PORTLAND — Roman Catholic parishes in Maine collected more than $150,000 to benefit victims of flooding in Aroostook County.

A total of $152,690 was raised in response to Bishop Richard Malone’s call for aid, the Diocese of Portland announced Friday.

“Once again, I am overwhelmed, but not surprised at the generosity of the Catholic community in Maine,” Malone said in a statement.

Catholic Charities Maine will distribute the money from the special collection, working with others to assess the needs of victims of the flooding this spring.

The money can be used for food, clothing, furniture or other household items, or to ease the financial strain of those who have opened their homes to flood victims.

The money also will be used in long-term recovery to help with needs that are unmet by insurance or funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The diocese said it appears that insurance will cover all but $500 worth of damage to St. Louis Church in Fort Kent, part of St. John Vianney Parish.