On the Horizon

Details: 11 October 2013

Recently, I received a call from a concerned individual regarding a homeless young man who was sleeping outdoors. The young man was lucky enough to have found a job at a local restaurant in the community, but he was in desperate need of housing, especially since the weather is turning. He was fortunate to have found a small house to rent, but was not able to afford the security deposit and the first month’s rent.

In addition to helping with the deposit and first month’s rent, CSS will be able to furnish him with a bed and other furniture, along with items for the kitchen. This story is reminiscent of a young woman who when she was accepted at St. Gianna’s had been living in her car. They are so grateful for the help they have received. I feel impelled to relay this gratitude to our loving benefactors.

Often I am asked, "Father, how may I help?" First and foremost, we are in need of prayers, for without them, we will be ineffectual in our mission of loving and serving Jesus who lives in the poor and needy.

Secondly, we are always in need of material items such as furniture, appliances, vehicles and other items that individuals and families do not have. And finally, we need financial contributions so we can continue to help those who come to us on a daily basis in crisis.

That said, I am happy to announce two fun events that will be occurring later this month. First is our annual Bishop Flavin Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament, which will be held at Oak Creek Sporting Club near Brainard Saturday, Oct. 19. There are many sponsorship opportunities and room for individuals and teams to sign up. Trophies will be awarded to the top three teams along with raffle and door prizes with lunch provided.

Registration and shooting games start at 9 a.m. Teams will begin the course every 10 minutes until 3 p.m. with many time slots still available. Further information and a map can be found on our website, www.cssisus.org.

Then on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m., there will be a benefit concert for St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes at St. John the Apostle Church, 7600 Vine St., Lincoln. There are no tickets to be purchased, but free-will donations will be welcomed. Six choirs will be highlighted – St. Teresa’s Boys’ Choir directed by Laura Minchow; the St. Francis Choir directed by Nicholas Lemme; St. Peter’s Contemporary Choir directed by Mary Odgaard; the Lincoln Schola directed by Stan Peters; St. Teresa’s Choir directed by Amy Johnson; and the St. John Celebration Choir directed by Ellen Soukup.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kristina Brandl, who organized this concert, as well as all the choir directors and members for their planning, hard work, practicing and participating in this upcoming event. I would also like to thank Father Lyle Johnson, pastor of St. John Parish, for his gracious hospitality in hosting it.

The proceeds for these two events on the horizon will be used to help individuals and families like the homeless man and woman described above.

I am looking forward to seeing some of you either at the upcoming Bishop Flavin Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament, the benefit concert at St. John’s parish or both! Please remember that you, your family and intentions will remain in our prayers!