By Bob Sullivan
If you are Catholic, you have heard of the “New Evangelization.” Pope Leo XIII came up with the concept that St. John Paul II re-introduced a little more than 100 years later.
But neither pope had to contend with something with which the Church has had to contend for most of its existence: The illiteracy of the people.
For the first 1,400 years of Christianity, illiteracy was a reality for a large portion of the population of the world. In the late 1400s, that began to change due to the invention of the printing press (1440s), as well as advancements in education. There are numerous estimates as to the literacy of Europeans in 1500, but the best way to describe it is that ‘most’ Europeans were still illiterate in 1500.
Today, most Europeans and most Americans are literate. To be literate means one has the ability to read and write. As we look back in time, the literacy rate increases. Illiteracy, as it is traditionally defined, still exists in the world, especially in very poor developing countries, but worldwide, the population of the planet is much more able to read and write than the population in the past.
Unfortunately, the ability to read and write has not necessarily resulted in a willingness to read and write. Even though our schools are creating, year after year, graduates who are able to read books, including the classics that have helped develop civilization, fewer and fewer people are taking advantage of this skill. The sad fact is, technology has created a generation who has lost interest in reading books, booklets and even blogs and long articles.
By Tom Venzor
Judges typically fly below the political radar screen. While judges sometimes steal the political spotlight (e.g., [anticipated] vacancies on the U.S. Supreme Court during a presidential election), political commentary usually takes little interest in judges. This seems to hold true with the appointment of lower federal court judges. Unlike vacancies on the U.S. Supreme Court, vacancies on lower federal courts garner little to no attention in political news cycles—but not always.
Recently, President Donald Trump nominated, among others, two individuals to federal judgeships: Amy Barrett and Steve Grasz. The confirmation hearing processes reveal the sustaining presence of anti-Catholic prejudice and animus toward pro-life values, respectively.
“When Daddy Prays,” by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Tim Ladwig.
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Grand Rapids, Mich., 2002, 32 pages, K-3.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
If a million people tried walking through our doors asking for help, we could not help them all. I often think about the words my predecessor Father Joseph Walsh said to me as he passed the baton of CSS to me: “Remember, you cannot spend money you do not have!”
Recently, I met a single mother with three small children. They were happy to have received winter coats from the KC coat giveaway held at our main office, our beautiful St. Joseph Center. After talking with her she related that she had lost her job and was in need of rent assistance. Knowing we were at our budgetary limit for the month, a man I know wrote a check to CSS to cover the amount.
By Tom Venzor
On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the United States House of Representatives passed the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” by a vote of 237-189. Afterward, the legislation was introduced in the United States Senate. While the legislation has no chance of passing through the Senate, the bill’s passage in the House marks a significant pro-life victory and sheds further light on the brutality of abortion.
“Miss Nelson is Missing,” by Harry Allard, illustrated by James Marshall.
Houghton Mifflin, New York, 1977, 32 pages, Grades K-2.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
I am sure many of you are familiar with the story of St. Martin of Tours. He was born in present-day Hungary, shortly after Christianity was de-criminalized with the Edict of Milan in 313 by Emperor Constantine.
By Tom Venzor
This year’s Respect Life Program theme, “Be Not Afraid,” was recently announced. The Respect Life Program’s purpose is to “help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with supporting the God-given dignity of every person—which naturally leads to protecting the gift of every person’s life.” As previously stated, my October columns are dedicated to the theme “Be Not Afraid.” This column focuses on protecting all those that we find on the peripheries and margins of life, especially the immigrant and imprisoned.
“The Tragic Tale of the Great Auk,” by Jan Thornhill.
Groundwood Books, Toronto, 2016, 44 pages, Grades 2-4.
By Father Christopher Kubat
Long ago, an uncle said to me at a funeral, “It’s a shame we only see each other at weddings and funerals!” I’ve often recalled those words.
Apologetics by Bob Sullivan
The culture around us is moving further and further away from God. Well-funded groups publicly denounce God, while promoting hedonism, consumerism and immorality. Some groups even lobby for laws and file lawsuits to force Christian images, monuments and expressions out of the public realm. They also force doctors and emergency pregnancy centers to provide contraception and abortion referrals. Some states now require florists, photographers and bakers to help celebrate lifestyle choices that fly in the face of their personal faith in God.
Yet the vast majority of Americans believe in God, profess Christianity and recognize the First Amendment’s protection of our freedom to express our religious beliefs. The problem is, fewer and fewer of us are comfortable expressing our faith outside the four walls of our home or our church. Too many Christians misinterpret the meaning of a “personal” relationship with Christ to mean a “private” relationship. Jesus did not suffer humiliation, torture and an agonizingly painful death so I can safely have a secret friendship with Him.
By Tom Venzor
This year’s Respect Life Program theme is “Be Not Afraid.” The Respect Life Program’s purpose is to “help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with supporting the God-given dignity of every person—which naturally leads to protecting the gift of every person’s life.” As previously stated, my October columns are dedicated to the theme “Be Not Afraid.” This column focuses on protecting all those that we find on the peripheries and margins of life, especially the poor and disabled.
Before reflecting on those living on the peripheries, it is important to consider the scope of the Respect Life Program. The Respect Life Program draws our attention to the issue of human dignity, in its broadest sense. It can sometimes seem like our attention and work focuses on abortion, physician-assisted suicide, and euthanasia, to the detriment of other social justice issues. While there is certainly good cause to give primary attention to issues like abortion, physician-assisted suicide, and euthanasia, it is critical that we address other threats to human life.
“Gaston” by Kelly Dipucchio, illustrated by Christian Robinson.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 2014, 32 pages, grades K-2.
By Christopher Kubat
Last January, I was fortunate and privileged to lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, often referred to as the “fifth gospel.” We were blessed to have as our guide Father Peter Vasko, OFM. He has led many pilgrimages to the Holy Land and his theological, geographical, cultural and archeological knowledge of the area is hard to match.
