By Fr. Justin Fulton
Good ol’ New Year’s Resolutions. Congratulations to all who make them and keep them! They can be fun. They can be a kick in the face.
I guess the only advice I have for those who make a New Year’s Resolution: don’t make them until after the Super Bowl. Seriously. With football bowl season and then the Super Bowl, it seems that food, goodies, sloth, and gluttony derail a lot of resolutions no further than a month into the year. So that is my nugget of wisdom: don’t make a New Year’s Resolution until after the Super Bowl.
I love football. Especially this time of year. Whether it’s during the BCS Championship or the upcoming Super Bowl, it is amazing to see God-given gifts of athleticism on full display. And with characters like Ed Orgeron (LSU) and Dabo Swinney (Clemson), the marching bands, music, and commercials, football-watching can be very entertaining. But probably more than anything, I love to see the mechanics and smooth transition of individuals working together and playing as a team. I love to see strategy, speed, and individual accountability and responsibility being blended into a cause higher than the individual. Team sports can involve hard work, patience, sacrifice, and community. Sports can really be a microcosm of the spiritual life.
Just a couple weeks ago, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska again took a leadership role in our state on behalf of those fleeing from horrific and life-threatening situations. Katie Patrick, our regional director of social services in Lincoln, appeared with the governor and the attorney general to proclaim January Human Trafficking Awareness Month. CSS represented a number of local organizations and individuals in our community who work tirelessly to end this form of modern slavery.
Here we witnessed the teamwork of our staff, our Marian Sisters, our volunteers, and our benefactors working together for a cause bigger than them: the protection and defense of the most vulnerable among us. Our work at CSS literally saves lives. Throughout the years, CSS has provided safety and security for those fleeing from human trafficking.
Please help us share the story of CSS and St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes. Many people do not know we, as the Catholic Church, do this work. I find that sad. As Catholics, feeding the poor, helping the weak, protecting life, saving lives, nurturing lives, and welcoming the least and most vulnerable amongst us is our work!
As we share our story of what we do at CSS, the broader community sees us not only as a team player—but as a leader on the team. We are all servant leaders after the heart of Jesus Christ. Together, we are helping others to live greatly and we are bringing Hope in the Good Life.
Be proud to be Catholic and please join with us at CSS. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Thank you for your faith. May God bless us always!
