Due to the unprecedented needs brought about by the devastation of the attacks on Ukraine and the immigration of millions of victims fleeing the ravages of the war, Cardinal Seán has authorized a special collection to be taken up at all parishes this weekend, March 19 and 20.
The monetary donations collected this weekend for Ukraine will go to the Vatican agency for outreach to the Churches in Eastern Europe as well as Catholic Relief Services (CRS). CRS is the overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. The work of CRS in Ukraine is happening right now and includes field kitchens that provide hot meals; reception services at Caritas offices, train stations and other locations, providing displaced people with clothing, information, referrals, food, water, hygiene items and counseling support; work in evacuation centers and much more. CRS is also working with refugees crossing the borders in Moldova, Romania and Poland. Caritas Poland is providing assistance to arriving Ukrainians at border crossing points. CRS is helping them to prepare a cash assistance program with the UNHCR to be scaled up to reach an estimated 300,000 families.
You may know CRS from their “Rice Bowl” Program in Lent. St. John School is participating in raising funds through Rice Bowl and we recognize their efforts and generosity. Thank you all in advance for your contribution to this weekend’s collection.
COLLECTION INFORMATION:
Please make checks payable to your parish, with “Ukraine Relief” noted in the memo. Checks may be placed in the Second Collection this weekend at all Masses, or mailed/dropped to either parish office.
To make a donation online, please click here: Special Collection for Ukraine