Last Easter Vigil, Bryan Dahlberg, a former Protestant pastor, entered the Catholic Church and chose the name Vincent after St. Vincent DePaul. Feeling called to help the poor, he expressed interest in working at Catholic Social Services.
Providentially, we had an opening for a volunteer coordinator for the eastern sector of the diocese. He joins Jill McMahon, who is our volunteer coordinator for the western sector.
Recently, I asked them to share their thoughts concerning this important work. Bryan, pointing out that volunteering is the closest thing one can get to imitating Jesus Christ, said, “We are never more like Christ than when we give ourselves to those in need! That’s what volunteers do – give of themselves.”
Jill’s sentiments echoed those of Bryan by saying, “Volunteering gives one the opportunity to meet with those who need our help while building a relationship. This relationship is love and understanding, which so many of our families yearn for.”
How about comments from some of our volunteers? One young man came to us to volunteer because when his mom was a young single mother in need, Catholic Social Services was there to assist her. Hearing from her what we did enkindled a desire to give back. It’s true – authentic love spreads from person to person and is contagious.
Another volunteer reported her life changed after working in one of our four thrift stores. I cannot tell you how many others, after I thank them, tell me, ‘No, Father; thank you for giving me the privilege of being here, for I get more out of it than I am giving.’
There are many things a volunteer can do here at CSS, from clerical work, thrift store help, making or distributing sandwiches, assisting in a fixed or mobile food pantry, maintenance, cleaning, and many other un-named tasks.
Those interested in volunteering are invited to contact either Bryan Dahlberg in Lincoln at 402-474-1600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; or Jill McMahon in Hastings at 402-463-2112 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For those who live in the Imperial area, please call Bill Sullivan at 308-883-3005 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Not only would I like to thank our two volunteer coordinators, I would also like to thank all of our volunteers, past and present. Please remember the words of Jesus Christ, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40).
