Bishop Stika has asked that this weekend, March 19-20, there be a special collection for Ukranian refugees.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, over a million refugees, mostly women, children, and the elderly have fled to Poland along its 330-mile border. This sudden and unanticipated surge of refugees in such a short period of time has created a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. Through Father Martin Gladysz, a native priest of Poland and associate pastor of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bishop Stika has learned of the efforts of the St. John Paul II Shrine in Kraków, Poland. The Shrine is helping thousands of refugees by offering shelter and assisting with meals, clothing, and basic needs. Any assistance diocesan parishes can provide to the St. John Paul II Shrine will go to aiding refugees. For this reason, Bishop Stika has asked that a special collection be taken at parishes in the diocese this weekend, March 19-20. There is online giving for this collection as well.