The collection for the church in Central and Eastern Europe will be taken in parishes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The purpose is to assist the church in countries that experienced oppression under communism. In most parts of the region the church is unable to support its own renewal.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Subcommittee on the Church in Central and Eastern Europe funds projects in 28 countries. These projects assist in rebuilding and renovation of church buildings and pastoral centers, assist in seminary education, religious education and youth ministry, and social service programs. The funds also assist projects for church communications and evangelization through the use of television, radio and the Catholic press.

The collection was authorized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in November 1990, and the need is still great.

Catholics in the Archdiocese of Portland are asked to be generous in their support for the church in Central and Eastern Europe.