Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in March, more than 3 million people have fled that country. Many have found a safe haven in neighboring countries like Poland. As you may have heard, the U.S. has agreed to welcome 100,000 refugees who are sponsored. Under the leadership of parishioner Paul Knag and his law firm Murtha Cullina, our parish has located a Ukrainian family to sponsor and support. Therefore, I am pleased to inform you that Saint Aloysius will support Andrii and Mariia Kosenko and their two daughters (age 8 and 9), providing a safe place and fresh start right here in New Canaan.
We are hopeful that the Kosenko Family can travel to New Canaan sometime in July after all of the necessary paperwork is completed. But when they arrive, they will literally need everything until they can get settled and find employment. Paul and the hardworking, energetic committee of parishioners have been collecting furniture and other essentials, investigating job training and employment options, coordinating English lessons for the entire family, trying to locate a car for the family’s use, and more. I am so inspired by this committee’s dedication!
I had the privilege of meeting Mariia, Andrii and their girls when the committee had a Zoom call with them on Tuesday. We laughed and cried together as we told them about our desire to help them. I assured them that we are already praying for them and for the people of Ukraine. They sent us some great family photos; you can see them below.
One of the greatest and most pressing needs is housing in New Canaan. The rental market is nearly depleted, and rents are high, so we are hopeful that there is an in-law apartment, barn apartment, or carriage house available in town for low rent or no rent. Maybe there is space in your home for this wonderful family of four for a few months. Please join me in praying for some breakthrough moments to find a home for Andrii, Mariia, and their daughters.
To aid with some of the general expenses — including traveling to the U.S. and getting started with life in a new country — we will have a special collection on the weekend of June 11 and 12. Please be as generous as you can. We think that with $50,000 or more, we can get the Kosenko’s off to a good start. Every gift will help. Thank you in advance for your generosity, and please pray for Ukraine and the safe journey of the Kosenko Family.
Any questions, ideas, or if you have items to donate, please reach out to Paul Knag: pknag@murthalaw.com. Happy Pentecost!
Welcome to the Saint Aloysius! Our parish was founded in 1896 to serve the Catholic families that were settling in the greater New Canaan area.