Our Parish Family continues to pray for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, as we face the horrific events and unimaginable pain inflicted upon their beloved homeland.  It is heartbreaking to see the fear and agony of the children clinging to their mothers – going into the unknown, and leaving their dads behind in the darkness of war.  We entrust all of them into the providential care of God, and ask the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.  We are grateful and encouraged by the outpouring of the humanitarian aid from every corner of the world; especially, from the people who are welcoming and helping the refugees.
 
St. Mark is blessed to have as our neighbors St. Josaphat and Immaculate Conception Catholic Churches, and the Immaculate Conception School Community.  The Ukrainian Catholic Church belongs to the group of Churches of the Byzantine Rite, which are in communion with the Pope, and acknowledge his spiritual and jurisdictional authority.  After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Catholic faith has experienced a new era of freedom, and brought about a flourishing and renewal of the Ukrainian Catholic Church world wide.  The Ukrainians began to settle in Detroit in the early twentieth century, and celebrated their first Divine Liturgy in 1914.
 
For several years, the students, parents, teachers, at the Immaculate Conception School in Warren, and parishioners at the Immaculate Conception and St. Josaphat churches, have collected food for St. Mark Food Pantry.  Their kindness and generosity has enabled us to reach out to many people in need in our local community.  The IC School and Church             Communities have relatives in Ukraine – fighting for freedom in their homeland, or making the difficult choice to leave and seek protection in other countries.  They need our prayers and support.  You can find more info at: 
www.stjoschurch.com
www.iccchurchosbm.com 
www.icschoolswarren.org