By Bob Sullivan
A few weeks ago, a Catholic bishop was invited to give a talk at the corporate headquarters of Facebook in Menlo Park, Calif. This is amazing because Facebook’s corporate identity is blatantly adverse to Catholicism, and the corporate ideology of Facebook is one of secularism and moral relativism.
The bishop they invited was none other than Bishop Robert Barron, who is known for his eloquent explanation of the Gospel, and for his highly intellectual approach in doing so.
Therefore, this was not some invitation to a media darling who turns Christianity into a lukewarm system of options so secularists can feel like they are on the right track with or without God. This was an authentic meeting between the world and the word of God, through a bishop who provides an authentic and faithful explanation of the Catholic faith.
By Tom Venzor
This year’s Respect Life Program theme, “Be Not Afraid,” was recently announced. The Respect Life Program’s purpose is to “help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with supporting the God-given dignity of every person—which naturally leads to protecting the gift of every person’s life.” As previously stated, my October columns are dedicated to the theme “Be Not Afraid.” This column focuses on protecting the human dignity of those nearing death.
In Robert Bolt’s famous play about St. Thomas More, A Man for All Seasons, More attempts to console his daughter, Margaret, before his death, stating: “Death comes for us all; even at our birth—even at our birth, death does but stand aside a little. And every day he looks toward us and muses somewhat to himself whether that day or the next he will draw nigh. It is the law of nature, and the will of God.”
“The Magic Tree House #1: Dinosaurs Before Dark,” by Mary Pope Osborne.
Random House, New York, 1992, 66 pages, Grades 3-4.
Finding chapter books for beginning readers is always a difficult issue. Beginners do not have highly developed reading skills, but have a high desire to start reading. One way authors attend to this need is to create books based on a formula. Well-known formula series include the Hardy Boys and the Nancy Drew books, or The Babysitter’s Club. Formula books are written to create high interest rather than high literature. As a result, they are the perfect choice for children in the middle grades.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
I am happy to announce that Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska will hold our 11th annual Bishop Glennon Flavin Memorial Sporting Clays Tournament Nov. 11 at Oak Creek Sporting Club (near Brainard).
As in previous years, all the proceeds will be used to serve poor and needy individuals and families who come to us in need across the 24,000 square miles of the Diocese of Lincoln.
By Tom Venzor
Last week, I announced this year’s Respect Life Program theme: “Be Not Afraid.” The Respect Life Program’s purpose is to “help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with supporting the God-given dignity of every person—which naturally leads to protecting the gift of every person’s life.” Because of the Respect Life Program’s importance, all my October columns are dedicated to the “Be Not Afraid” theme. This column will discuss the theme in relationship to our duty to protect unborn human life.
While there are numerous ways to fearlessly defend unborn human life, I want to focus on three specific ways: attentiveness to language; attentiveness to the mother; and attentiveness to the healing process.
“A Night Divided,” by Jennifer A. Nielsen.
Scholastic Press, New York, 2015, 317 pages, Grades 5-7.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
As many of you know, we have two sack lunch programs in the Diocese of Lincoln. Our first started in Hastings with the cooperation of other organizations and denominations. At our annual Bountiful Harvest Banquet in Hastings, which celebrates what CSS does in the greater Hastings area and beyond (including the western part of the diocese), I reported that last year around 40,000 sack lunches were distributed out of our Hastings office to poor and needy individuals and families. For those who are living paycheck to paycheck, imagine the savings if one meal a day is provided! Our second sack lunch program is up and running in Lincoln to the tune of 10,000 lunches last year.
Many of those who receive these meals are regular customers. Recently, in Hastings, a little 4-year-old girl, after receiving a lunch and holding it tightly with both hands, looked with her big innocent eyes at our receptionist Susan and said, “I love you!” Needless to say, Susan’s heart melted, like mine did when she told me about it.
By Tom Venzor
Every October, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities issues a new theme for the Respect Life Program. The purpose of the Respect Life Program is to “help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with supporting the God-given dignity of every person—which naturally leads to protecting the gift of every person’s life.” The 2017-2018 Respect Life Program theme is “Be Not Afraid.”
My October (Respect Life Month) columns will be dedicated to various “Respect Life” topics. This column will discuss the indispensable fact of our God-given human dignity, the importance of getting human dignity right, and the critical need to fearlessly proclaim the truth of our human dignity.
“Terror at Bottle Creek,” by Watt Key.
Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, 2016, 213 pages, Grades 5-7.
Adventure stories are exciting to read. They grip the readers from beginning to end. We identify with the main characters and enter into the world created by the author.
Adventure novels are usually set around a series of dramatic events. Many times these are acts of war or frightening natural events. Watt Key has written such a novel in “Terror at Bottle Creek.” Here we will experience a savage hurricane ravaging the Gulf Coast of Alabama and, people trying to escape the fury of the storm. As well, readers will come to see great acts of love and courage in an unforgiving environment.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
As you know, the flooding from Hurricane Harvey destroyed many businesses and homes in Houston, and the winds and flooding from Hurricane Irma did the same in many cities and rural areas of Florida. At the time of writing this column, the death toll from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma is 60 and 73 respectively. The exact number of injured and homeless people of course is much larger.
In addition to this, the damage and devastation in Puerto Rico, Cuba and the islands in the Caribbean cannot be adequately described. Those who have lost a home to a tornado, fire or some other natural or man-made disaster understand what it is like to literally lose everything.
By Bob Sullivan
Sooner or later, you are going to find yourself discussing the existence or non-existence of God with an atheist or an agnostic.
Atheists deny the existence of God. Agnostics are doubtful or uncertain whether God exists. Anti-deists actually believe that God exists, but they dislike God. Many Satanists are actually anti-deists.
Hopefully the conversation is not with one of your own children or your spouse. But even if it is, there is one fundamental rule of engagement that can help you keep the conversation from deteriorating into nonsense (though this is difficult on many occasions).
