A Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends:

When was the last time you didn't have enough to eat? I don't mean that you looked in your refrigerator or pantry and realized you were out of a favorite food item. I mean, when was the last time you looked in your kitchen and not only didn't have enough food for a balanced meal for you and/or your family, but also, you lacked sufficient resources to go out and buy more food? When was the last time you had to make tough choices like - do I pay the utility bill, or buy food for my children? When was the last time you contacted an agency like Catholic Charities to find out how to get food through a local food pantry or access a hot meal at one of the free breakfast or lunch locations served in our community?

For most of us - the answer is - never. But for many, many of our brothers and sisters living at or near the poverty level, this is a regular experience. Food security-access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life-is one of several conditions necessary for a population to be healthy and well nourished.

How does Texas compare to other states?

A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that in 2008, there were:

• 17 million U.S. households (14.6 percent of all households) that were food insecure at some time during the year.

That is, at some time during the year, they were uncertain of having, or unable to acquire, enough food for all household members because they had insufficient money and other resources for food.

This same report reveals that Texas exceeds the national average. In Texas, the survey reports that:

• almost 17% of Texas households experienced food insecurity.
• Texas is second in the nation in food insecurity - behind the state of Mississippi.

There is a direct link between low income and food insecurity. The survey reports that in 2008:

• food insecurity was more than four times as prevalent in households with annual incomes below 185 percent of the poverty line as it was in households with incomes above that range.

A few characteristics of those who reported food insecurity showed that:

• 98 percent reported having worried that their food would run out before they got money to buy more;
• 96 percent reported that the food they bought just did not last and they did not have money to get more; and
• 94 percent reported that they could not afford to eat balanced meals.

To access the full report, Household Food Security in the United States, 2008, visit the following website: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR83/ERR83.pdf

Catholic Charities Angels of Hope Food Pantry Works to Increase Food Security for Families, Children, Seniors & Disabled

At our Angels of Hope Food Pantry, we work to combat food insecurity every week. We rely heavily on donations to our food pantry and the dedicated volunteers who meet with clients, fill their food orders, stock our food pantry shelves, conduct food drives, plant and harvest our garden, and even the more mundane, but necessary tasks, like data entry to help us with reports to funders.

As people of faith, we are called to reach out to the poor and vulnerable and, as a result of our faith in and love for God, to feed the hungry. We join with the many Catholic parishes and faith communities that work hard to alleviate hunger in our Diocese every day.

Be an Angel of Hope. Give today. Give Generously.
Don't let families go hungry in your community.

For those of you who have full pantries, I ask you to consider making a food or financial donation to our Angels of Hope Food Pantry or to a local pantry in your community.

Consider donating a bag of groceries with meat, dairy, vegetables and other necessary items. This small care package goes a long way in strengthening and supporting families, many of which, have minor children.

Sincerely,

Cynthia N. Colbert
Executive Director
Catholic Charities of Central Texas

Sister's Christmas Catechism tickets help benefit Catholic Charities!!

Sister's Christmas Catechism
The Mystery of the Magi's Gold

Catholic Charities of Central Texas has partnered with the Long Center! Through Dec. 6, $10 of your ticket will benefit Catholic Charities! Use the code HOPE online here or by phone at 512.474.LONG (5664). Buy now because this offer is only available until Dec. 6!

Use the code HOPE during Dec. 6-20 and 10% of your ticket will benefit Catholic Charities.

Get Tickets

View Video

"Christmas Catechism is a nostalgic hoot!"
-Springfield News-Sun

A New Holiday Tradition! Some holiday shows make you want to sing. Others make you want to dance. Sister's take on holiday traditions will make you laugh. Non-stop. Hysterically. The most laughs you'll have this season! Guaranteed "nun" funnier! From the creator of "Late Night Catechism."



Event Info
Debra & Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre
701 W Riverside Dr
Austin, TX
(512) 474-5664
December 1-20, 2009

For more information on Catholic Charities, visit http://www.ccctx.org/.

St. Andrew: A reminder to serve others and love your neighbor

By Ashley Lahr

As November comes to a close and Thanksgiving bellies begin to deflate, I am reminded what Catholic Charities of Central Texas is here for: to continue to make a difference in people’s lives by creating hope and providing help. One ultimate example of this is St. Andrew, whose feast day is today, November 30.

