by Bishop James Conley
Christ constantly reminded us he came not to be served, but to serve. As I reflect on this message, I am reminded of the many good men and women throughout the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln who follow his example every day in their commitment to living out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in our communities-those who serve the poor, advocate for the littlest and the least, teach young people in our Catholic schools, extend a hand to those in difficult circumstances, and invite those who are lost or seeking guidance to encounter Jesus.
I wish to thank every one of you engaged in such work. You are truly the hands and feet, the face and voice of Christ. You bring the gifts of faith, hope and love to all our communities across southern Nebraska. Thanks, also, to the many generous individuals, companies and groups who support this work with your prayers and financial gifts. I am inspired and edified by the many ways the people of God in our communities collaborate and give selflessly for the sake of others, in true imitation of the Lord Jesus.
Recently, I released a statement regarding the participation of Catholic organizations in this year’s Give to Lincoln Day, an annual event hosted each spring by the Lincoln Community Foundation to benefit a variety of non-profit organizations in Lincoln. In the past, several Catholic organizations that provide valuable services to our community and offer vital assistance to people of all walks of life have relied upon the funds raised during this event to support their important work.
This year, for the first time, the Lincoln Community Foundation is mandating that all participating non-profits agree to new policy requirements that do not align with the tenets of the Catholic faith and could undermine the right of Catholic schools to set policies consistent with the teachings of the Catholic faith. Those requirements could also affect the right of Catholic schools to hire administrators and teachers who strive to live their lives in adherence to the Catholic faith. Current policies regarding use of facilities and extra-curricular activities in our schools could also be undermined by agreeing to the requirements.
Therefore, Catholic organizations in the Diocese of Lincoln will not be participating in Give to Lincoln Day. I am asking all Catholics to continue to support our organizations with renewed fervor, in spite of this unexpected challenge. Please consider donating generously by giving directly to these Catholic organizations in our community.
Several Catholic organizations that have participated in Give to Lincoln Day in the past, such as Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House, and others, have shared or created online platforms that are prepared to receive donations at any time. Please visit their websites and social media pages for more information.
Several diocesan Catholic schools in the City of Lincoln have relied on the funds raised during Give to Lincoln Day to assist in their mission of educating our young people in the Catholic tradition. Funds raised have supported operations, capital improvements, and several other special projects that help our Catholic schools continue to do this important work for the Church and for the community.
Under the leadership of the Pius X Foundation, our Catholic schools in Lincoln have joined together to host the first Lincoln Catholic Schools Day of Giving on May 16, 2023. Please visit www.lincolncatholicschools.org to make a gift and support this collaborative effort. The giving page will be available for several weeks leading up to and following May 16. I pray you will be generous in support of our schools during this giving day and throughout the year.
Catholic schools will continue to educate, form, and serve all children of families who desire a Catholic education for their children. We will always do that in a way that stays true to our Catholic values. I promise you that our schools will always be authentically Catholic which will make us distinctly different in today’s world.
As Catholics, we are called to engage the world with charity and truth, through Jesus Christ and his Church. Let us continue to collaborate to carry out his work in service to those in our community who are in need, as we have done in the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln for nearly 150 years, always remaining true to our mission.
