Many parish communities in our Archdiocese have already been most generous in their support – financial and through prayer - for those who are suffering because of the war in Ukraine. Many parishes have supported Caritas organisations in Europe and Ukraine, as well as other international agencies, with generous donations.
You may be aware that over the last five to six weeks there have been many generous offers of accommodation in parishes around the Archdiocese to welcome those who are fleeing the war and are settling, temporarily or even possibly long-term, in Britain.
I have asked parishes to hold a second collection on or around the 14/15 May 2022 to support our ability to respond to the many needs connected with this work of welcome. Any money donated will be held as a restricted fund by Father Hudson’s and will only be used to support any necessary work. You can also donate to this appeal here:
Diocesan Ukraine Appeal
It has become clear to the group of Diocesan representatives which meets weekly regarding our response to the crisis in Ukraine, facilitated by Father Hudson’s, that a Diocesan fund is necessary for several reasons:
We have already seen, in St Chad’s Sanctuary, Ukrainian families coming for support as they have not yet received the promised Local Council financial support for basic needs. Our Ukrainian communities in Wolverhampton and Coventry have held successful orientation and community events for Ukrainian refugees, and in Stoke and North Staffs, long standing Ukrainian families are welcoming those now seeking safety. We want to extend such support across the Diocese, wherever it is needed.
Should there be any funds remaining once our local Diocesan response is in place and fully working for the time period necessary, these would be given to CAFOD for their support in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries.
I would like to thank Father Hudson’s for their willingness to take on this responsibility, knowing that this is additional to their existing work of sharing in Christ's mission to those experiencing poverty and other forms of disadvantage.
Please add your support if you can in the second collection in your parish or here:
Donate to the Disaster Emergency Committee appeal via CAFOD
CAFOD : Donation to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
CSAN and CAFOD have issued a joint statement which you may find helpful.
Archbishop Bernard asks parishes to hold a second collection on or around the 14/15 May 2022 Read more
It is imperative to us that we must utilise our own Catholic network in this country and in Europe to help to identify refugees and help them find sponsors here in the UK to expedite their journey for safety and support. Read more
Statement from the Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group Read more
Update on Ukraine response w/c 14 March 2022 Read more
Holy Hour at St Chad's Cathedral Friday 25 March at 7pm Read more
Saturday 5th March, the main Ukrainian community organisations held a rally in Trafalgar Square in support of Ukraine and to Stand With Ukraine. Read more
Meeting in London, today, 4 March 2022, the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of England and Wales, Ireland, and Scotland have appealed to Catholics to ‘sustain the prayer and self-denial of Lent as a constant offering to God, begging for and end to the pointless violence in Ukraine’. Read more
Pope Francis has made a heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine and urged Catholics everywhere to make Ash Wednesday, March 2, a day of fasting and praying for peace. Read more
A CATHOLIC charity is set to despatch €1 million in immediate emergency aid as Ukraine descends into a state of war. Read more
Archbishop Bernard: "I know that you will join me in praying for the people of Ukraine" Read more