Bridging cultures with perogies: Ukrainian young adults become a parish presence

There are basically three types of immigrants and refugees who come to Canada: those who integrate, immersing themselves so every aspect of their homeland disappears; those who remain apart, keeping their own languages and customs in a foreign land; and those who flow back and forth, keeping the strengths of both cultures.

In Vancouver, Ukrainian Catholics are part of this third category. At St. Mary’s Church they’ve formed a young adults group that has become a central part of parish life.

Catholic organizations abound in parishes, from children’s ministries like PREP and Vanspec, to youth groups, to women’s and men’s associations like the CWL and Knights of Columbus. Unfortunately young adults are often ignored, which is ironic. The future of any parish depends perhaps most importantly on young people. For the Church to grow and remain vibrant, this is the group that will produce future religious, priests, and families.

One young man, Michael Breeden, recognized the importance of young people about three years ago, and St. Mary’s Young Adults group was formed. Unfortunately COVID also happened about the same time and so the group got off to a slow start.

Today, these young adults are the vitality and energy of the parish. They help collect the offerings. When a pipe burst and flooded the church, the pastor called on them to do everything from mopping up to fixing up.  Last week they took down the church Christmas decorations. After Mass they recognize newcomers and visitors and encourage them to join parishioners for coffee. There, they help to translate for Ukrainian refugees.

One Sunday before Christmas they invited a young refugee couple to join them for coffee on their first Sunday in the parish. Looking at the heavily pregnant woman I was reminded of two famous refugees more than 2,000 years ago who did not receive as warm a welcome.

On Monday nights, the young men and women go into the church to pray the Liturgy of the Hours before continuing with Bible study with Father Deacon Howard Burton. On alternate weeks they listen to a talk prepared by a member, do a book study, or watch a Catholic film.

When the war broke out in Ukraine, the young adults wondered what they could do to help. Many had friends and family in Ukraine and were hearing from them how bleak things were.

After a week of work or school routines, the young people began giving up their Saturdays to make perogies, selling them raise funds for Ukraine. A mother from Ukraine provided the recipe and women of the parish volunteered to work alongside the young people at the Saturday work parties and even make borscht for them to sell.

In December the group held a craft and perogy sale with parishioners and raised more than $4,000. Sales have gradually increased as more people become involved in the fundraising effort.

Through connections with family and friends in the Ukraine, they have chosen two groups to support, a volunteer battalion and a volunteer organization that supplies thermal underwear, socks, and medication to people in need who are trapped by the war. By networking with family and friends in Ukraine, the young adults have been able to ensure the money gets to the intended groups and individuals. 

Young adults who are interested or simply curious, regardless of religious background, are invited to join the St. Mary’s group for prayer, Bible study, talks, films, perogy making, or Sunday coffee and snacks. As an elder who has been walking alongside these vibrant and faith-filled young adults, I can assure you of a grace-filled journey. To contact the group, email [email protected].

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