By Levi Baus,
Volunteer Coordinator in Lincoln, CSSS
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. — Matthew 25: 35-36, 45
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) would not exist without our volunteers. This is far from an understatement. At best, CSS would look far different from what it does now. So many of our programs and services depend on consistent, dedicated volunteers, and I’m inspired every day by the efforts of our volunteers to give to those in need in our community. People in and around Auburn, Hastings, Imperial, and Lincoln are impacted through the witness and charity of our volunteers who are such shining examples of God’s love and mercy.
I’ve heard many clients and others who benefit from our programs say, “It’s so nice to see that people actually care.” There’s such loneliness and brokenness in our world, and each person who steps into that space of difficulty, uncertainty, and challenge becomes such a ready-witness of the love Jesus bears for us.
Our volunteers walk alongside our clients, who come to know that someone is there with them. These moments of friendship, kindness, and compassion are often the longest lasting impressions people will take with them. And yet, it’s reciprocal. As often as I hear our clients say such beautiful things about our volunteers, I also get a chance to see how much of an impact our clients have made on our volunteers. It’s powerful, these moments where people turn toward one another and strive to build one another up. It’s no longer about us and them, you and me; instead, we come together and walk alongside each other.
Cooperation and collaboration between people, when they truly desire another’s good, allows us to forget about ourselves and become wrapped up in another, whether one person or an entire family. This kind of selflessness isn’t so much about remembering to forget about oneself, rather the work allows everyone to dive in together. Attention is pulled away from the person and rests with the life and experience of the other person, which makes the opportunity to be present so much more meaningful and loving. Our volunteers humble themselves and make their work about building up God’s kingdom.
That’s what’s so beautiful about the volunteers here at CSS. There’s no need to forget about oneself, when Jesus, in the Stranger, Hungry, Thirsty, Incarcerated, and Sick, presents himself with open arms. In those moments, our attention becomes fully fixed on Him in that person. Our volunteers perform the Works of Mercy and embrace Jesus every day in our clients.
So the CSS Lincoln Office is excited to celebrate all our volunteers during the Octave of Easter. From April 20 to April 26, many businesses, companies, and non-profits will celebrate National Volunteer Week. Since CSS will be closed on Easter Monday, our Volunteer Appreciation Week will run from Tuesday, April 22, through Friday, April 25.
Each day will give us a chance to welcome our Lincoln volunteers to spend time with our staff and clients. On Tuesday, we will begin the week by praying the Rosary, and we will have a coffee station set up for our volunteers to enjoy with our clients and staff. On Wednesday, we welcome all our volunteers to bring their sack lunch to the CSS St. Joseph Center in Lincoln (2241 O St.) and to spend time with our staff. On Thursday, our Sustainability Open House will be an opportunity for volunteers to learn more about our Sustainability Department, if they aren’t familiar, and to provide us with feedback since they are such key stakeholders for us. Then, on Friday, we will have a cookout to cap off the week and enjoy some more time with our volunteers.
We’re so excited to celebrate our volunteers, show them appreciation, and celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord together.
