From Bishop Crosby’s weekly update, Heart to Heart, on March 11th:
THE DESTRUCTIVE WAR IN UKRAINE continues to capture the attention of the world. Pope Francis recently sent two Cardinals to represent him in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Papal Almoner, and Cardinal Michael Czerny, Interim Prefect for the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, have travelled to Ukraine and are meeting with Ukrainian refugees in neighbouring countries, offering the reassuring care and concern of Pope Francis and the entire Catholic community.
Update From St Pius Brantford, March 10th
We have been fielding a number of calls inquiring about sponsoring refugee families from Ukraine and/or collections and other monetary donations to those fleeing conflict. Please see information from Bishop Crosby (below) on both of these topics.
We will continue to pray the Rosary each Sunday during Lent immediately following the 11:00 Mass, and all are invited to join. Each week, a special intention will be offered for a pressing need in the world. This weekend (March 13th) will be for those suffering in Ukraine and for peace, as it has been the last two weekends.
Announcement at St Pius Brantford, March 5th/6th
There are no words to describe the suffering of the Ukrainian people, but we can support them with our presence and prayers. At the invitation of the Pastor, you are invited to participate in a Rosary following the 11am Mass. If you are unable to attend, please take time on your own to pray for safety and peace.
From Bishop Crosby’s weekly update, Heart to Heart, on March 4th:
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO OUR UKRAINIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS, especially those in the Ukraine, those displaced by the current conflict, and those of Ukrainian heritage here in Canada. We are mindful of the many refugees from diverse countries of origin who have been living in asylum in Ukraine. The UN Refugee Agency reports that more than 1 million refugees have fled Ukraine in recent days. Our Office for Refugees has already started fielding calls enquiring about sponsorship for Ukrainian nationals. The UN has confirmed it is too early to consider resettlement for those fleeing Russian aggression in Ukraine. Sponsorship is not currently a viable option for this community. We pray for a rapid de-escalation of violence and suffering and a generous humanitarian response in the interim. For updated information about what steps Canada’s federal immigration department is taking to address this emergency, see here.
THE CANADIAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES has issued a helpful document, A Call for Peace in Ukraine. For those interested in letter-writing, the message includes addresses of leaders who can be written. For those interested in providing financial assistance, you are invited to consider the following opportunities:
Development and Peace in partnership with Caritas International
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)
Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA Canada)
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops published their statement earlier this week. It is available here.
Announcement at St Pius Brantford, February 26th/27th
There are no words to describe the suffering of the Ukrainian people, but we can support them with our presence and prayers. At the invitation of the pastor, we will meet for a vigil with our local Ukrainian Community this Sunday, February 27th at 7:00pm outside Saint John Ukrainian Catholic Church, located at 92 Terrace Hill Street, a few blocks from the hospital. Bring a candle or a lampoon with you. Please spread the word and invite other members of the community. There is power in communal prayer and love.
From Bishop Crosby’s weekly update, Heart to Heart, on February 25th:
POPE FRANCIS HAS CALLED FOR MARCH 2ND, ASH WEDNESDAY, to be a day of prayer and fasting for Ukraine. Because it is Ash Wednesday, we already follow the practice of prayer, fasting, and abstinence. So the Pope’s call can be met with a strong response from Catholics world-wide. Here in our Diocese, with churches able to welcome worshipers at full capacity for the first time in two years, we, and all people of good will, are encouraged to heed the Pope’s call. If you are unable or reticent to return “in person”, many Parishes will be “live-streaming” their services. As well, our Diocesan website has a pre-taped Liturgy of the Word for Ash Wednesday, with Bishop Wayne Lobsinger presiding at St. Ann Parish, Ancaster. Let us pray fervently for our suffering sisters and brothers in Ukraine.