By Bob Sullivan
There are numerous scientific and logical approaches which provide significant evidence for God’s existence. As I mentioned in an earlier column, the arguments are not conclusive on the issue. A skeptic can remain a skeptic all the way to Judgment Day. All we can do is offer evidence that a reasonable skeptic (yes, they do exist) may someday accept as the basis for belief.
By Tom Venzor
United States Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos visited Nebraska Sept. 13-14. Secretary DeVos’ visit was part of her “Rethink Schools” tour. The tour’s purpose was “to highlight the innovative and groundbreaking work happening in schools across America” and “showcase creative ways in which education leaders are meeting the needs of students in K-12 and higher education.”
Secretary DeVos visited several select schools in Nebraska, one of which was St. Mary Catholic School in Lincoln. In addition to its diverse and gifted student population, one of the main reasons Secretary DeVos visited St. Mary’s was its participation in the “EC3 Academy” which is a program created by Dan Alberts.
“Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor Story” by Caren Stelson
Carolrhoda Books, Minneapolis, 2016, 144 pages, Grades 5-7.
In the past year, North Korea has repeatedly advanced its atomic program through missile launches and nuclear explosions. These are reckless tests that will not bode well for North Korea, or for the rest of the world.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
Last week, I traveled to St. Louis for the annual meeting of the Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre. Early the first day, I decided to go for a jog on the trail in front of the hotel next to the St. Louis Arch.
After rising, I prayed for some mental enlightenment because I knew I needed to write my Seedlings column! I prayed with confidence because the Lord always answers this weekly prayer. The added bonus was that this trail is near the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France. Since it was open for early morning Mass, I was able to make a visit.
Running around the track (albeit slowly), I spied a young man sitting on one of the concrete benches. I noticed that his head was bowed down low. Since it was a beautiful morning there were others walking and running, many right past this young man.
By Tom Venzor
Before I jump into my article, I encourage everybody to attend the annual Bishops’ Pro-Life Banquet and Conference (Sept. 29-30) in Lincoln. You can find more info and register at www.necatholic.org.
Back in the day, I served as a youth minister in Schuyler for nearly a decade. Not only was it transformative in my love of Jesus Christ, I received crucial formation and mentoring from my parish priests and fellow youth ministers. I was also deeply formed and touched by my experience with the teenagers in our Life Teen youth ministry program.
Many of the teens were Latino and came from documented immigrant families. Some of these teens were undocumented immigrants and brought to the United States as infants and children.
“The Farewell Address” by George Washington.
Widely available in books and on the Internet. 1793, 12 pages, Grades 9 and higher.
After the Revolutionary War, General George Washington resigned his commission as the head of the Continental Army and retired to his estate in Mt. Vernon, Virginia. He happily managed his estate and wrote voluminous correspondence with important people of the day.
But his peace was constantly interrupted by friends, political leaders and events in the United States. Time and time again, he was called upon to solve national events. This eventually led to him being elected president of the United States. After two terms in office, Washington decided to completely retire from public life. But before leaving, he penned a farewell address to the citizens of the United States that he had served so faithfully throughout his life. “The Farewell Address” is one of the most famous documents in American history. While it is very short, the address requires sustained attention, as it is filled with insights.
Not long ago, while walking through the lobby of one of our offices, I spied a young man who, after entering the front door, made a beeline to the receptionist. He looked like someone who was about to ask for assistance of some sort.
By Father Christopher Kubat
Instead of asking for help, he had another mission. Since I was in earshot, I overheard their conversation.
“Where can I go or who can I visit with in order to make a donation?” he asked. Seeing me nearby, the receptionist pointed at me and said, “You can talk to Father.”
The young man then took a few steps toward me and, after pulling his wallet out, slipped me a 20-dollar bill while saying, “I just want to give back!”
He then related how we had helped him out of homelessness.
“A Poem for Peter,” by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrations by Lou Rancher and Steve Johnson
Viking Press, New York, 2016, 52 pages, Grades 3-5.
Literature is able to break through barriers and help people understand others. Today, the world of children’s literature is very multicultural and nurturing. But in the early 1960s this was not the case. Minority characters were simply not in most children’s books. I don’t believe that this occurred because of some type of conspiracy against minorities, but because of a cultural blindness about who should be portrayed in children’s literature.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
A number of years ago, we fielded a call from someone we knew in the western part of the Diocese of Lincoln regarding a lady who was threatened with a gun in her face while being attacked by her husband. Law enforcement became involved and while he was in jail, we re-located the woman and her children temporarily in the greater Hastings area to get her out of harm’s way. We could only do this because of the generosity of our supporters.
Because of the increasing need to support women who are escaping, along with their children, the pressures to abort their unborn babies and domestic violence, we have and are planning on expanding our services to women in need in the central and western part of the diocese, under the patronage of St. Gianna.
By Tom Venzor
I met Jonathan Alexandre last legislative session on a frigid February afternoon. My first impressions of Jonathan: sharply dressed, thoughtful, intelligent. Jonathan, who serves as the Director of Public Policy for Liberty Counsel, had been invited to Nebraska to provide expert testimony on LB173, a legislative bill which would create additional protected classes for sexual orientation and gender identity in Nebraska’s antidiscrimination laws.
That day, Jonathan offered incisive testimony in opposition to LB173. Appealing to his African-American heritage, Jonathan countered the claim that the plight of those who identify with a same-sex attraction or as the opposite gender is similar to the plight of the African-American community and their experience of slavery and the Jim Crow South. Jonathan dismantled this false analogy as “intellectually dishonest” and an affront to the experience of the African-American people.
“Rescuing the Children: The Story of the Kindertransport,” by Deborah Hodge.
Tundra Books, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 2012, 60 pages, Grades 4-6.
