Collection for Church in Central and Eastern Europe Feb. 3-4

The Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe will be taken at all Masses Feb. 3 and 4. Proceeds will help the Church overcome the challenges of rebuilding after decades of atheistic communist rule, bringing light to 29 nations in Central and Eastern Europe. The citizens have been freed from the evil of communism for over 30 years, but much work still remains to accomplish the restoration of the Church in this part of the world. The people do not have the resources to “Restore the Church [and] Build the Future” on their own.

Funds from this collection will support reconstruction projects, education, and formation of clergy, religious and laity, and will provide assistance to those suffering from poverty.

“I hope that our parishioners will be comforted in knowing that their contributions to this collection do indeed make a difference in the lives of so many persons as they struggle to recover from former communist rule,” Bishop Larry J. Kulick said in a letter to priests announcing the collection.

 “We are called to continue to offer hope to our fellow Catholics in Central and Eastern Europe by providing both material and spiritual assistance as they face enormous challenges.

“Please pray with your parishes for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, asking God to strengthen those who serve and to relieve those who suffer.”