Happy Thanksgiving!

Details: 23 November 2011

There are three legs to the stool of stewardship: ‘time, talent and treasure.’ As we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, let us remind ourselves of the many blessings God has bestowed on us. The first and greatest gift God has given us is the gift of Himself in the Blessed Sacrament. This is the pearl of great price that the finder went to purchase after selling everything he owned in order to obtain it (Mt 13:45-46).

There are two aspects under the category of ‘treasure,’ material and cash donations. As you might know, items donated to Catholic Social Services are either given away to a needy individual or family, or sold at reduced amounts and the proceeds used to fund our many programs such as grants for counseling services for uninsured or underinsured persons, or for emergency services such as rent, utility assistance, or for some other critical need.

Recently, a woman came into one of our four thrift stores looking for a freezer to purchase. "What size do you need?" One of our staff members asked. "One big enough to hold 10 raccoons!" After hearing this, I did some checking and the most interesting recipe was for raccoon in a sour cream sauce… I think I will stick with beef, chicken, pork and turkey. I have no idea what she and her family are having for Thanksgiving.

Then there are the many turkeys that have been donated to Catholic Social Services. I would like to thank the handful of benefactors who donated turkeys to us. Because of you, many needy families will be able to enjoy a delicious baked turkey dinner complete with the trimmings. We have had several ‘turkey giveaways’ in multiple locations across the diocese.

Just days ago we received a call concerning a young pregnant woman in need. Even though she is not at risk of having an abortion and is not a victim of domestic violence she is homeless and in need of some medical attention. Since the shelters in town are full, we immediately checked her into an extended stay motel while we find her an apartment she can afford. Since she does not have the money for the security deposit, we will be able to help her with this along with furniture, and other needed kitchen and house ware items necessary to make an apartment a home. Without our generous donors she would be spending Thanksgiving on the street. As one of our staff members met her at the motel, she was given some needed food. We are also making sure she will be receiving the necessary medical help.

The two other legs of the stool of stewardship belong together. They are ‘time and talent,’ and perhaps are the most difficult of the three in many ways. We have multiple volunteer opportunities at Catholic Social Services. The most difficult part is finding the time to participate. Before writing this column Curt Krueger said, "Father, make sure and ask for more volunteers for St. Gianna’s!" We especially need help over Christmas. I am very grateful to our many loving and dedicated volunteers some of which have been with us for years.

I would like to thank all our many benefactors who help us with their time, talent and treasure. Without you, there would not be a Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska! Our prayer is that you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!