Last week in Virginia, a violent fight broke out involving white supremacists. A number of groups including the KKK and the Aryan Nation support white supremacy. The beliefs behind white supremacy are grounded in thoughts of racial superiority and the need to enforce racial separation. Historically, this has always led to attacks on groups deemed to be a threat to the white supremacists.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
Those who receive and read our quarterly newsletter from St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes might remember learning something you already know: Most children, if not all, love to have books read to them. This is a great way for parents, older siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and others to bond with little children while the children learn and acquire reading and comprehension skills.
St. Gianna’s, if you do not know, is a 24 apartment home for women who are escaping abortion and domestic violence, run by the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln. They themselves have had little children knock on their doors, wanting them to play and read books to them.
By Tom Venzor
I am thrilled to announce this year’s Bishops’ Pro-Life Banquet and Conference is now open for registration. The banquet and conference will take place in Lincoln at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel Sept. 29 and 30. Before discussing our exciting agenda, know that you can register for the banquet and/or conference through our website (www.necatholic.org), e-mail (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or phone (402.477.7517).
Pro-Life Banquet & Keynote Speaker. Our kick-off event is the banquet on Friday evening (Sept. 29)—social hour (5 p.m.) and dinner (6 p.m.). The banquet always proves to be joy-filled evening as pro-lifers gather in solidarity to celebrate the tremendous gift of life. As is custom, all three Nebraska Bishops—Archbishop George J. Lucas, Bishop James D. Conley, and Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt—will be in attendance.
“Dogs on Duty” by Dorothy Patent.
Walker and Company, New York, 2012, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
Dog books have a fascination for readers of all ages. Many people can still remember being introduced to dog stories through classic works of fiction such as “Where the Red Fern Grows” or “Old Yeller.”
In recent years, numerous books have been published on dog breeds and work done by dogs. Dorothy Patent is a premier writer of nonfiction in many different fields. This starred review by Booklist, the outstanding children’s literature magazine is one of her recent works. “Dogs on Duty” tells the story of the history of dogs in military service and how dogs are being used today to assist soldiers in the battlefield and police officers in the line of duty.
By Father Christopher Kubat
Recently, Clarice Sabata from Ss. Mary and Joseph Parish in Valparaiso stopped by our main office (located in the beautiful St. Joseph Campus on 23rd and O streets). This is also the site of Gianna’s Java & Gelato, home of the most delicious coffee and gelato (Italian ice cream) in the city of Lincoln.
As you know, the proceeds from Gianna’s go to assist the many women who have escaped domestic violence and abortion, as well as their children, at St. Gianna Women’s Homes. My favorite flavor is chocolate hazelnut, but since some days I am not sure, I have to experiment. In the quest of ensuring it is fit for our customers, I taste test sometimes twice a day… but I can quit anytime, I can walk away anytime....
By Bob Sullivan
As the Mother of God, Mary plays a very important and unique role in salvation history, the mystery of our redemption. The role was not an easy one. Mary endured a vast amount of anguish from the moment she accepted God’s invitation to serve as the Mother of Jesus. The Seven Sorrows of Mary remind us of some of the suffering she endured with heroic obedience, dignity and grace.
Because of this, Christians have honored Mary for 20 centuries, and the honor (hyperdulia) given to Mary is higher than the honor for any other created being. Since the earliest centuries of Christianity Mary has been called The New Eve, The Ark of the New Covenant, Theotokos, the “Woman” in Revelation 12. The Church has always regarded Mary to possess purity, sinlessness, an immaculate nature and other qualities that are consistent with her role as the Mother of God, and which are not present in the lives of the rest of huanity. Mary has always been considered the greatest of the saints because other than her Son, Mary is the greatest example of holiness the world has ever known. All other saints in the great cloud of witnesses, even the martyrs, are given a slightly lower level of honor (dulia).
There are Christians who claim we worship Mary. They say it is idolatry to have statues and images of Mary and other saints in our churches, shrines and homes. The fact that the official teachings of the Church say just the opposite is irrelevant to such critics. Some even go so far as to claim that a crucifix is a graven image, prohibited by Scripture.
By Tom Venzor
On the heels of this summer’s Fortnight for Freedom, an Illinois federal court handed down a major victory for religious freedom in America. This is a story worth knowing about. It is a testament to the power of prayer, and a declaration of the rights of health care professionals against immoral mandates by the state. And it gives hope to ongoing efforts to protect the conscience rights of psychologists, therapists, and counselors in Nebraska.
“Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History,”
by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Floyd Cooper.
Harper Collins Publishing, 2017, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
American history is filled with people of great courage and daring. Some people fled to this country to escape religious intolerance. Many wanted a better life than their home countries would allow.
Others were forced to these shores through the evils of the slave trade. This awful practice continued in the United States until the end of the Civil War. For African Americans caught in this evil system, the choices were daunting. No one wants to be oppressed and American slaves tried their utmost to cope with and change their desperate situation.
By Father Christopher Kubat
Recently, a homeless man who is living in his car (a car that someone donated to us and we gave to him) showed me his lower lip. He had a three- to four-centimeter squamous cell carcinoma (cancer). He recently had it surgically removed.
I would like to thank his surgeon and St. Elizabeth Hospital for their help, as well as a donor who helped us place him in a long-term motel for two weeks so that he might heal properly. Can you imagine sitting in a hot car, post-operatively? After this, he will be able to return to his new job and work toward renting a small, one-bedroom apartment before the snow flies.
By Tom Venzor
Baby Charlie Gard has been in the international media spotlight for several weeks. His medical situation is tragic. The tragedy is compounded by ongoing legal battles over Baby Charlie’s medical care. While Baby Charlie’s situation is unique, it is representative of other healthcare decisionmaking experiences, including those occurring in the context of physician-assisted suicide.
Underlying these medical-legal realities is the question: what constitutes ethical healthcare decisionmaking? This question invites and demands knowing and acting on fundamental principles accessible to us both as a matter of human reason and Christian faith.
“Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas”
by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Sucie Stevenson.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York, 40 pages, Grades 2-3.
By Father Christopher Kubat
On Friday, July 7, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry visited our main office (located in our beautiful St. Joseph campus in Lincoln) to share his vision of America and hear from our staff regarding issues important to us. We were just one of his planned stops that day.
While waiting for his arrival, a man who appeared to be in his mid-30s, after entering our main entrance, made a beeline to our receptionist next to whom I was standing. He had the appearance of someone who needed assistance. If I was a betting man, I would have guessed he would have asked for help of some kind. Instead, he asked the receptionist where he could go, or who he needed to see, in order to make a donation. She then pointed to me. Based on how he was dressed, I must admit, I was quite surprised.
I said I would be happy to help him. While opening his wallet, he proceeded to explain that he was most grateful to CSS because of the help he received as he transitioned out of homelessness and off the streets.
By Tom Venzor
With the feast day of Saints Thomas More and John Fischer and the Fortnight for Freedom come and gone, a renewed sense of religious freedom has settled into the hearts of Catholics across the country. These occasions provide an opportunity to reflect on the fundamental basis for religious liberty. They also provide an opportunity to further pray and work for a culture that values religious liberty as the Supreme Court of the United States (“SCOTUS”) recently did.
“The Two Towers: Part Two of the Lord of the Rings,” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, 1954, 322 pages, Grades 8 and higher.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
On Friday, June 23, Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla, the daughter of St. Gianna, visited Lincoln. She was in the United States visiting Atlanta and the Grand Canyon.
Catholic devotion to Mary is one of the most frequently maligned teachings by those critical of the Church. But the criticism of Marian devotion is a relatively new development in Christianity. Prior to the Protestant Revolution, Mary’s important role in salvation history was not hotly disputed. But as the Protestant Revolution passed into the 17th Century, Catholic devotion to Mary became a major focus for those who wanted to discourage membership in the Catholic Church.
Under Nebraska state law, every abortion performed in our state must be reported by the attending abortionist through a reporting form to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”). This report includes a variety of information (e.g., age of the mother, type of procedure performed, reason for the abortion, etc.). DHHS compiles this information and issues an annual report. These annual reports date back to 1974. Recently, DHHS issued its “2016 Statistical Report of Abortions” (full reports accessible at dhhs.ne.gov).
While it is sobering to read, the annual report offers an opportunity to better understand the scope of abortion in Nebraska, which informs our outreach and prayer efforts. This article summarizes some of the categories of information provided in the report.
“Joan of Arc: Heroine of France” by Ann Trompert, illustrated by Michael Garland.
Boyds Mills Presss, Honesdale, Penn., 2003, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
St. Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians 3:19 that the “wisdom of the world is folly with God.” What does this mean? Quite simply, that human minds are limited and can only function well when filled with God’s grace. This of course means that humanity must acknowledge that God is greater than themselves and that divine guidance is necessary. History is filled with examples of mankind refusing to accept this basic principle. When countries do not allow themselves to be led by God, they usually fall into war or ruin.
While walking though Gianna’s Java & Gelato in Lincoln, perhaps to sample one of our new flavors, I spied Father Harlan Waskowiak and Father William Holoubek imbibing several of our specialty drinks with a gelato chaser, or visa-versa.
After a nice conversation with the good fathers, Father Holoubek informed me he had four boxes of donated items for St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes that were collected by St. Mary’s Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) in Sutton.
By Tom Venzor
The state legislature adjourned their session on May 23. The legislature will not reconvene until early January. As with all things, lessons were learned along the way. Reflecting on the past several months, my colleagues and I thought the following lessons were particularly beneficial to us and could be to all Catholics across Nebraska.
“The World’s Greatest Detective,” by Caroline Carlson.
HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 2017, 351 pages, Grades 3-5.
By Father Christopher Kubat
As most of you know, Catholic Social Services helps individuals and families across the 24,000 square miles that is the diocese of Lincoln in a number of ways, including housing for women who are escaping the pressures to abort their unborn babies; emergency services; disaster relief; our St. Christopher Car program; the provision of food, clothing, furniture, appliances and other household items; and charity grants for individuals who are unable to afford the total cost of counseling.
By Tom Venzor
The Nebraska Legislature’s Revenue Committee voted May 18 to advance the Opportunity Scholarship Act (LB295) to General File on a 5-3 vote (see below for information to send a thank you to Senators who supported LB295). The bill is now eligible for debate by the entire Legislature for the 2018 legislative session. The advancement to General File marks a historic moment for school choice legislation in Nebraska.
“The Hindenburg: The Fiery Crash of a German Airship”
by Kathleen W. Deady
Capstone High-Interest Books, Mankato, Minnesota, 2003, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
At every Super Bowl, fans get many pictures and visual images from the Goodyear Blimp. The Goodyear Blimp is so well known that sometimes people call any blimp, “The Goodyear Blimp.”
By Father Christopher Kubat
On April 24, my administrative assistant Pat Walbrecht and I drove to Hastings to attend our annual volunteer appreciation luncheon. This is something we have done in other parts of the diocese as well.
The event was held in Centennial Hall at St. Cecilia Parish. Our volunteers were served finger-lickin’ fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls. The dessert table contained desserts half the size of a football field. I believe this was so because whoever cut the pieces must have given up sweets for Lent.
By Tom Venzor
In Nebraska, at least 900 individuals are sold for sex multiple times each month. Just last fall, 41 Nebraskans were arrested during a human trafficking sting. Many of us, busy with work, school, soccer games, church activities, are unaware of this horrifying reality happening in our backyard. From Scottsbluff to Omaha, at truck stops, motels and in our neighborhoods, young women and men find themselves enslaved for the sake of profit.
To help address this problem locally, a bill was signed into law this week in the Nebraska Legislature to ensure harsher punishment for those caught buying or selling sex.