St. Andrew was an Apostle and the brother of Simon Peter, both of which were fisherman. Andrew became one of the first disciples of Christ and left everything behind to follow Him.



St. Andrew was not only one of the first disciples but he also dropped everything to follow Jesus without hesitation. It is hard to imagine what this must have been like for him and how drastically his life changed thereafter. Catholic Charities is a light for men just as St. Andrew was for those that listened to him. Providing help and creating hope for others come through love and faith and sharing gifts that we have been given.

Being fishers of men is an analogy that is used often in the Christian community, but what does this really mean for us and for those we help? At Catholic Charities, we are called to seek out those that need help and hope everyday. We work to find those that need assistance or help not because those in need are Catholic, but because we are. Catholic Charities serves everyone regardless of age, faith, ethnic background, and economic circumstance. We set out each day to find new ways to help those who cannot find or provide the resources needed to get through each day.

For example our Angel of Hope Food Pantry feeds nearly 150 families each week. In 2008, we served over 5,000 pounds of food and grocery products each week. The food pantry also works to raise awareness of hunger, health and nutrition. In addition, the food pantry is a place for neighbors to help neighbors through donations, volunteer work or food.

Another example is our Immigration and Legal Services which has been operating for 7 years. ILS works with families and individuals to become self sufficient through the immigration process with low-fee legal costs. In the 7 years of operation, we have assisted 4,881 clients with immigration needs.

As we delve deeper into this holiday season, let us not forget why we are helping and what we can do to become of greater service to those around us. St. Andrew is a prime example of what it means to follow Christ’s example and how we can work together to love our neighbors and help those who need it.

Catholic Charities receives 200 Thanksgiving care packages to give way to those in need

Generous donations of food from St. Michael’s Catholic Academy and Holy Cross Catholic Church allowed Catholic Charities to distribute over 100 Thanksgiving care packages yesterday at the 1st annual Angels of Hope Thanksgiving Celebration.

A total of about $10,000 worth of groceries was collected so that families in need will be able to make their own Thanksgiving meals.

Volunteers, staff and clients gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving and share other services provided by Catholic Charities on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, from 3:00pm – 5:30pm. The Thanksgiving care packages include the essentials for a complete thanksgiving meal; turkey stuffing, corn, pumpkin pies, cranberry sauce, gravy, and a gift card for a turkey of the families’ choosing. The Thanksgiving care packages were made possible thanks to generous donations of food by parents and children of St. Michael’s Catholic Academy and parishioners of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Thank you to Catholic Charities of Central Texas volunteers for making this event such a success.

Catholic Charities & Catholic Identity: Who Do We Say We Are?

By Cynthia Colbert
Executive Director

Scriptures tell us that there was confusion, even disagreement among the followers of Jesus when he posed the question “Who do people say that I am?” After almost 2,000 years there would very likely be some confusion today if that same question were applied to Catholic Charities. There are those who would identify us with a particular service, such as the Angels of Hope Food Pantry or Immigration Legal Services. So they would be inclined to say that we are a basic needs agency, or an organization that serves immigrants. No doubt there are those that would describe us as a general social service agency or a network of ministries. But, that is not all that we are. We are a Catholic ministry and a nonprofit social service agency.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas is a ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin. As such, we are a faith-based organization with a three-part mission of service, advocacy and collaboration. We exist to give witness to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. That message calls us to recognize Jesus is in every man, woman and child and that we are called to love Him through them. That call challenges us today in the same way Jesus challenged the people of His time to serve Him through our brothers and sisters and to exercise a preferential option for the poor. Our mission, our values and our strategic plan are rooted in the scriptures; we are guided by Church teachings, tradition and by the rich body of growing Catholic Social Teaching of our own day.

The populations we serve are culturally diverse and our work force is increasingly diverse as well, including Catholics and those of other faiths. Because of the diversity of our programs, our staff, our volunteers and our clients, it means that we must be intentional in maintaining our Catholic identity. We cannot be just another local social services agency. As a Catholic agency, we receive our authority to exist and to serve from the Bishop of our Diocese; we function faithfully within the mission and structures of the Diocese of Austin with a proper respect for the role of our Diocesan Bishop; and we operate under policies, procedures and practices that are faithful to our mission and values.

