Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, this week expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Peoria who participated in special collections last month for earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

As of Wednesday, special collections after Masses had raised a total of $460, 777, according to the diocesan Office of Finance. The money is being sent directly to Catholic Relief Services, the international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic Church.

“We feel so blessed to to see the continued commitment of parishioners throughout the diocese who, without reservation, answered the call to reach out to those afflicted by the terrible devastation in Haiti,” added Patricia Gibson, chancellor.

She encouraged those still interested in donating to Haiti relief to visit the CRS Web site, www.crs.org, which also contains updates on the relief effort.