May 1, 2022
Dear Father Richard,

Happy Easter!    I hope this message finds you well.   As the War in Ukraine intensifies before our very eyes there is a great need to help people who are victims of this war. I learned from Sr. Jadwiga, our general treasurer, that your Parish contributed another $25,000 to assist the Ukrainian people. I thank you, Father Richard, from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and your concern. Your financial support helps us to provide urgent relief to those whose life was changed drastically. Please, be assured that you, Father Richard, and the intentions of all your Parishioners have a special place in our daily prayers.    May God bless you and reward your kindness.

 With deep gratitude,
M. Barbara Latocha  

March 15, 2022
Dear Father Richard,

My Sisters in Stirling have given me the news that you and your parishioners have opened your hearts to help people who are suffering from the war in Ukraine by making monetary contributions to this cause. We have three convents in Ukraine, and nine sisters are serving there. The Ukrainian sisters are very brave. They do not want to come to Poland, because they want to help those who have remained there, in particular, the elderly, the poor and the sick. I admire their courage and the openness of their hearts and homes to the needs of those people. The Sisters provide accommodations, food, medical assistance, and above all spiritual help. In addition, they prepare meals for soldiers and make camouflage nets for the army. Our Polish communities engage in helping Ukraine as well. Last week, I stayed for a few days in our convents located on the Polish-Ukrainian border in Przemyl. I saw and experienced what those, who are coming to Poland seeking shelter and help, are going through. Among Ukrainian refugees are also people of different nationalities who studied and worked in Ukraine. Our communities in Przemyl receive about one hundred people a day, whom they give housing for 1-2 nights, prepare food, give them the opportunity to wash, rest and change into new clothing. Additionally, they provide them help in the form of information on what to do next to gain refugee status, and how to travel further as many of them go to the other countries. This ministry provides a lot of joy and satisfaction but is also filled with pain and sadness. To keep this ministry working, we will need to raise necessary funds. This week, we received $25,000 from your Parish, St. Vincent de Paul in Stirling. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, all my Sisters and myself, with all my heart I thank you, Father Richard, and the entire Parish Community. Thank you for your generosity, your care and concern. All the donations will be used to help people who are victims of this war. May our Lord, Jesus Christ, bless every person and family that supports Ukraine.           Very grateful,   

Mother Barbara Latocha 
General Superior

Ukrainian Relief
 

The images of human suffering and the reporting on the casual destruction of human life emanating from Ukraine are heartbreaking. You can help alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian crisis for the refugees of Ukraine and bring some relief to the families and children of Ukraine who have had their homes and security taken from them through violent force.

Sr. Krystyna Dziadkowiec, Pastoral Associate and Sacristan here, and her sisters in religious life are members of the Sister Servants of Jesus. Their community has convents in Ukraine, and Poland, among other places. The sisters in Ukraine are aiding those in need, and their convent on the Polish border is receiving migrants from Ukraine.

Checks made payable to St. Vincent de Paul with Ukraine Relief on the memo or online by March 15th will be sent to the sisters to aid those in great need. We will send it directly to the Superior of the Order, Mother Barbara.

We can each contribute our prayer at this time for our sisters and brothers, especially the children who are innocent victims of war and violence..

Fr. Richard