Special collection to aid Ukrainian residents and refugees

With millions of Ukrainian people living amid the dangers and hardships of war or as refugees in nearby countries, people in the Omaha archdiocese have an opportunity to help relieve their suffering during weekend Masses March 19 and 20.

The Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe this year is raising funds to help the people of Ukraine through humanitarian aid such as food, water and hygiene supplies, coordinated by the Church in Ukraine.

Traditionally this collection, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), funds projects in 28 countries to build up the Church and to rebuild and restore the faith in those countries still recovering from decades of communist oppression, wars, civil unrest and religious persecution.

But, in the midst of the current war in Ukraine, a portion of the collection’s proceeds will provide aid and support for the Church’s outreach to the Ukrainian people.

“During this time, Ukraine needs our prayers and support as they face devastating loss and tragedy within their country,” said Deacon Tim McNeil, chancellor for the archdiocese.

“Nearly 3 million of our brothers and sisters in Christ have fled their homes into nearby countries, and over 2,000 lives have been lost and thousands more injured.”

A posting on the USCCB’s website said: “The collection will help the Church in Ukraine bring the light of Christ to the faithful affected by the darkness of war, violence, and loss of families and homes and provide other essential funding in the region. Your support of this collection is a tangible way of assisting the Church’s response and outreach to those affected and displaced by the violence. Please be generous.”

Donations can also be sent to:

Church in Central & Eastern Europe, USCCB Office of National Collections, P.O. Box 96278, Washington, D.C. 20090-6278

Make check or money order payable to: “Church in Central & Eastern Europe” 

#iGiveCatholicTogether also accepts donations. Visit usccb.igivecatholictogether.org/organizations/usccb-church-in-central-and-eastern-europe

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

Catholic Relief Services, support.crs.org/donate/donate-ukraine

Knights of Columbus Ukrainian Solidarity Fund, kofc.org/en/what-we-do/charity/ukraine.html

Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2301 S. 16th St., Omaha, NE 68108