Collection helps restore Church in Eastern Europe

The 1999 Special Collection to Aid the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe will be taken up May 22-23 in parishes throughout the Diocese.

The bishops of the United States established the collection in 1990 in response to the needs of parishes, convents and pastoral centers in 21 countries.

Rebuilding

Generations grew up at a time when Church buildings were converted to government uses, religious books were destroyed and priests weren't allowed to celebrate Mass or administer sacraments.

Recently, the Church in Central and Eastern Europe has experienced firsthand the tragedy of war as thousands of Kosovo refugees have fled, and the bombardment of Yugoslavia by NATO forces has destroyed homes, churches and lives.

Who is helped?

The collection supports three types of projects:

* developing leaders and supporting the formation of seminarians and religious women; and providing special training to priests, religious and laity so that they can educate others in the faith;

* developing infrastructure, such as churches, pastoral centers and convents, along with media and communications infrastructure; and

* reestablishing social ministry programs, including family counseling, humanitarian aid and pro-life programs.

Mission of Jesus

"Your contribution and that of many other Catholics in our Diocese and in our country will enable the Church to advance the mission of Jesus the Lord and to provide the spiritual and corporal works of mercy for our sisters and brothers in Central and Eastern Europe," he said. "Know how grateful I am for your ongoing generosity and your steadfast concern for the needs of others."

(05-20-99) [[In-content Ad]]