Francis' message for Lent 2021Lent will set you freeThe rite of imposition of ashes in the time of CovidSince the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe have been struggling to rebuild their religious life, government structures, social welfare activities and economies. Catholics in that region, who endured decades of anti-religious persecution under Soviet rule, are in urgent need of help.
A collection that supports Catholics
Each year, the Central and Eastern Europe Appeal supports seminaries, youth ministry, social service programs and pastoral centers, as well as the construction and renovation of churches in 28 former communist-controlled nations.
This year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe will especially support the Catholic community of Kyrgyzstan in its collection drive. This impoverished nation is often compared to Switzerland for its beauty and to Siberia for its history as a Soviet gulag. Communist leader Joseph Stalin unwittingly sparked a revival of the Catholic Church when he used the environment as a prison for ethnic Poles and Germans who were deported from western Russia for refusing to abandon their faith.
Global generosity
"During my visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2019, I was moved and humbled by the fervor of the people - including young people - who filled the churches," said Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton of Steubenville and chairman of the Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe.
I encourage Catholics to prayerfully consider supporting this collection.
Bishop Jeffrey M. MonfortonBishop and Chairman of the Subcommittee for Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe
One of the most moving experiences of my ministry," Bishop Monforton continues, "was confirming an elderly woman in a nursing home. Monforton continues, "was confirming an elderly woman in a nursing home. She had been baptized as an infant, but her parents were afraid to allow her to be confirmed. For many, many years, she prayed to receive the sacrament, and she saw my visit as an answer to her prayers. I encourage Catholics to prayerfully consider supporting this collection, as the projects helped by the generosity of the faithful here in the United States will impact the lives of many in Central and Eastern Europe."
DATO
6.1 millionOf dollars were awarded in 2020 from the Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe to fund 323 projects in 25 countries.
In 2020, the Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe awarded $6.1 million to fund 323 projects in 25 countries. Information about the Appeal for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, including the most recent annual report, is at. www.usccb.org/ccee.
Alms for Lent
This year's Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe will be held in most parishes on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021; although some dioceses will select different dates to avoid conflicts with local activities. The conference encourages those unable to attend the Mass in person to contact their local parish for donation options, as many parishes and dioceses have systems in place that allow for electronic donations to the collection.