So what makes Catholic Charities “Catholic”? We are Catholic because everything we do is in response to God’s love for us and our love for Him. Our Holy Father said it best in his Encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, “With regard to the personnel who carry out the Church's charitable activity on the practical level, the essential has already been said: they must not be inspired by ideologies aimed at improving the world, but should rather be guided by the faith which works through love (cf. Gal 5:6). Consequently, more than anything, they must be persons moved by Christ's love, persons whose hearts Christ has conquered with his love, awakening within them a love of neighbour.” Please pray for and support our ministry in 2010 as we continue to reach out ands serve the poor and vulnerable in our Diocese. God bless you and may you too, be “ awakened within for a renewed love neighbour.”

(This article is to be featured in the December 2009 issue of Catholic Spirit)

St. Margaret of Scotland

By Ashley Lahr
St. Margaret of Scotland’s feast day is today, November 16. She is not like most saints who worked for the poor. She was not born into poverty. In fact, she married Malcolm III the King of Scots and became queen consort. She and Malcolm bore eight children, six sons and two daughters. Pope Innocent IV canonized her in 1250 AD in order to venerate her personal holiness, fidelity to the Church, work towards religious reform and charity. She was known to personally serve orphans and the poor everyday before she had eaten herself. Her influence exceeded the expected and had an impact on her husband and her children. Every night, she awoke at midnight and went to Church services.

St. Margaret was a living example of what it should be like to have it all and keep giving. “Having it all,” however, can come in many different forms. She did not let her status and rank control who she was a person. She gave her time and talents to the Church for the betterment of society. Like all saints, she is a prime example of how we should model our lives regardless of our place in society. In the end, it will not matter who had the biggest house or the most money. It all boils down to who we are as people and how we are able to make a difference in the world.

Let us take St. Margaret as an example of pure and holy charity. At Catholic Charities we work to help those in need by using the resources we have available to us and continuing to search for efficient ways to help others. We are here to provide HELP and create HOPE, which can be a very daunting task at times. However, with the help of volunteers and donations we are able to make peoples needs become an attainable reality. One example of this would be 57 year old Soraya. She came to the United States from Afghanistan in 2002 in order to find a better life for her herself and her six children. She was a witness to her husband’s death by the Taliban forces and many other atrocities in her country. But she pressed on and did not let this bring her down. In early 2009, with the help of Catholic Charities, she had access to social programs that she needed in order to help treat her early dementia since the other programs were expiring. Fortunately, in March 2009 with the help of our staff and programs, we helped her file paperwork, prepare for her immigration interview and accompany her to the interview for her to become a U.S. citizen. Soraya is now a proud, safe citizen who is able to live a safe and secure lifestyle while living the gift of freedom we enjoy everyday.

Featured in a UT blog

Our food pantry coordinator, Meg Kee, has been featured in a University of Texas at Austin Blog! Get it here:

http://blogs.utexas.edu/hunger/2009/11/12/catholic-charities-of-central-texas/

All Souls Day... A Careful Reminder

By Ashley Lahr

This past Sunday and Monday was All Souls day, a day in which we reflected those we have lost and the faithfully departed. When I went to mass Sunday night, it was a somber homily but at the same time, I had a rush of wonderful memories from those who I have lost in the past. In the Church, we set aside two days to remember those who are not here with us anymore but we there is one important factor- we can’t forget why we are here to begin with. We are still here, so we need to make the most of it.

I personally believe that everyone has a purpose and working in a non-profit environment, this is exemplified everyday. It is comforting to know that I can go to my supervisor or the person who sits next to me and talk about wanting to do something for the grace of God. I am blessed with wonderful things in my life such as my family, fiancé, friends… the list goes on. But I know that when I come to work every Monday and Wednesday, I am helping the greater good. By working closely with the development director, I assist her in whatever tasks she needs at hand and I am currently helping with the annual spring luncheon. People here at Catholic Charities all have a specific role in order to reach an ultimate goal. The final product is extremely rewarding: we are able to provide food for those who don’t have it; legal assistance for those who are trying to become U.S. citizens; our Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing program assists those who have been affected by our economy.

Through these services and my time here at Catholic Charities, I feel like I am able to make a difference in someone else’s life. We aren’t raising money so it can not be used, sitting in a corner of a bank, but we are trying to bring money and resources to those who need it. To those who wake up in the morning with no food in their fridge. To those who can’t pay their bills month to month in order to provide for their family. We are helping these people because we are Catholic and as Catholics we work together to help everyone else, Catholic or not. Coming to work and seeing the same faces everyday working towards the same goal is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I may not see instant results, but I know that someone, somewhere is being helped and can make it through today and tomorrow. All Souls day has reminded me that those who are still here on this Earth living out Jesus’ words have a purpose. We must purposefully work together to provide help and create hope.

