By Fr. Janusz Korban

Recently, I received a letter with a check of $100 from one of my previous parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Hill City. Barbara Bertchinger asked if I could pass this money onto one of the Ukrainian families in Poland. My brother-in-law, Jacek Kuzia, is a superintendent of an elementary and high school, he shared with me, that there are 30 Ukrainian students attending his school.

I sent the money to Jacek last week. He said, “Most of the Ukrainian people came over to Poland with as little as a single plastic bag of their belongings. They had about a half-an-hour to pack before they left Ukraine, and even though they packed luggage, they had to leave it at the train station, as there was no room for their luggage in the train.” He also said: “I gave the money you’ve sent to one of the poorest mothers with two daughters. She was so appreciative!” Her daughter Solomija, a 3^rd grade elementary student, brought over a thank you note to pass on with a BIG kiss and thank you!” My sister, Aleksandra Kuzia, noticed that the tank is the Russian tank as there is a “Z” letter attached to it. It’s the symbol of Russian invaders. At the present time, there are more than 2 million Ukrainians receiving shelter in Poland.

In the Diocese of Rapid City, the diocesan collection for Catholic Relief Services, scheduled for March 26-27, will be designated for efforts to help the people of Ukraine.