Recently a young woman whom I have known for several years, finally, with her children, left her abusive husband.
Last year we provided them a temporary safe place for several days, in the hope that her husband would see the light. After returning, things were better for a short while but now are worse.
Coupled with this, and the fact that one of her daughters is now acting out in a detrimental manner, we have moved them out and they are now under the umbrella of St. Gianna Women’s Homes. I pray this will shake up her husband to finally seek help.
However, we need to prepare her that this may never happen. It is our job to keep them safe and to help them spiritually, psychologically, materially and financially so that after their ‘graduation,’ they will be able to live independently and safely.
On Sunday, Dec. 13, St. Gianna Women’s Homes will host Carole Fest at the beautiful new St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel at the Newman Center located on the corner of 16th and Q streets in Lincoln.
Starting at 2 p.m., local Catholic choirs will perform Advent and Christmas hymns in the stunning new chapel. It will be a way of helping those who attend prepare themselves this Advent season for the spiritual coming of the baby Jesus into their hearts at Christmas which is only a few weeks away. This will also help them prepare for the coming of Jesus at the end of their lives and at the end of time. This is the purpose of Advent.
After the concert, light refreshments will be served, including Christmas cookies and genuine hand-crafted Italian hot chocolate. A beautiful necklace designed by Laura Duggan will be raffled, and beautiful poinsettias will be available for purchase.
Tickets for the concert are $10 per person and $25 per family. All of the proceeds will be used to help the many women who come to us escaping abortion and domestic violence and their children like the family described above.
I would like to thank all of St. Gianna’s board members, volunteers and choirs for their hard work in preparing this year’s annual event to benefit St. Gianna Women’s Homes.
I would also like to thank Father Robert Matya, pastor of the Newman Center, for allowing us to hold this event in his beautiful new chapel dedicated to St. Thomas Aquinas. Please know that we will keep you, your family, and intentions in our prayers. Have a blessed and holy Advent! St. Gianna, pray for us!
Please visit our website at www.cssisus.org or call (402) 430-5626 for more information.
