by Brad Brestel
Attorney, Immigration Legal Services
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
For several weeks, we worked on a plan to respond to the request of the priests in McCook, to come to their parish and serve immigrants in the area who needed legal assistance. After lots of planning, we were ready to go.
On Saturday, Sept. 7, our immigration team set off from Lincoln for the eagerly anticipated trip. We left our office around 11 a.m. In perfect weather, we made our way through the beautiful Nebraska landscape, stopping for refueling and breaks, and arrived in McCook by 3:30 p.m.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Father Bernard Kimminau, pastor of St. Patrick Parish, along with Father Bernard Lorenz, who oversees the area Hispanic ministry. Their assistance was invaluable in helping us prepare for our two immigration presentations. They ensured we had everything we needed to support the community effectively.
The primary focus of our visit was to connect with local residents in urgent need of immigration services. At 4 p.m., we went to the public library to give our first presentation in a meeting room. We engaged with many brothers and sisters in Christ, listening to their concerns and providing clear answers regarding immigration regulations and procedures. This interaction was not only informative, but also deeply rewarding. We established appointments for follow-up meetings to continue working on the cases that were begun.
After a productive day, we took the opportunity to experience a hearty meal at Coppermill Steakhouse. The 20-ounce beefsteak was completely satisfying, and so was cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers as they triumphed over Colorado. We ended the day at the Quality Inn feeling joyful and just plain full! Before our Sunday afternoon presentation, Father Lorenz treated us to lunch at Ed’s Place, further enhancing our overall appreciation of McCook.
Reflecting on our journey, we are inspired by CSS Executive Director Katie Patrick’s vision at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska to reach out and legally assist immigrants from anywhere in our diocese. We feel honored and grateful to serve the immigrant community, driven by our commitment to honor God’s mercy toward the “widow, the orphan, and the alien.”
This blessed experience has not only strengthened our connection with those in our diocese, but also our resolve to nurture the connection established by our kickoff event in McCook. Pray for us as we expand our team by one more staff member, in order to serve the needs of immigrants who remind us that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were immigrants themselves in Egypt, escaping violence in their home country. Your support of Catholic Social Services helps us deliver the love of Christ as we welcome the stranger.