Human trafficking is the act of recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through force. This industry is one the fastest growing criminal industries internationally, behind the drug trade.
A clear violation of human dignity and justice, this problem persists globally and nationally. The facts of human trafficking may shock and unnerve you, as they did me.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
For those who read this column, you might remember a story about a man in his late 30s or early 40s, who came to our office last winter on a cold afternoon after our office closed. Because of his chronic substance abuse, he was not a candidate to live in a homeless shelter and was sleeping in his truck.
Apologetics by Bob Sullivan
By human terms, the odds were against her. When she became pregnant, she was a very young girl, betrothed to Joseph, an older man. Mary’s pregnancy was a scandalous situation by any stretch of the imagination. One underappreciated miracle is the fact that she was not banished, ostracized or persecuted. Had Joseph been anything less than the man he was, the Nativity and the entire Gospel would have been drastically different than they are.
God certainly chose the most excellent of His creation to be the mother of His Son. This is both theological and logical. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Mary is the most prolific evangelist in the history of the Church. With one miraculous appearance in Mexico in 1531, she converted as many souls to the Church as had been lost to Luther’s Protestant Revolution. In the same way, she changed the culture in France in 1876, Rwanda in the 1980s and 100 years ago, she changed the world when she appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal. Mary had an extremely important message for us and she provided it 100 years ago. The message is so important that Satan has spent the last 100 years trying to obscure it with many lies, one of which is the lie that Catholics worship Mary.
By Tom Venzor,Nebraska Catholic Conference
In a dramatic turn of events at the State Capitol on May 3, the Legislature repealed pro-life language from the statewide budget proposal that would have shifted taxpayer dollars away from abortion clinics and toward comprehensive healthcare centers.
“Brontorina,” by James Howe, illustrated by Randy Cecil
Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2010, 32 pages, Grades K-2.
By Father Christopher Kubat
During high school, my dream car was a 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo with a 454 cubic inch V-8. However, because of my $1.65 per hour part time job I settled for a 1974 Plymouth Duster with a 225 cubic inch slant six engine with three on the tree (this means it had a manual transmission). It went from 0 to 60, but it took a while.
By Tom Venzor
The Democratic National Committee’s chairman, Tom Perez, recently made a statement further demonstrating that the Democratic Party leadership is intimately united to the advancement of the so-called right to abortion. Mr. Perez’s statement reveals the appalling trend within the Democratic Party to further imbed a culture of death into civilized society. Courage is needed to continue vehemently rejecting such disdain for the dignity of human life.
“The Song of Delphine,” by Kenneth Kraegel.
Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass, 2015, 32 pages, Grades K-2.
By Fr. Christopher Kubat
Last week, while walking through our main lobby, I spied a man who looked troubled. As I approached to say hello, I sensed the urge to invite him in our St. Joseph Chapel. It was Friday, the day Christ Jesus died, so we can live. Friday is also the day we have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
As our eyes met and after saying hello I said, “Would you like to see something beautiful?” “Yes!” he replied. After entering the chapel and seeing the monstrance containing Love itself incarnate, he was hit with love by the Holy Spirit, sent from the Father through His Son. The man immediately sat down and closed his eyes.
Apologetics by Bob Sullivan
As October 31, 2017 comes and goes, you will see and hear a lot of things which celebrate the 500th anniversary of the start of Martin Luther’s Protestant Revolution.
While most people and most announcements will call it the Protestant Reformation, it wasn’t a reformation because Martin Luther’s efforts did not reform Christianity, they deformed it. Martin Luther and his disciples have continued to deform Christianity for the last five centuries. Their efforts have resulted in a severe fracturing of Christianity to the point where there are not two distinct brands of Christianity (Catholic and Protestant) but an exponential splintering of Protestantism on one side and the Catholic Church on the other.
By Tom Venzor
On April 13, President Donald Trump signed into law a pro-life bill, passed by Congress, that reversed a government rule established by Pres. Barack Obama. The rule prohibited states from prioritizing Title X (family planning services) funding to comprehensive health clinics and away from abortion providers. President Obama’s rule was viewed as a “parting gift” to Planned Parenthood. Because this egregious rule was overturned, Nebraskans can achieve one of our most significant pro-life victories in years.
“Steamboat School” by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Ron Husband.
Disney Publishers, New York, 2016, 32 pages, Grades 2-3.
By Father Christopher Kubat
Most of us, I’m sure, are familiar with the life of St. Gianna Beretta Molla. On April 28, 1962, she gave her life for the infant baby girl that she and her husband Pietro named Gianna Emanuela.
By Tom Venzor, Nebraska Catholic Conference
While the legislature’s days are winding down with less than thirty days of business remaining, the legislative workload is increasing as major tasks remain. For example, the legislature still has to address the statewide budget and numerous priority legislation.
"Who’s on First?" by Abbott and Costello, illustrated by John Martz.
Quirk Books, Philadelphia, 2013, 32 pages, Grades 3 and older.
By Father Christopher Kubat
I love traveling the Diocese of Lincoln, from river to shining river, creek and border. By doing so, I have the opportunity to meet many people, young and old, from all walks of life, some in need.
Several months ago, I met a young woman at her place of work, somewhere south of the Platte River, north of the Kansas border, between the Colorado, Iowa and Missouri borders. Because of my regular travel schedule, I had encountered her numerous times. Being a priest, she felt she could share some personal things about her life.
I will never forget her informing me that once her boyfriend learned she was pregnant, he became abusive and abandoned her.
Apologetics by Bob Sullivan
When it comes to evangelization, it is usually not highly effective to start with an explanation of the Eucharist.
If you are trying to introduce a non-Catholic to the Catholic faith or if you are trying to re-introduce a lapsed Catholic back to the Catholic faith, starting with the Eucharist is kind of like describing a car’s engine to a 15-year-old who just wants his driver’s license. You know the car is nearly useless without the engine, but your teen usually has different interests with regard to the car at that point in life.
