By Katie Patrick
During the Advent season, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska witnessed—more than ever before—the humbling generosity of our donor community. Your response to the urgent needs of the poor and vulnerable across all of southern Nebraska came in many forms: financial gifts, gift cards, donated items, and prayer. These truly sacrificial offerings are held close to our hearts and are never forgotten.
At Catholic Social Services, we see the value—and the hope—that even the smallest acts of kindness bring. A rosary, a warm pair of socks, a smile, or a covered utility bill can make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for walking alongside our clients and being present to them in their time of need.
With that, we—at Catholic Social Services—also desire to be there for you in your time of need.
For many years, Catholic Social Services has received prayer intentions from our donors, often alongside financial gifts and at times simply a prayer intention is sent in to us. We always welcome your intentions.
Following this holiday season, our basket at the foot of the altar in the St. Joseph Chapel in Lincoln was overflowing with prayer intentions. A Mass was offered for our donors and all of their intentions on Friday, Jan. 9, at our Lincoln chapel.
As 2026 continues, we invite you to continue sending us your intentions. You may submit them via one of our bimonthly mailings, with or without a financial gift. You may also submit prayer intentions through our electronic form found on our website at csshope.org/prayer-intentions.html. We’ll print out all of the submissions we receive and add them to our basket.
In a recent online article, Tom Hoopes of Aleteia Magazine outlines 15 reasons to serve the poor, grouped into five categories: “Do it for God, Do it for Them, Do it to Be a Better You, Do it to Be a Better Catholic,” and “Do it Because your Soul Depends on it.”
Hoopes beautifully expands on this final category by connecting it to the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. He reminds us that “love is impossible without service,” echoing St. John’s words: “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?” (1 John 3:17).
Through your generosity, Catholic Social Services is able to build relationships that not only make our work possible but also open pathways for all of us to grow in holiness. Your service to the poor is an act of love that draws us closer to God—and to heaven. How incredible is that?
