Knights, religious order unite to benefit Ukrainian refugees

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

A partnership between a Knights of Columbus council and a religious order known for its mission to serve the poor has resulted in a generous donation to Ukrainian refugees.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, 2022, the Knights of Columbus members of Commodore John Barry Council 2544 in Dunellen recognized the need to raise money to provide assistance to the huge number of refugees moving into Poland. Grand Knight Mario Fabella and chairperson Jim Whelan spoke to the council Chaplain, Father Paul DaSilva, about fundraising ideas and who should receive the donation.

The council, which supports the parishes of Our Lady of Fatima, Piscataway, and St. John the Evangelist, Dunellen, took the recommendation of Father Da Silva and decided to send the proceeds to the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Woodbridge.

The dedicated order was still functioning in Ukraine as well as in Poland, noted Whelan. “We knew all of the funds we raised would directly benefit the innocent victims being raised by the sisters,” he said. “I was very familiar with the sisters and their dedication since I had a relative who had resided at St. Joseph’s Home for Seniors in Woodbridge,” which is staffed by that religious order.

The council contacted Mother Dorata Baranowska of the Little Servant Sisters at their Motherhouse in Cherry Hill. She described the work her fellow sisters were doing and sent them photos of the sisters and refugees. Eager to help the less fortunate, the Knights publicized their fundraising plans in the church bulletins of their two parish homes, enlisted the cooperation of OLF pastor Father DaSilva and St. John the Evangelist pastor Father Alphonsus Kariuki, and set dates for their fundraising efforts.

Representatives of council 2544 conducted a collection drive before and after all the Masses on May 22, 2022, at Our Lady of Fatima, the photos of the sisters and refugees sent by Mother Baranowska on full display. The Knights stood outside St. John the Evangelist during the weekend of June 12. Generous parishioners of the two Catholic faith communities donated more than $9,000 during the collection weekends. Additional money continued to be sent to the Knights in the following weeks; the council collected funds to the refugees and donated a total of $10,715 to the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.

“This was one of the most successful fundraising campaigns ever,” stated Whelan, “primarily because people were moved and inspired by the photos of the Sisters giving direct assistance to refugees, the innocent victims of the conflict.”