by Rachel Tvrdy
Community Engagement Coordinator, Marketing & Development
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Do you recognize the quote, “no man is an island?” It’s the opening line of John Donne’s poem of the same name: “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”
While Donne was a member of the Anglican Church for most of his adult life, he was raised Catholic. So it’s no surprise that one of his most famous poems echoes a truth that the Catholic Church has been proclaiming since its inception: “Man, in fact, is not a solitary being, and unless he relates himself to others he can neither live nor develop his potential” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church [CSDC] 110).
It’s in our human nature to be a member of society and in relationship with others. In fact, the Church tells us that participation in the cultural, economic, political, and social life of our communities, is our duty. I think we all find it easy and natural to participate in some communities such as our families, friend groups, and workplace. However, we also have an obligation to go outside of our comfort zone and participate in the wider community. How? Paragraph 551 of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church has the answer: “The presence of the laity in social life is characterized by service.”
We are blessed in the Diocese of Lincoln to have many people who are generous not only with their treasure, but also with their time and talent. While Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) has hired staff, much of our work would not be possible without our magnanimous volunteers. It truly takes all of us to care for the needy, sick, and most vulnerable among us.
Unfortunately, like most things, the COVID-19 pandemic extensively changed our volunteer landscape, and we are certainly not the only ones. A study released by the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice found that during the pandemic, about a quarter of people who had previously volunteered for an organization stopped doing so. CSS has not been immune, and some of our offices have felt the pinch.
However, the need for the services CSS provides has not declined, and if anything, has only increased since the pandemic. In order to make our work and organization more sustainable, and be good stewards of the resources given to us by God and by our donors, we have launched our new online sales program. We often have brand new or high-end items donated to our thrift stores or furniture warehouses. The addition of online sales opens up new revenue streams that are already being utilized in our other programs, such as Family Support Services (formerly Emergency Services).
As you may have guessed, this is no small feat. Several programs already do not have the number of volunteers they need to function at peak efficiency. Now, we are adding the new online sales program on top of the existing ones, which means our need for volunteers is far greater than ever before.
This is where we need YOU. Whether you’re a volunteering pro, have always wanted to volunteer but didn’t follow through, or are completely new to volunteerism, we want you! We have so many service opportunities available with flexible hours, so there is likely to be something to fit your lifestyle.
I know there are many reasons people don’t volunteer. We are so busy living in the fast lane and worrying about our own issues. However, I’d like you to first consider some perspectives. First, volunteering benefits not only the person being served, but the person performing the service as well. Again, no man is an island, and we need to have social relationships to reach our full potential. But that is not all! Mayo Clinic clinical social worker Angela Thoreson wrote in an article that volunteering has health benefits such as reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety.
Still skeptical? Let me share a personal testament. One of my courses during my junior year of college had a service learning requirement, which I chose to spend at the Karen Society of Nebraska. My junior year was also one of the most difficult in terms of my mental health. Most days I struggled to get out of bed. The last thing I wanted to do was spend extra hours volunteering. However, I always found that no matter how terrible my day and my mood were, I always seemed to feel brighter and lighter after spending an hour or two serving the clients at the Karen Society of Nebraska.
Finally, remember that serving our neighbor is part of our responsibility as Catholics. Recall Jesus’s words in Matthew 25: “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”
When we are serving others, we are also serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So, if you are looking for an opportunity to get involved in your community, to serve your neighbor while serving your Lord, and maybe reap some personal benefits for yourself, please, please, please consider volunteering. If you are interested in serving at any Catholic Social Services office, please go to csshope.org/volunteer to view some of the available opportunities and to fill out an application. God bless!
