By Father Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
Recently, I talked to Georgeanne Rashilla and Michelle Wagner, who are now both retired. It is on their hearts to do more for the homeless. This idea has grown in their hearts since being involved in our sack lunch program in Lincoln.
If you talk to any of those involved with distributing lunches, either in Lincoln or Hastings, they have numerous stories to tell. These volunteers have the privilege of getting to know some of the clients on a personal level. I will never forget one particular homeless man who was in a habit of dancing a soft shoe before picking up his lunch.
Over the years, I have noticed that the volunteerism bug is infectious, especially among those with an open and humble heart. As the Lord God said to the prophet Ezekiel, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you … And a new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will take out of your flesh the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ez 36:25-26).
Aided with God’s grace, a heart dedicated to the love of neighbor stretches, expands, and overflows. Once received, the new wine of God’s grace expands the wineskins of humble hearts which burn brightly up and until we are called home (Lk 5:37-39). 
As many grow older, they wish to slow down, but not Jim Conroy. At 96 years of age, he is one of our newest volunteers. He can be seen in the main lobby at our St. Joseph Center in Lincoln, greeting people off the streets who come into our office for assistance. He is there to assure them that God is their Father and that He loves us as His little children.
Jim is prepared to talk to anyone about God, and to hand out rosaries, holy cards and other religious items to anyone who will listen. Why is doing this? Because his heart is afire for love of God and neighbor. You can see it in his eyes. He is also one of our regular adorers during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each Friday- something we want to expand to more days.
If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer in Auburn contact Angela Seidl at 402-274-4818; in Hastings, Jill McMahon at 402-463-2112; in Lincoln, Sarah Huebner at 402-474-1600; and Imperial, Bill Sullivan at 308-882-3065.
