By John McDermott
Vice President, Marketing & Development
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
One of the first things we do when we are planning for our annual Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction is to come up with a theme for the event. The theme sets to the tone for the evening and conveys the message we want to share for that year’s event. The process usually begins with suggestions being tossed around, and then tossed out because they just don’t “feel right.” Then, right on cue, the Holy Spirit inspires one of the committee members to say, “What do you think of this for a theme?” followed by a suggestion that is the perfect message for the evening.
The theme for this year’s Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction? You are not alone. Perfect.
Like so many of the women fleeing domestic violence, Kellie came to our St. Gianna Program frightened, isolated and alone. The constant abuse she suffered left her in a dark place making her feel unloved, and to the point of loathing herself. Not long after arriving at St. Gianna’s, through the support of our staff and the St. Gianna community, Kellie began to heal. The amount of personal growth and healing she has experienced is amazing. Kellie has learned to love herself and she’s learned of God’s love for her. She has grown to the point that she is now in OCIA and plans to join the Church this Easter. Kellie recently said that if she could tell others who are going through what she went through, it would be this: you are loved. You are not alone.
On Saturday, March 14, we will gather at Embassy Suites in Lincoln for the 2026 Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction. Each year we present the Heart of Christ Award to an individual, couple or group who exemplifies the Heart of Christ. This year’s award will be presented to the St. Gregory the Great Propaedeutic Stage Seminarians. The propaedeutic year is the foundational year of priestly formation. As part of this formation, these men are sent to serve with various apostolates, including Catholic Social Services. Three of them regularly serve with us, joining our staff in homeless outreach. They go out on walks to encounter, encourage and listen. To let the homeless know that they are not alone.
Our Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA) will also be featured at this year’s event. In this apostolate, a CSS staff member meets with someone who is incarcerated and begins to form a relationship and develop trust. They also assist formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into society through CSS programs offering food, rental assistance, and other support services. To help them realize that they are not alone.
We hope you can join us for this inspirational evening. But if you are unable to attend in person, you can still support our Celebration of Hope. All bidding on our Silent Auction is done online. No matter where you are, you can bid on items using your phone or computer. You can bid on getaways to the Ozarks, or Breckenridge. Golf outings, a Blackstone griddle, Husker volleyball tickets, jewelry and more. Just visit csshope.org/celebration2026 for more information and to register to bid.
Our mission as Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is to Perform the Works of Mercy in response to the call of God. Through your prayers and support we are grateful to know that we are not alone. Thank you!
