much direct help as possible." No special prayer services are planned, but "we will be making special mention of the folks down there. A number of people in our congregation have relatives that have been affected."

Though calls to spokespersons for the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City had yet to be returned at press time, the diocese is one of 195 throughout the country that will be asked to participate in a National Collection for Hurricane Relief, announced Wednesday by Bishop William S. Skylstad, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Catholic Charities USA, working with the local diocesan Catholic Charities, has a professional and well-de- veloped system of reviewing the needs and providing help where it can accomplish the most good." Diocesan collections and individual donations can be sent to the 2005 Hurricane Relief Fund, Catholic Charities USA, P.O. Box 25168, Alexandria, VA 22313-9788.

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E-mail: carrie@desnews.com