By Katie Patrick
For some, the onset of autumn brings excitement for evening campfires, warm sweaters, and hot chocolate. For others, it’s a reminder of the season that follows, bringing cold nights alone on street benches or under bridges.
The number of homeless individuals living on the streets in Lincoln is fluid, encompassing both the chronically homeless—who may have recently been housed but struggle to maintain consistent housing—and the temporarily homeless, who might spend some nights at the mission and other nights on the couches and floors of family, friends, or strangers. Yet one thing is certain: regardless of where a person in need rests his or her head for the night, the need for care, compassion, and charity is constant. It always has been, and it always will be.
At the heart of our mission at Catholic Social Services (CSS) is the example of St. Frances of Rome, CSS’s patron saint for the year. St. Frances was known for her unwavering commitment to serving the poor, sick, and hungry during a plague in Italy. Though she longed to become a religious sister and dedicate her life to prayer, God called her to the vocation of a wife and mother, which she ultimately embraced wholeheartedly. St. Frances responded to God’s call to serve her family and, alongside her sister-in-law, used their family’s wealth and position to benefit the poor and vulnerable. Her life was a testament to the Works of Mercy, reflecting our own mission here at CSS.
Last month, a Catholic school in Lincoln dropped off more than 1,000 pounds of food for the hungry. Among the cans of vegetables, bags of rice, and boxes of breakfast bars was a small Ziploc baggie filled with spare change—a humble reminder that even the smallest tithing can make a difference. This gift brought smiles to the staff and volunteers unpacking, sorting, and stocking the incoming donations—smiles that, later that morning, were shared with our clients coming from the mission and off the streets for a warm breakfast. Our staff and volunteers radiate joy when they accept donations for the poor and needy from parishes and schools. (Thank you, Charlie!)
In Lawrence, the Sacred Heart Altar Society gathers annually to make quilts and sew personal care sacks for clients in need. Recently, our team assisted a young woman with food and personal care items, placing them in one of these handmade sacks. As she was leaving, she said, “I’ll put my items in a grocery sack, so you can keep your beautiful bag.”
When we explained to her that the sack was hers to keep, made by a group of ladies who care about others’ well-being, a small tear fell from her eye. “I’m so grateful,” she said. “It’s such a beautiful bag.”
Catholic Social Services, along with all those who participate in our mission, recognizes that true service begins with empathy and a heartfelt response to others’ needs, regardless of one’s vocation. May the example of St. Frances continue to inspire us all to embrace the call to serve others with compassion.
As we approach the colder months, if you are able, please consider making a donation this Christmas season. Your generosity will help us continue our work, offering not just food and shelter, but also love and community to those who often feel invisible. In the coming weeks, you may have an opportunity to participate in the Angel Tree program across various parishes in the Diocese of Lincoln, giving those in need gifts of food, personal care items, diapers, toys, financial assistance, and time.
However you choose to give this holiday season, I thank you. May God bless you abundantly for your care, companionship, and compassion!
