by Randy Porter
(SNR) - Bishop James Conley appointed Katie Patrick as the new executive director of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS), effective July 1.
Patrick was named CSS interim executive director March 15 when Bishop Conley appointed previous director Father Justin Fulton as vicar general of the Diocese of Lincoln, with administrative oversight, strategy and mission for CSS.
“The work of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska continues to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the Diocese of Lincoln as they care for the whole person, body and soul. I am grateful for the work they do in living out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy,” said Bishop Conley.
“Katie Patrick has already proven herself in her competency, work ethic, and charity during her previous role at CSS. I am happy to appoint her the first lay executive director of CSS.”
Previously, Patrick was CSS regional director since March 2019. She is the first woman, wife, mother and lay person to lead the organization.
A member of the Cathedral of the Risen Christ Parish, Patrick graduated from Pius X High School in Lincoln in 2002. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2006. She then received a master’s degree in diplomacy and international relations in 2010 from Seton Hall University, a private, Catholic university in South Orange, N.J.
Patrick then spent a year volunteering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the Canossian Daughters of Charity.
Her experience also includes two years at CSS as a refugee case manager, four years at the Colorado African Organization in Denver and work at the Asian Community and Cultural Center in Lincoln.
While her education prepared her for the work, she said, most of the lessons she’s learned have come from the people she’s helped.
“School prepares you, but you gain first-hand knowledge about compassion, integrity and empathy from your experiences with people,” she said.
Patrick also started a non-profit organization in 2014. It provides sewing training and business education to female entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Seven years later, it’s thriving.
Called Totogna Bomoi, it has helped more than 430 men, women and children. The organization is at the forefront of authentic development where skill meets compassion and commitment eliminates poverty. To learn more, visit www.totongabomoi.com.
Even with her extensive education and experience, Patrick trusts in God in her new leadership role.
“As long as I keep focused on the poor, and that God has called me to this work, he will give me the strength to do this job,” she said.
It would not be possible, however, to lead CSS without her incredible staff, Patrick said.
“I am very grateful for the staff,” she said. “They are deeply committed and dedicated to serving the poor and those in need.”
Seeing them use the talents God gave them is an inspiration. To have a strong team of people handle various tasks makes a big difference in her leadership role.
As for CSS, it continues to evolve and change to meet the needs of the poor and other vulnerable communities, Patrick said.
Patrick’s husband, Ryan, is an attorney for the state. Although he stays busy, he’s always supportive and that’s a blessing.
Katie and Ryan had a daughter, Imogen Rose, who was born at rest last November. Inspired by this quote, “Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints,” Patrick asks for her daughter’s intercession often. The couple is expecting twin daughters on Christmas Eve.
Patrick’s parents are Dan and Deb Hile of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln.
