Not all that long ago, a woman living in the western part of the diocese needed help escaping an abusive husband. Because of the generosity of our donors, we were able to relocate her to another community. Since then, because of the generosity of our supporters, we are helping more women living out west under the umbrella of St. Gianna’s.
One of my Christmas promises was to travel to our offices across the diocese to offer a special Mass for our staff and volunteers. After offering a Mass in the St. Isidore chapel in Imperial, I stopped at Sehnert’s Bakery in McCook, owned and operated by Matt and Shelly Sehnert. I found that baking has been in the Sehnert family for many generations. 
While at the bakery, I witnessed and was able to roll out a few Stollens, which are Christmas fruit breads. They have a noticeable hump in the middle that is said to symbolize both the hump of the camels that carried the wise men who visited the baby Jesus bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; and the nave of churches (the candied fruit symbolizes the stained glass windows therein).
I was fortunate to be able to help rolling the dough and constructing the hump (it’s a trade secret). In addition, I was able to taste the Christmas bread toasted with a dab of butter. Now I know why it flies off the shelves prior to Christmas at Sehnert’s.
I would like to personally thank Matt and Shelly once again for their hospitality and for allowing me to see the operation in action and the chance to help with rolling the special dough that makes a Stollen. When in McCook, I always try to stop there for a little breakfast roll, coffee or tea.
As I reflect back on my few days out west during this Christmas season, I am grateful to our many donors who support us, not only out west, but throughout the entire diocese as we move forward this New Year. Please do not forget that we at Catholic Social Services are praying for you and your families.
