PORTLAND – More than two dozen Catholic churches across the state are participating in Project Winter Aid Relief Ministry, or Project WARM, a program established by Bishop Richard J. Malone, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

The project was created earlier this year to assist those in need because of rising home heating fuel costs. This voluntary program authorized a special collection to be taken at a time determined by parishes around the state, according to a press release issued Friday.

“Since poor Maine residents will be receiving less aid from the state and federal government this year, Catholics have an opportunity to be Christ in our communities to help ensure fewer people are left in the cold during these winter months,” Malone said.

Individual parishes have decided how the money would be managed, according to diocesan spokeswoman Sue Bernard. Some elected to help people in their communities who have a demonstrated need. Other parishes are donating their WARM offerings to established organizations that distribute fuel assistance funds.

The following churches in the Bangor Daily News service area participated in Project WARM:

. St. John Catholic Church, Bangor, raised $5,800 that allowed 18 families to receive 100 gallons of oil.

. St. Teresa Catholic Church, Brewer, collected $1,214 that is being distributed to needy parishioners.

. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Calais, raised $422; St. James the Greater Catholic Church, Baileyville, collected $795; and St. Ann Catholic Church, Indian Township, donated $228. Money collected in these parishes will be distributed to Catholics and the wider community.

. Our Lady of Good Hope, Camden, collected more than $3,900 along with blankets, coats, hats and other warm clothing. It was donated to the Hospitality House in Rockland and St. Bernard’s Soup Kitchen in Rockland to be distributed to their clients.

. Our Lady of the Snows Parish, which includes St. Thomas Catholic Church, Dover-Foxcroft, St. Anne Catholic Church, Dexter, and Sts. Francis and Paul Catholic Church, Milo, raised $536. The funds will be distributed by the parish.

. St. Agnes Catholic Church, Pittsfield, raised $200. The funds will be distributed by the church.

jharrison@bangordailynews.net

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