Since 1990, generous American Catholics have provided millions of dollars for projects which were submitted to our office by the bishops of Lithuania. These efforts have helped the Church in Lithuania rebuild itself and begin to live and serve in freedom. The following are just a few examples of past, ongoing, and new projects sponsored through our office.

With your help, we have …

… Furnished the Siauliai cathedral with a heating system

One of the essentials in Eastern Europe for building the Church from the ground up is a good heating system. The cathedral in Siauliai is one of several heating systems we have helped provide for the Church.

… Sponsored Lithuanian graduate student in communications at the Gregorian University in Rome
Renewing the Church and spreading the gospel in the 21st century requires extensive knowledge in modern communications. This student brought expertise in communications with a Catholic perspective back to Lithuania to serve the Church.

… Supported the establishment of the Military Ordinariate for Lithuania
Lithuania has an independent military that only recently became independent. It is important that the Church serve the pastoral needs of the soldiers and all those who serve their country in the military through the Ordinariate.

 

… and we continue to …

… Give support to Catechetical Centers in Lithuania
The catechetical centers are an essential means for the Church in Lithuania to evangelize, catechize, and educate people in the faith, many of whom never had the opportunity under Communism to do so. Our support helped them get established and now enables them to operate effectively. Request submitted: $80,000

… Sponsor Lithuanian students in graduate studies in theology in Rome
This ongoing effort to educate future teachers and catechists is central to the renewal of the Church in Lithuania. This project alone will allow 18 studnets to pursue valuable studies in Rome. Request submitted: $180,000

… Fund higher education for priests at the Catholic University of America
In addition to funding the education of laymen and women, we are helping priests acquire graduate degrees to return and teach in seminaries and institutes at home and train future priests and religious. This project supports one priest in such an effort. Request submitted: $18,000

We hope in the future to … 

… Offer educational support to a religious sister to study at Boston College

Funding women religious is an important aspect of our efforts to help the Lithuanian bishops train future teachers and leaders. Request submitted: $5,000

… Provide scholarship for a student at Maryvale Institute for a doctorate degree in catechetical ministry
The efforts of the Lithuanian bishops include training catechists to full immediate needs in the Church, but also training people at the doctoral level to educate and form future catechists in universities at home. This project is part of that effort. Request submitted: $3,450

… Support the Family Centers in Lithuania
Like the Catechetical Centers, the Family Centers are a crucial part of the Lithuanian Church's outreach and mission. Marriage and family were especially hit hard under communism and continue to be in great need of renewal and protection. These centers are a great help in the Church's ministry to families. Request submitted: $80,000