February 14, 2003

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Collection to be taken for the Church in Central & Eastern Europe

        On Ash Wednesday, March 5, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Portland will have
the opportunity to help rebuild the Church in the former Communist countries in Central
and Eastern Europe. This is an optional collection within the Archdiocese of Portland,
but will be taken up in many of the parishes.

        The Bishops of the United States began this special collection in 1990. Since
then, nearly $72 million has been used to support more than 3000 projects in 27
countries. The Catholic Churches in Central and Eastern Europe faced many
challenges after the fall of Communism. Proceeds from the collection have been
allocated as grants toward establishing religious education programs, training
seminarians and lay catechists and expanding social ministries to those in need.
Grants have also been used to rebuild ruined churches, convents and schools and to
assist spreading the gospel through the mass media.

        The theme for the 2003 collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern
Europe is "A Faith for All Ages, a Hope for All Times." The theme reflects the
determination of the people in those regions to share their faith with the younger
generations.

        Catholics in the Archdiocese of Portland are asked to be generous in their
support for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe through the collection on Ash
Wednesday.

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