There are some teenagers who are fascinated by their car’s engine and there are some non-Catholics who are attracted to Catholicism because of the Eucharist, but they are the exception to the rule.
The Eucharist is also a common topic for those who are skeptical of the Catholic faith. While many of our separated brethren attend religious services which include a “Lord’s Supper” or “communion” they believe it is something far short of the Eucharist we receive in the Catholic Church. In misunderstanding the Eucharist, they misunderstand Jesus.
By Tom Venzor, Nebraska Catholic Conference
Last week, we celebrated two significant legislative victories. First, LB46 (Choose Life License Plates) was signed into law by Gov. Pete Ricketts. This is Nebraska’s first pro-life legislative victory since 2011.
Second, LB173 (Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Non-Discrimination) was, once again, defeated in the legislature for lack of support. This bill would have instituted anti-discrimination protection in the context of public accommodations, housing, and employment for sexual orientation and gender identity. The legislation would have unnecessarily created additional protected classes, harmed small business, infringed upon privacy rights, and violated religious liberty.
However significant these political victories, their significance pales in comparison to the recent terroristic attacks committed by ISIS on Coptic Christians in Egypt on Palm Sunday. The shedding of innocent blood in Coptic Churches located in Tanta and Alexandria stand as a stark reminder of the presence of evil in our world. They stand as a direct attack on the beauty of human life and the goodness of true religious freedom and worship.
“Easter: The King James Version with Pictures,” by Jan Pienkowski
Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1989, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
Easter is the greatest day in the Church year. On Easter, Our Blessed Savior broke the bonds of death through His resurrection. Christ atoned for the sins of mankind and reopened the pathway to God the Father that had been closed by sinful mankind. Through conquering death, Jesus reveals His divine nature and His compassionate desire to have all people become fully reunited to God.
By Father Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
A while back, I wrote about two homeless men sitting along the bike trail between the O Street bridge and the Devaney Center. As I approached them after a jog, they invited me to sit by them to chat. One of the men knew I was a priest at Catholic Social Services.
Seconds after sitting between them, the one who knew I was a priest asked, “What do you see when you look at me?” I replied, “I see Jesus!” The other man immediately thanked me and said that most people walk past him while looking away, as if he was a leper.
Apologetics by Bob Sullivan
Baptism is necessary for salvation. It infuses us with God’s grace, making us pure and holy, justifying us (makes us right with God) and removes and forgives all of our sins as well as the consequences for those sins. If we were to die immediately after our baptism, we would go straight to heaven without any need for purgatory.
By Tom Venzor, Nebraska Catholic Conference
It’s often asked: Why is the Nebraska Catholic Conference involved with [insert any given subject or legislative bill]? Most recently, this happened with a regulation pertaining to the Board of Psychology. I want to offer a summary of the Board of Psychology regulation in question and some key reasons why the NCC gets involved on this and many other issues.
“Goodnight Baseball,” by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Christina Forshay.
Picture Window Books, North Mankato, Minn., 2013, 32 pages, Grades preschool - 1.
By Father Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
Thankfully, this is starting to sound like a broken record. As many of you know, Jesus Christ is the reason we do what we do at Catholic Social Services. We do our best to see Jesus Christ in the people who come to us as they see the face of Christ and the love of the Father in us. Because we want our clients and staff to have access to the grace that only comes from Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament, we have chapels with the Blessed Sacrament in all of our fixed sites.
By Tom Venzor, Nebraska Catholic Conference
More than 160 Catholics from across Nebraska—even as far out as Scottsbluff—attended Catholics at the Capitol March 21. The Nebraska Catholic Conference was honored by the turnout and hope the event will continue growing. While this is a once-a-year event, Catholics are always encouraged to make their voices heard at the Capitol.
For those unable to attend, I want to highlight some insights. For those who attended, consider this a refresher.
“Uprooted: The Japanese American Experience During World War II”
by Albert Marrin.
Alfred A. Knopp, New York, 2016, 246 pages, Grades 8 and higher.
In times of war, nations can act with fear and suspicion. The forces creating war are terrifying and often scapegoats are sought.
Usually these scapegoats are members of a group that can be reviled with few consequences for the perpetrators. After the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, one of the most sorrowful, painful examples of these actions happened in the United States. President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on Feb. 19, 1942. This hateful, racist act would force all Japanese Americans to register for deportation to “relocation camps” hundreds of miles from their homes.
By Father Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the western part of our beautiful diocese. I was privileged to have visited, Grant, Imperial, McCook, Wallace and Curtis.
As many of you know, there are two saints named Isidore: St. Isidore of Seville, who was the Archbishop of Seville and died in the year 636; and St. Isidore the farmer, who died in the year 1130. He was married to St. Maria Torribia and was a Spanish farmer who spent his life helping the poor. He is the perfect patron saint for our western rural apostolate.
'In Layman's Terms,' by Bob Sullivan
Two weeks ago, I wrote a column titled 12 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know. But those were just a few key verses out of many that are helpful in apologetics, and they were only from the New Testament. St. Augustine said, “The New Testament is concealed in the Old and the Old Testament is revealed in the New.”
By Tom Venzor, Nebraska Catholic Conference
The week of March 13 saw several attacks on the dignity of human life. These attacks came from three pieces of legislation that received their committee hearings: LB450 (doctor-prescribed suicide); LB120 (free contraceptive services for the poor); and LB529 (minor child’s ability to obtain an abortion without parental consent).
“Drawing from Memory” by Allen Say.
Scholastic Press, New York, 2011, 63 pages, Grades 5-7.
Art is a world of imagination and reality. Great artists both see the world around them and also recognize the importance of imaging the unseen. For this reason, art speaks to people and tells them about the world that they live in.
By Father Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
A group of 40 gathered March 13 for our fourth annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration / fundraiser for St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes.
St. Gianna’s as you know, is a home for women (along with their children) escaping domestic violence and the pressures of having an abortion.
