A few days ago, a homeless woman who found an apartment needed a place to stay for a week before she could move in. She was happy to be employed now and did not want to sleep in her car because of the cold weather. A priest in the diocese suggested she call Catholic Social Services. She called us and came in for an appointment. We were able to pay for a motel room for a one week stay.
Later that same day as she was filling her car with gas, she spied another priest filling his car with gas. Knowing he was a priest because of his clerical clothes, she ran over and asked, “Do you know ‘Father Kobart’?” She then proceeded to tell him what we had done.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, we will celebrate our 27th annual “Celebration of Caring” banquet at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. The social hour begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.
This is our time to present briefly our ‘state of the union,’ outlining what God has allowed us to accomplish through the generosity of our donors and volunteers. There are many stories big and small to share like the one outlined above, which was huge for the lady involved. Whether it is helping a homeless individual or family find housing, or helping an individual or family stay into their home, helping women escape abortion and domestic violence, the provision of food, clothing, vehicles, furniture, appliances, or to provide some person, couple, or family with a grant for counseling services because they are un-insured or under-insured, all those who are helped are as excited and thankful as the woman mentioned above.
I am happy to announce that Jerry and Kay Wessel from St. James Parish in Crete will receive the Cor Christi award for exhibiting by their actions the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They have both done a lot not only for their local parish but for other diocesan entities across the diocese. Jerry is a member of our Board of Administrators and is one of our volunteers. He has done many things for Catholic Social Services over the years, including starting our donation trailer rotation which visits 35 parishes across southern Nebraska. He has also helped other diocesan entities including Camp Kateri.
Kay is active in the LDCCW and has started the yearly diaper drive which benefits not only Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes but many other pro-life agencies across southern Nebraska. She too has given herself in a self-less manner by her volunteerism. She also makes soup like no one else I know, except maybe Father Bourek.
In addition to this there will be a small number of silent auction items, including one live auction item – a gourmet dinner with Bishop Conley at his home. I look forward to seeing some of you there and for those who cannot come, please pray for the success of this yearly event where we thank God and our donors who are inspired to help us help Jesus who lives in the poor and needy (Mt 25:31-46). Please be assured of our prayers for you and your family. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us, Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us, all of our patron saints, pray for us!
