St. Paul Parish in Olathe
pastor of St. Paul Parish
Dear Brothers and Sisters, dear Friends in Christ the Lord
I would like to express my deep gratitude and my appreciation of the help and support I received from you, Father Michael, from Mrs Helena Anderson and from all the Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Your kindness has enabled us to feel in a tangible way what St Paul wrote in the Second Letter to the Corinthians: your surplus at the present time should supply their needs, so that their surplus may also supply your needs, that there may be equality. As it is written: "Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less."
When, in the first week of March 2022, I made the decision to open the rectory for the Ukrainian refugees, I was full of doubts and fears: Will I be able to cope financially? Am I mentally prepared for this? How long will my parishioners and the Polish state be able to support me? Will I not be left on my own?
When deciding to welcome the refugees I did not have any guarantees. Standing in empty rooms, with the prospect of having to pay very high gas bills, which, between January and March, had already reached 100 000 zloty, I knew one thing: you have to offer help to those who need it. Once more in my life I trusted Jesus and today, looking at the figure of Resurrected Jesus, I know that His love knows no boundaries and a man who puts his trust in the Lord will never be alone and will receive more than what he asks for.
I cannot find the words which will fully express my heart's gratitude to you, people of good will, who have offered so much support, both financial and spiritual. I am very grateful for the trust you have shown me. The money I received from you will make it possible for me not to worry about heating bills and other everyday expenses for a few months. I am in close contact with the Town Council of Otwock and with Mrs Anna Litwin, who is doing the utmost possible to help those who are looking for a safe place for themselves and for their families.
I do not know how long the refugees will stay in our parish, but I am going to use your gift in the way it was intended to be used. You have shown us that in today's selfish and material world there still exist people who put the good of their neighbour above all else. Although there are thousands of miles between us, we have become one family who is trying to give at least a semblance of a home to its brothers and sisters from Ukraine.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we trust that "God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God, for the administration of this public service is not only supplying the needs of the holy ones but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. [...] Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" Amen.
You are constantly in our prayers and I would like to ask you to remember us in your prayers. Let us together ask the merciful God for peace in Ukraine and in the whole world and for the victory of good over evil.
I would like to say once again: may God bless you. You are in my heart and in the hearts of my parishioners and we are remembering you in our prayers. The doors of our church and the rectory are always open for you. You are always welcome!
Aid coordinating team and ks. Jan Gołembiewski