In solidarity with Ukrainian Catholic Bishops in Canada, Chalice would like to invite our supporters to join Ukrainian Catholics in Canada, and all the faithful, in prayer, fasting, and action for the
people of Ukraine, who continue to endure the hardship and terror of war in their beloved country.
Let us pray in solidarity with the Ukrainian Bishops and for those children, families, and staff at Chalice's sponsor sites in Ukraine:
PRAYER - O Lord our God, we pray for the deliverance of the Ukrainian people from unjust aggressors, foreign invasion, and the terror of war. Soften the hearts of those who promote hostilities, and give them hearts that promote peace and reconciliation, so that the war will end, and all Ukrainians may once again enjoy the peace, justice, and freedom that reflect your kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
FASTING leads to spiritual growth and purity of heart. We invite you to join in solidarity with Ukrainian Catholic Bishops in Canada, and all the faithful, in a three-day fast from November 24-26, for the people of Ukraine and for peace in their country.
ACTION - Chalice, in solidarity with the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops in Canada, extend our loving thanks for your unprecedented generosity in providing aid to the Ukrainian people through various organizations. May God bless your kindness and generosity.
Families in Ukraine thankful for the support of Chalice donors
An update from our sites in Ukraine
Russia’s renewed offensive on Ukraine has produced some alarming reports in the news. We are in constant contact with our site staff and want to keep you informed about the situation at our Ternopil, Pochaiv, and Lviv sponsor sites.
The Ternopil site is “relatively safe,” according to site staff, but increasing airstrikes in western regions have placed everyone on edge. Air raid sirens sound for upwards of two hours at a time, and all the schools, banks, and other public institutions close until they get the ‘all clear.’
All three site offices remain open and are running as close to normal as they can – except for air raid siren interruptions. Most sub-site offices are also open. Banks are operating well. There have been no delays in transferring funds from Canada to sites and from sites to families.
Schools are now a mix of in-person and online learning. If the school has a shelter, they can open for in-person classes, but it’s still the parents’ choice. The children learning from home mostly live in rural houses with root cellars where they shelter during the sirens.
The Responsible Parenting and Happy Family Program described in our last e-newsletter continues uninterrupted. It is a welcome source of support and counselling for parents.
The families have access to basic needs like food, water, and medical support; however, increased inflation and lost wages have made most families financially vulnerable. Ukrainian authorities are urging citizens to use electricity sparingly, because of serious damage done to power stations. “We are expecting a tough heating season this coming winter,” staff say. Thanks to everyone who supported Chalice’s home-heating programs for Ternopil and Pochaiv sites, the families in most need will have a winter’s worth of firewood.
“Thankfully, this year’s crops are generous in vegetables, and fruit trees yielded a good harvest,” the site staff report. “So people are processing fruits and vegetables to make cans for winter, they have picked potatoes to hold until the next season.”
“The Ukraine Regional Assistance Fund has also had a positive impact,” the site staff write. “The fact that Chalice is still able to distribute additional funds to families for education supports, food, and heating is a big help.”
You can continue to provide relief support through our Ukraine Regional Assistance fund. Sponsors can also continue donating special money directly to their sponsored child and their family. Please call us at 1.800.776.6855 and we'll be happy to assist.
