Special collection for Ukraine March 26-27 

A special second collection for Ukrainian relief is scheduled for the weekend of March 26-27, with parishes able to designate the regularly scheduled Catholic Relief Services collection for Ukraine. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Pope Francis called upon Catholics throughout the world to pray and fast for peace in this region of the world. Recent estimates are that approximately 3 million Ukrainians have sought safety by fleeing to neighboring countries. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has not scheduled a collection specifically for Ukraine. However, the annual collection for CRS is scheduled for the March 26-27 weekend.  CRS has informed us that parishes can designate the funds collected on that weekend to assist the Ukrainian people. 

Photo shows refugees from Ukraine in Korczowa, Poland. A closed supermarket was turned into a place to temporarily receive the refugees. Photo courtesy Catholic News Agency.