by Fr. Justin Fulton
St. Dismas is a wonderful saint to pray to. He is known as “The Good Thief.” He was next to Jesus at the Crucifixion.
We all recall his words asking Jesus to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom (Luke 23). In his humility Dismas asked for Jesus’ forgiveness and Jesus stated that he would be with Him in paradise. We should all foster a devotion to St. Dismas so that we may obtain final perseverance of faith and we may have access to the sacraments at the end of our earthly lives. In the most desperate of situations St. Dismas is able to pray for us so that we may be saved in faith, hope, and love. Consider celebrating him on his feast day March 25.
One person in our diocese that brings Jesus’ message of hope and salvation to others is Kate Davis. For years, Kate worked in our Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska-Imperial location. She worked directly with the poor and needy in our emergency services operation. She would accompany the poor, meet them face-to-face and listen to their stories. She would help folks get rent money, utilities help, food, shelter, and resources to help them out.
Kate is now retired from CSS but still comes in to volunteer and help out. Kate has been an attorney and has a wonderful heart for helping out those who are impoverished and marginalized. She has done tremendous work for the poor of southwestern Nebraska and we are very proud of her. She understands and feels the mercy of Jesus from the Cross and she spreads this mercy to others. She remembers those who are on the brink of despair and losing hope—much like Dismas on his cross—and she brings the hope of Jesus Christ to those who need it.
Kate writes, “Being able to solve the problem versus filling a temporary void gave me the most joy. Similar situations would include not only getting DHHS benefits, but also processing successfully an application for disability and/or Social Security benefits. When I couldn’t find a solution I would go into our chapel and ask the Lord for help. Only one time did I not get an answer, and I felt that was in fact my answer. It is awe-inspiring to be stuck, ask the Lord for help, and have everything just fall into place. I feel these experiences have brought me closer to the Lord.”
Thank you for your prayers and support of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Thank you for your faith in Jesus Christ. May God bless us always!
