The Sisters of Saint Joseph collected nearly $6,000 for Ukraine. The gifts were directed to Caritas Ukraine, a member of Catholic Relief Services. Caritas Ukraine will distribute the funds to local agencies, providing emergency assistance to refugees and those suffering the rages of this war. Some of those immediate needs are supporting displaced families with food, transportation services, and evacuation of children from conflict areas.
We also have been collecting items such as new sleeping bags, clothing, and diapers. For those who would like to continue to donate, collection boxes will remain at the Motherhouse for a few more weeks. Sister Beth LeValley is taking the collected items to the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union. The local credit union is actively collecting, sorting, packing, and shipping the donated supplies to Ukraine.
Sister Mary Ann Sliwa packing up donated items to be sent to Ukraine
As our collections continue, so do our prayers. The Motherhouse Community hosted a prayer service for Ukraine on Wednesday, March 30 in the Motherhouse Chapel. The evening candlelit service was livestreamed on the SSJ Facebook page. We are grateful for all who joined in person and the dozens that joined virtually for this special service.
During this Holy season, let us continue to pray for our suffering brothers and sisters in the Ukraine, for their families, for those on the front lines and volunteers working with them and for our entire global family.