St. Gaspar del Bufalo, a prime example of Jesus' devotion

By Ashley Lahr
Saints in the Roman Catholic Church are examples of what we should be like and how we should go about our daily routine. Jesus is the prime and ultimate model of who we should be as people but as we all know, it is not the easiest thing to accomplish. Saints allow us to have an alternate look inside into the Christ-like life. They serve as a reminder for ourselves and our community in order to understand what it means to be a Christian and the sacrifices we must make in order to carry out our mission. One example of a saint who made sacrifices in order to be like Christ was St. Gaspar del Bufalo.

St. Gaspar’s feast day was last week, October 21, 2009. He was born in Rome on January 6, 1786 and died December 28, 1837. Through the influence of his mother, he became greatly devoted to St. Francis Xavier. In 1808, he was ordained into the priesthood in Rome and along with other clergy who refused to align himself with Napoleon Bonaparte. Gaspar and members of the clergy who refused to follow Napoleon, were exiled to northern Italy in 1808.

When he returned to Rome in 1814, he considered joining the Jesuits but the needs of Pope Pius VII took precedence. He underwent several hardships in order to continue to engage in ministry and preaching. After much ado, Gaspar founded a society of priests, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in Umbria in 1815. Throughout his lifetime, he spread his devotion for serving others and at one point, was described by St. Vincent Strambi as being “like a spiritual earthquake.” This earthquake shook the core of his contemporaries and he is still remembered today as a significant man who had a profound impact on many individuals.

Being part of the Austin Diocese allows Catholic Charities of Central Texas to carry out its mission to help those in need. We help people on a daily basis not because they are Catholic, but because we are. Sometimes it can be more difficult than expected to sacrifice time or money, but these are some of the strongest ways we can give as a community. Volunteering in our food pantry will help us, and you, help those who can’t put food on the table. Our clients need people who have extra time in their day or dollars to give the unfortunate what we experience on a daily basis. It is easy to take for granted the simple necessities that most of us don’t think twice about. But at Catholic Charities, we help those necessities become a reality. However, all of this couldn’t be done without the help of our community and people like St. Gaspar who donate their time and gifts for others who do not have it. Let’s work together to create our own spiritual earthquake.

Excitement!

Really excited for our Luncheon and podcasts! Stay tuned. :D

Food pantry coordinator, Meg Kee, featured in Austin Food Bank Podcast

Our food pantry coordinator, Meg Kee, has been featured by the Austin Area Food Bank podcast. This prompted us to begin our own podcasts within Catholic Charities! Listen to the podcast here and give us your feedback. Thanks Meg for all your hardwork and dedication!!



Courtesy of Alese Colehour

Jesus' Compassion is our Compassion

By Cynthia Colbert
Executive Director

I had the opportunity this summer to take a theology course for executive directors of Catholic Charities agencies. There were about 8 of us from around the county who gathered for this unique and valuable formation experience. One of the most memorable reflections came from our discussion of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. The Gospel story reports that as Jesus looked over the crowd – he was moved with pity or compassion, and as a result of that compassion he provided teaching and healing. This was followed by the realization that their basic need for food also had to be met but the Apostles had only a limited number of bread loaves and fish. Clearly, in looking at their “resources”, the Apostles knew it was not enough to feed the large crowd of men, women and children who had gathered. Jesus prayed and a miracle occurred. Through his grace and intervention, there was indeed enough to feed the multitude; there were even leftovers to gather and save for later.

Jesus was moved with compassion. As I reflect on this story, I can almost see the crowd through His yes. Can you? Can you see people who are hurting and in need of support? Can you hear them speak their needs? Maybe some of them had trouble at home and needed healing between a husband, wife or parents and children. Maybe some of them didn’t have enough work so it was hard to maintain their housing and feed their families. Maybe some of them didn’t have clothes to wear or had illness and didn’t have the means to seek treatment. Does this sound familiar? The desperation and the hopelessness that they brought to Jesus more than 2,000 years ago are experienced today by the individuals and families we serve in 2009. Jesus was moved with compassion – and he met their needs with healing, with food and with the restoration of hope. Today, we seek to do no less.

