Support for Ukraine
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown continues to accept financial contributions to assist the people of Ukraine. 100% of the funds we receive in the Diocese of Youngtown for Ukraine will be divided between the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Eastern Europe and Catholic Relief Services, unless otherwise specified by the donor. Both of these organizations are uniquely suited to help, since they and their partners have been “on the ground” for years doing critical work. Both are intently focused right now on supporting the emergency needs of Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees, with any additional funds (if applicable) supporting ongoing needs in Eastern Europe and globally. Please note that Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Youngstown does not process or keep any of these disaster donations for Ukraine for our local efforts in the collection process. All of the money goes to the people who desperately need it.
Over the past number of months, Pope Francis, Bishop Bonnar, and other Catholic leaders have urgently called for an end to war, continued prayers for peace, and tangible support for the people of Ukraine. This has included a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022, and the Consecration of Russian and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, 2022.
Pope Francis has called for Catholics to “be close to the sufferings of the Ukrainian people, to feel that we are all brothers and sisters, and to implore God to end the war. Those who wage war forget humanity.”
In his own video message (see right), Bishop Bonnar highlighted the world’s concern and prayer for the people in Ukraine. “What is happening there right now is beyond words and is so unjust.” He noted that he had seen images of the people of Ukraine “huddled in a subway as a bomb shelter. Imagine a child not being able to go to school today because of this terror. We need to pray for the people of the Ukraine. We need to pray for an end to this unjust action. We need to pray for an end to evil.”
Rachel Hroblich, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities, says, “While donations can help meet material needs and offer comfort, we should never forget to pray for peace. As we walk into the Easter Season, let us stand in solidarity with those who are suffering and continue to pray that God will change the minds and hearts of those engaged in violence; heal divisions between people; and put an end to the war in Ukraine.”