USCCB - (AEE) - Our Work in Kazakhstan

Our Work in Kazakhstan

Since 1990, generous American Catholics have provided tens of thousands of dollars for projects which were submitted to our office by the bishops of Kazakhstan. These efforts have helped the Church in Kazakhstan 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 …

… Provided support for Jubilee celebrations in Kazakhstan
Our office helped the Church in Kazakhstan join the universal Church and fittingly celebrate the Great Jubilee in 2000.

… Purchased a car for a priest in Almaty
Reliable transportation is a necessity for priests in Kazakhstan. With our help, this priest was able to better reach and serve his people.

… Help with renovation of the SSMI convent in Karaganda
This project provides the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Karaganda with a secure and livable home base from which to serve and educate the people in their diocese. Request submitted: $35,000

… Helped the bishop’s office acquire computer equipment
With computers, the apostolic administration of Kazakhstan was able to work much more effectively and meet the many practical needs of Church organization.

… and we continue to …

… Support construction of the diocesan center in Karaganda
We are helping to fund changing the roof of the diocesan center, installing the ceiling, and finishing up with the work around the building. Request submitted: $38,000

…Supported religious programming cassette distribution in Central Asia
Kana Studio in Novosibirsk, Russia is producing religious programs for local broadcast. Since the costs of setting up video studios in each of the Central Asian countries would be prohibitive, the idea of setting up a system of TV cassette distribution was born. These programs are used by priests and religious in their pastoral work. This work also creates a feeling of unity among Catholics separated by tremendous distances in this remote part of the world. The service is offered free of charge to all parishes. Amount requested: $7,000.

… Give support to the Karaganda seminary
This project will cover necessary renovations, including construction of a fence, of the seminary of Mary Mother of the Church. Request submitted: $20,000

… Cover operational expenses for soup kitchen in Almaty
This project would support a soup kitchen and outreach to the poor and unemployed in Almaty, including a new soup kitchen program for children of unemployed parents. Request submitted: $7,500

We hope in the future to …

… Participate in the construction of a Roman Catholic parish church in Semipalatinsk
The Church suffered such devastation in Kazakhstan that we need to build it up from scratch. Often priests celebrate Mass in over-crowded apartments. This church will allow them to gather, worship, and witness as a community of faith. Request submitted: $28,000

… Support for the school of the Franciscan Sisters in Almaty
The Franciscan Sisters’ mission includes educating the youth. Their school is central to this mission and they have asked for funds to cover some necessary expenses. Request submitted: $15,000

…Support the construction of a Catholic church in Abai
The pastor of this parish is also the rector of the Theological Seminary in Karaganda, thirty miles away. These days the Catholic community of Abai is gathering for services in a private residence. Amount requested: $40,000.