By Katie Patrick
Because the poor were fed, clothed and sheltered at a personal sacrifice, the pagans used to say about the Christians, “See how they love each other.”
In our own day the poor are no longer fed, clothed, sheltered at a personal sacrifice, but at the expense of the taxpayers.
And because the poor are no longer fed, clothed and sheltered, the pagans say about the Christians “See how they pass the buck.”
These striking words from Peter Maurin, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, are just as relevant today as when he first spoke them nearly a century ago.
So let me ask you, when was the last time you made a personal sacrifice for the betterment of another? Was it late at night when you received a call from a friend in need and rather than silencing it, you answered, listened, and provided words of comfort and compassion? Maybe it was at the grocery store, when you added a few extra items to your cart—not for yourself, but for a local food pantry. Or perhaps it was when you received a letter from Catholic Social Services inviting you to help those in need—and you responded with a gift, offered with love and faith.
If you’ve done any of these, God bless you! Because that is what love in action looks like.
And if you have given previously to CSS, here’s one of the lives you’ve impacted.
Meet Hien. Hien is homeless. He’s originally from Vietnam, and though his English is broken, his story of hardship, his sense of humor, and his warm smile speak volumes to everyone at CSS.
Hien comes to us regularly for coffee, warm clothing and personal care items. On one visit, a staff member noticed he was struggling to breathe and seemed unwell. Recognizing the urgency, she took him to a local clinic, where he received the care he needed. While Hien still doesn’t have a place to call home, he knows he is not alone. Each day, he’s greeted with kindness and dignity. He is seen, known, and loved—as a child of God.
For 2,000 years, the Church has been called to love our neighbors as Christ loves us. Yet in modern society, especially in the last century, that sacred duty has often been handed over to institutions or the government. While this may have been done with good intentions, something essential has been lost: the personal connection. The personal sacrifice. The personal commitment.
Here at Catholic Social Services, 87% of our donors are individuals like you and 89% of our funding goes directly into our programs. Yes, we’re grateful for support from foundations and grantmakers—but it is your gifts, your generosity, that sustain this mission. Every one-time donation. Every recurring gift. Every prayer. Every moment of compassion.
You are the lifeline of hope for people like Hien. We now ask you to once again answer the call of love and mercy. Let us never be the ones who “pass the buck.” Let us be known instead by the way we love—radically, generously, and sacrificially.
Visit us online at csshope.org to make a donation today. Thank you for the love you show our neighbors in need. May God bless you!