By Tom Venzor, Nebraska Catholic Conference
As Catholics, we have the duty to be informed, stay engaged, and make our voices heard in politics. The Gospel demands no less from us. While this is a formidable task, our Lord provides grace-filled opportunities we need to be salt and light for our political society as we seek to build the common good.
One of those opportunities is Catholics at the Capitol which takes place this Tuesday, March 21, at St. Mary Church in Lincoln (14th and K streets). The event begins with free registration at 8:30 a.m., and coffee and donuts will be served. The program begins at 9 a.m. and concludes with 12:10 p.m. Mass at St. Mary.
“Fatima in Lucia’s Own Words,” by Father Louis Kondor
Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary, 18th Edition, 2016, 239 pages, Grades 9 and higher. ISBN: 978-972-8524-203
The Fatima apparitions are one of the most compelling events in the 20th century. They were approved by the Catholic Church in 1930. From May 13-Oct. 13, 1917, the Blessed Virgin appeared to three humble shepherd children, asking for prayers of reparation for sin and a consecration to God through Her Immaculate Heart. Why Fatima was chosen is known only to Divine Providence.
By Father Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
Isn’t it true that at the root of all loneliness is the built in inherent desire for the living God?
By Bob Sullivan
The Bible can seem a little intimidating to some people due to its age, length, complexity and importance.
“Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille,” by Jen Bryant, illustrations by Boris Kulikov
Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2016, 36 pages, Grades 2-4.
Though people can perceive the world through any of the five senses, the sense of sight is of particular importance. People read books, go shopping, view nature and appreciate beauty through the visual world. Imagine that you are blind and cannot see anything. How would you survive, go to school or find a job? These are very real questions.
Today, we have an array of equipment to help sightless people but what happened to them in the past? How did blind people live 200 years ago? For example, could they learn to read? Jen Bryant answers many of these questions in her beautifully written story of Louis Braille overcoming these daunting challenges. The name of this remarkable book is “Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille.”
By Tom Venzor, Nebraska Catholic Conference
With the way that LB46 was recently debated in the Nebraska Unicameral, you would have thought our state was on the verge of overturning Roe v. Wade and banning abortion once and for all. But far from it.
Though a seemingly small piece of pro-life legislation, the legislature spent the better part of a week debating LB46 introduced by Senator Dan Watermeier of Syracuse (Legislative District 1). LB46 would provide for “Choose Life” license plates that could be purchased in lieu of regular license plates. “Choose Life” plates would come at a small, additional cost, which would be directed to a fund for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
By Fr. Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
Have you ever said to yourself during Holy Week, ‘Easter is just days away, and I have done nothing meaningful for Lent’?
It is with great pleasure that the Nebraska Catholic Conference announces a brand-new position, the Communications and Outreach Specialist (COS), and our newest staff member, Lauren Garcia, who will fill this position.
The COS will assist the executive director of the NCC to foster a robust public understanding of the principles of Catholic social teaching and the mutual public policy interests of our three bishops of Nebraska. The COS will be responsible for devising and implementing strategies for establishing a communications network to advance the NCC’s objectives to members of the media, clergy, diocesan staff, parishioners, legislators, and the general public. The COS will also be responsible for planning and carrying out a program of information/education, grassroots advocacy, and social media development to advance the NCC’s legislative agenda and issue education.
In short, the COS will undertake intentional efforts to do statewide outreach to both Catholic and secular audiences to promote the policy and issue advocacy that the NCC undertakes on behalf of our Bishops. While the foundations for this work have been well established by my predecessors, Jim Cunningham and Greg Schleppenbach, the NCC is particularly excited to have a staff member who will be singularly devoted to this mission of outreach.
I am pleased to announce that Lauren Garcia—an incredibly talented young lady—will be the NCC’s first ever Communications and Outreach Specialist.
Lauren is a Texas native, but I am certain she bleeds Husker Red like the rest of us. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in journalism and mass communications, and advertising. While attending UNL, she was actively involved with the Newman Center. Since graduation, Lauren had been working with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). She served in a variety of roles, including campus missionary and a director of collegiate outreach. Most recently, Lauren served as a philanthropy officer for FOCUS and was based out of Lincoln.
Lauren has a knack for building personal relationships, creative writing, and public speaking. She has a deep understanding of the Catholic faith and the critical role of the New Evangelization, and strives to live out holiness. All of these talents will intersect well with Lauren’s ardent desire to engage in the political sphere and promote the policy interests of the NCC across the state.
As Pope Francis recognized in last year’s World Communications Day message: “Communication, wherever and however it takes place, has opened up broader horizons for many people. This is a gift of God which involves great responsibility.”
The NCC looks forward to expanding our horizons in the field of communications and outreach. We hope that this work creates additional moments for encounters with the Truth—Jesus Christ—who motivates every aspect of our work on behalf of Holy Mother Church and the common good. This will be no small task, but the Lord’s grace is sufficient.
As we continue in our work, we intend to have a more robust, consistent presence in various forms of media, but especially through our Facebook (“Nebraska Catholic Conference”), Twitter (@NECatholic), and website (www.necatholic.org) where you can sign up for our CANN (Catholic Advocacy Network of Nebraska) list to receive regular legislative updates and action alerts.
I encourage you to take a moment and send Lauren an e-mail (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to welcome her, wish her the best, and let her know of your prayers. Or give Lauren a call (402.477.7517) and tell her your parish wants to host the NCC to give a parish talk or know what more the parish can do to promote the public policy interests of our bishops.
Pray for us as we begin this new journey!
“A Big Guy Took My Ball,” by Mo Willems.
Hyperion Books for Children, New York, 2013, 57 pages, Grades 2-3.
Bullying is a serious problem in American schools. It can occur at the elementary or upper-grade levels. Recently, there has been a great deal of programming to reduce bullying in schools and these plans seem to have been somewhat effective.
