USCCB - (AEE) - Our Work in Slovakia

Our Work in Slovakia

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

…Supported Radio Lumen in Banska Bistrica
Radio Lumen is one the great Catholic Radio success stories in Eastern Europe. Supported by this office though the generous donation of Catholics in the U.S., Radio Lumen has rapidly grown in popularity and still maintains its strong position in a market dominated by commercial radio stations.

… Funded the restoration of an iconostasis in an Eastern-rite church in Stropkov
This project provided funds to restore an iconostasis on a 200-year old altar in a church built in 1773. They had raised enough money to restore the altar itself, but still needed help to restore the iconostasis.

… Help with operating costs and transportation for Lux Communication in Bratislava
The areas of electronic mass-media operation for Lux Communication include CD and radio, distribution of Catholic videos and TV programs, and internet sites devoted to information, inspiration, and spiritual guidance. Request submitted: $75,000

… Sponsored doctoral students at the Pontifical Slovak College and Pontifical Eastern Institute in Rome, Lublin Catholic University in Poland, and the Catholic Communication Center in London
Doctoral students, future teachers for the Slovakian Church, were engaged in areas of study such as The Spirituality of the Czech Church during Communism, Bioethics and Moral Theology, Child Psychology, and Theology and Mass Media.

… Purchased a van for the seminary in Presov
The acquisition of a van enabled seminarians to engage in pastoral programs and other diocesan functions previously out of their reach.

… and we continue to …

… Support three students at the Gregorian University in Rome
Our office is providing tuition, room and board for future leaders and educators, both clerical and lay, of the Church in Slovakia. Request submitted: $26,000

… Contribute to the construction of the “House of Children” in Stropkov
This center will help mentally and physically handicapped children in all facets of development and care, including education, physiotherapy, social work, and a supervised living space. Request submitted: $100,000

… Offer support for the St. Charles Borromeo seminary in Kosice
There is no shortage of vocations in Slovakia, so seminaries can use our help to provide the necessary housing and facilities to accommodate the growing numbers. Request submitted: $50,000

We hope in the future to …

… Contribute to the restoration of the Catholic school in Zilina
This project would furnish and equip school rooms and facilities in Zilina and do much to further Catholic education in the diocese. Request submitted: $10,000

… Take part in the construction of a monastery for the Eastern-rite Redemptorist Sisters in Sacurov
Helping with the renewal of Eastern-rite monastic life is an important aspect of our work in Slovakia and the entire region. With their own monastery, the Redemptorist Sisters will be able to live out their vocation according to their own tradition and charism. Request submitted: $50,000

…Support youth crisis center in Spisska Nova Ves
The center’s aim is to provide support to troubled youth consumed by drug abuse and addiction, as well as those who are suffering from maltreatment at the hands of abusive parents influenced by alcohol or controlled substances. The center is conducted by the Sisters of the Divine Savior. The center provides rehabilitation, psychological and spiritual counseling, social services to victims and their families. Amount requested: $130,000.