By Tami S. Scott
Editor
Maryna Bagovska speaks to
parishioners March 1 at Christ the King Parish in Bayberry.
Last year, more than $5,400 was raised through the efforts of Christ the King and Pope John XXIII parishioners after they began a donation drive to help the people of Ukraine. Food, clothing and personal products were packed and shipped to families affected by the war. Today, the conflict continues and more donations are needed.
On the first weekend in March, the same linked parishes kicked off their second annual Ukrainian Lenten project, this time with Father Ilie Babota, of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, as the guest homilist. Fr. Babota gave parishioners an overview of the differences and similarities between the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Ukrainian Catholic Church — each shares the same faith but has different customs and rites.
Representatives of the nonprofit, Abundant Mercy, Inc. were also invited to speak after each Mass. “I want to give great thanks to what you guys did last year for us, because, I mean, what you gave last year carried us for six months,” said Tony Catalfino, director of Abundant Mercy, who has been a volunteer in Ukrainian support ministry since long before the Russian invasion in 2022.
When interviewed by the Sun in 2024, Ukrainian native Maryna Bagovska, who organized the support drive with the help of Laura Ryder, a parishioner and Respect Life minister for the linked Liverpool parishes, was incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response. Provisions, however, can only last so long.
A call to action
Father Ilie Babota, of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, gives the homily during the March 1 Mass at Christ the King.
Abundant Mercy’s mission statement is “to provide basic needs to those who are going without” and “to bring hope during this time when many feel hopeless.”
Bagovska said the needed items are simple, non-perishable foods like pasta, rice, coffee, tuna, and cookies; hygiene products and practical items such as candles (nothing fancy) and flashlights for the cold and powerless conditions in Ukraine. Donations can be brought to the church, where they will be collected by the Abundant Mercy team, who will pack and ship the items.
If your parish, school or organization would like to organize an aid campaign for Ukraine, contact Maryna at 315-401-6333 or Tony Catalfino at 315-374-2353, call or text. Abundant Mercy is currently working on creating a webpage which will soon be accessible online.
