Not long ago I met a woman who was sleeping in her car. Her principal problem was the inability to find employment, coupled with a prior injury sustained after a motor vehicle accident. I remember noting her unshakable faith and confidence in God. I reiterated that God would provide. I promised her that once she was in an apartment, we would furnish it not only with furniture, but with kitchen items and other essentials that make an apartment a home. After praying in our chapel, I gave her a blessing along with some gift cards for gas and food. I will never forget her tears of gratitude as she drove away.
After a few phone calls, and job interviews, she was able to find employment. I had told her the type of job didn’t matter in that her first goal was to get off the street, not only for safety reasons but also because winter is just around the corner. Soon thereafter, she found a simple but nice apartment. Not only did she remember my promise of material help, she gave our receptionist a sealed, handwritten note. In it was a list of items needed: a sofa, coffee table, lamps, microwave, dining room table and chairs, dresser, kitchenware, ironing table and iron, and last, but not least, a St. Benedict Cross.
After seeing her in the office, I congratulated her on getting her new apartment and set up a date to bless her new home. Within days, my secretary and I visited her new apartment. It was small but clean and very bright. She was beaming, with a face filled with thanksgiving and joy. I am happy to say that after blessing her new residence, I presented her with a beautiful St. Benedict Cross which she will hang above the door to the hallway. After the blessing I left a very grateful woman.
Please allow me to thank all of our donors who made this possible. Let me remind you that she is one of the countless clients that come to us on a daily basis for many reasons. I have heard from many clients that asking for help is not always easy, but it is not hard for me asking for the help of our donors spiritually, materially and financially because I know it will help individuals and families like this lady.
Please remember us spiritually with your prayers, without which, nothing is possible, materially with items around your homes and farms not needed, including vehicles, and financially with a cash donation according to your means so we can continue to assist individuals and families like this lady who come to us on a daily basis in need.
Please know that we at Catholic Social Services will keep you, your families and intentions in our prayers each and every day. Never forget that you are remembered in our prayers and Masses offered in our chapels scattered across the diocese of Lincoln. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. St. Benedict, pray for us. Our many patron saints of Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes, pray for us!
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