By Fr. Justin Fulton
I keep my nose on the grindstone, I work hard every day
I might get a little tired on the weekend, after I draw my pay
Then I’ll go back workin’, come Monday morning
I’m right back with the crew. I’ll drink a little beer that evening
Sing a little bit of these working man blues....
- Merle Haggard, “Workin’ Man’s Blues”
Happy September, everybody! School is back in session. Harvest is right around the corner. Football season is here. Playoff baseball is coming. And in America we pause to celebrate the working person as we enjoy Labor Day! Who doesn’t like a little Merle Haggard singing about the working world!?
The Catholic Church has always been a fan of the dignity of work. We realize that God has given each of us a memory, intellect, and free will. And it is through labor that we use these gifts for the betterment of the world and the betterment of each other. God has charged us, in His first words to man in Genesis, to fill the earth and subdue it… and part of subdue-ing it is working.
Many popes have written about the dignity of work and how work was made for man, and not man for work (JPII, Laborens exercens). Each of us can take pride in a job well done. Subjectively, when we have a personal, motivated reason to work, we work more diligently and objectively do a better job. We are not simply “cogs in a wheel.” We are human beings and we need work to show off our creative intelligence, our abilities, and our love.
CSS understands this and we echo it in our business model. We aim to not give a “handout” but a “hand-up.” We know that it is better to teach a person how to fish and not simply give a person a piece of fish. Thus, we have an employee here dedicated to helping clients find good and meaningful work, Albert Maribaga.
Albert is a refugee to the U.S. He is originally from the Sudan and fled his home country during a massive civil war in the late 1990s. He lost many family members to that war. Albert came to the United States and CSS helped him find a place to live and helped him build a new life. Albert worked when he got here and became immersed in the culture while still holding onto his Sudanese heritage. And Albert learned the employment system throughout Nebraska.
Albert came back to CSS to become our employment specialist. He now helps the unemployed and underemployed find jobs throughout the state of Nebraska. Last year alone, because of Albert’s efforts securing jobs for unemployed people, he added $300,000 to the state of Nebraska tax rolls in way of income tax from new workers. Albert’s story is a story of trial, perseverance, tragedy, hard work, and faith. He is a role model for all of us.
Albert’s position with CSS is funded by a government grant that is not guaranteed yearly. But frankly, it is time to fund this position ourselves. His position aligns perfectly with recognizing the dignity of the human person and their ability to work. And his position helps solve the roots of poverty, as he helps provide the means “to fish” and does not simply “give out a piece of fish.”
Albert is giving a hand-up and not a handout. We are proud of him and the work he does for the Kingdom of God, the betterment of people, and the good of our state. If you agree with this, please consider supporting CSS to allow him to keep helping those who wish to help themselves through the dignity of work. Thank you for your prayers and support of CSS! We are humbled to partner with you.
May God bless us all!
