Providence, RI -- Providence College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., has announced a special collection to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Beginning with the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at 3 p.m. in St. Dominic Chapel, and continuing at weekend Masses on September 10 and September 11, the proceeds from all collections will donated to the hurricane relief fund established by Catholic Charities USA.

Donation also may be directed to the Office of the Chaplain/Campus Ministry, which is coordinating the outreach. Providence College will match, dollar for dollar, every donation made by students, faculty, and staff during this special collection period.

Noting in campus-wide e-mail and telephone messages that "the new school year has begun in the shadow of a national disaster," Father Shanley recognized that members of the Providence College family have experienced the emotions of shock, horror, anger, sadness, and compassion. "It is this last feeling, compassion, that we must call upon now as we begin to respond as a community to the needs of our brothers and sisters whose lives have been ravaged by Katrina," said Father Shanley, as he encouraged the Providence College community to pray for the victims and financially support relief efforts. He added, "Confident that Jesus' compassion empowers our own activity, let us strive to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in any way that we can."

Catholic Charities USA has been commissioned by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to represent the Catholic Community in times of domestic disaster. Catholic Charities agencies from across the country are already working to meet the immediate needs of evacuees who have come into their communities, as well as planning to provide assistance for the long-term needs of the victims. Proceeds from this special collection will be used for emergency relief and long-term disaster recovery efforts on behalf of Katrina's victims.

Father Shanley's request for prayers and donations marks a second phase of aid from Providence College for victims of Hurricane Katrina. On Friday, the College announced a collaborative effort with Rhode Island's other private colleges and universities who are members of the Rhode Island Independent Higher Education Association (RIIHEA) to offer tuition-free enrollment to Rhode Island students who were planning to attend schools in the areas affected by hurricane Katrina.

Following special registration sessions on Monday and Tuesday, seven Rhode Island residents have enrolled with tuition-free "in-state special student status" and are attending classes for academic credit at Providence College for the fall 2005 semester. Two students are enrolled with "out-of-state special student status" for the fall semester. These nine students have a full course schedule and have been provided with designated campus parking, photo IDs, and options for meal plans.

"As time unfolds, we will do more to help the victims of the hurricane," promised Father Shanley. "Let us make a good beginning now by welcoming our special students, by praying for those in need, and by giving what financial help we can afford. Let us be mindful too, that when we do this for them, we also do this for Christ, who told us, 'anything you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me.'"

-- 30 --