“Dad, what do you want for Christmas?” I would ask as a youngster. “Peace!” he would say. The same question was asked by many family members over the world before last Christmas, but for some, the answers were different and very edifying. The following are some examples.
“Dear Father Kubat, I am touched by all the good things you do, the people you all help and the love of God you pass on filled with hope. My husband, children and myself would like to forgo material gifts this year and help you help others instead. I know this is still not much but I’m sure you and CSS will use it and stretch it far. God bless you and all the volunteers at CSS. Give thanks to the Lord for he is great! His mercy endures forever!” Enclosed with this note was a nice check we used to help a needy family.
Around the same time, we received another beautiful card with these words, “Dear Father Kubat, when our family talked about what they would like at Christmas, we all agreed that you could put our funds and wishes to much better use at CSS than we ever could. Therefore, please accept the enclosed check … and include our family in your prayers. Thank you for all you do for the poor and needy … God bless you all!” With these funds, we were able to help another needy family.
Then came this note we received from a young woman: “Dear CSS, you will find enclosed $65 in cash. I work as a barista at a coffee shop … and as part of my Advent sacrifice, I decided to donate 50% of my tips from my shifts. I would like the money to serve whatever purpose necessary during the Christmas season.” She signed it, “Love in Christ.” I was amazed that a young woman would donate half of her tips during the Advent Season. I knew this was a sacrificial gift. Once again, we used it to help someone in need.
This happens every year and when I receive cards and letters such as these, I am always edified and moved. The light of charity that burns brightly in the hearts of the faithful is what moves them to donate to Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes. People who donate to us know we will use the funds to help with emergency services, rent, utilities, food, clothing, vehicles, furniture, appliances, house hold items, grants for counseling services for those who are un-insured or under-insured (to name a few).
I not only would like to thank the above donors who remain anonymous but the countless other benefactors who donated their time, talent, material items and cash to Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, for without your love we would not have been able to help those in need and will not be able to help the many individuals and families that will come to us in crisis. You have helped us give peace to countless people over the Christmas season – and are helping us give this peace to many going forward.
Please know that we at Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes will keep you, your families and intentions in our prayers – never forget that we pray for you on a daily basis.