The same compassion that Jesus felt as he looked over the crowds is the same compassion we feel as staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities. Every day, we reach out to provide help and create hope – through our food pantry, through ESL classes, through the Diocesan Law Project, through case management, and many other programs. Like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, we experience modern day miracles. Our miracles come in the form of financial contributions; donations of food and other in-kind supports and miracles come in the hundreds of volunteers who give of their time and talents to make a difference. Often, when we look at our budgets, we can see that there can’t possibly be enough resources to meet community needs. But somehow, a grant or a donation comes in. Somehow, volunteers conduct food drives and contribute their time, talents and treasure to making a difference through Catholic Charities. And somehow, our dedicated staff shows up each day because of their calling to service and social justice. And like the Gospel story of the loaves and fishes, somehow, it’s all enough.

I believe that this compassion unites all of us in Catholic Charities and in parish and community based Catholic services in our Diocese, state and even throughout the world. When we see people in need, our faith motivates us to act - to relieve pain and suffering in whatever way we can and to help restore people to a life of wholeness. This compassion is at work in Austin, TX, in Washington, DC, in Rome, in Germany, in Africa and around the world. And the miracle of the loaves and fishes continues today as we receive the funds and resources it takes to reach out and help those in need.

I am reminded of the recent Verizon commercials where customers have a large crowd of Verizon supporters standing behind them. Have you seen that one? Well, to me, that’s exactly how we are in the execution of our ministry – because standing behind us, though unseen, are Jesus, the saints, our colleagues and the Church, as we offer the hands of help and hope. I feel and believe in the“connectedness” of our work as Catholic Charities and Catholic ministries in the U.S. and in the world. For “we” are truly one ministry with one heart, one compassion, and one church. It all started with the compassion of Jesus more than 2,000 years ago and continues today. This Thanksgiving and this Christmas, draw upon that Christ-given compassion and make a difference for an individual or a family in need. I guarantee, like the loaves and fishes, there will indeed be enough to go around.

St. Vincent de Paul

By Ashley Lahr

St. Vincent de Paul is virtually a well-known saint in the Catholic realm. Quite honestly, all I knew is that he was a saint and there is a thrift store named after him on South Congress and other various places around town. When I looked up saints for either yesterday or today, I was pleasantly surprised to find his day on September 27. I was excited about researching to find out who he was and what he did.

De Paul was born on April 24, 1581 and died September 27, 1660. He was born into a peasant family in Landes, France and had three brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Toulouse with a degree in Theology and was ordained in 1600 at the mere age of 19. De Paul stayed in Toulouse until he went to Marseille to collect inheritance. In 1605, he was captured by Turkish pirates who brought him to Tunis and sold him into slavery. By 1607, he converted his owner to Christianity and was freed. De Paul is the founder Daughters of Charity and Congregation of the Mission. Congregation of the Mission was founded in 1625 and works towards the evangelization of the poor and formation of the clergy. Daughters of Charity were founded with Louise de Marillac in 1633. They are a group of women who work to help the “poorest of the poor.”

De Paul is most venerated for his continual service to the poor. Catholic Charities works to do the same exact thing. We may not be under the Saint Vincent De Paul Society or organization but we work toward the same goals. As Catholics, we work together as a team to help bring self-sufficiency to those we assist. It is so much more than giving out food each week or meeting with people to help them figure out how they are going to pay next months rent. Our goal is to instill confidence in each client we serve. We work to strengthen individuals, families and communities. It is not about helping only Catholics or religious people. It is because we are Catholic that we are able to have the faith, spirituality and love behind all we do here at Catholic Charities.

If you are interested in volunteering or working to help the poor, please check out our website www.ccctx.org. Be sure to check out the St. Vincent De Paul website at http://www.svdpusa.org/. Help us spread the good word.

American Community Survey Williamson County

In Williamson County, 4.5% of all families had incomes below the poverty level in 2007. That number increased to 21% for single females with children under age 18.

The new American Community Survey that is conducted by the US Census, which tells us what the population looks like and how it lives, reports that 6.2% of all Williamson County residents had incomes below the poverty level.

What is "below poverty level"?

For a family of four, that was $20,650 or less. Visit our website to learn more about the Campaign to Reduce Poverty at www.ccctx.org.

Chris Earthman elected President of the Board of Directors; 7 New Board Members Added from Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Waco

(Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, Waco) – Catholic Charities of Central Texas proudly announces Chris M. Earthman of Austin Ventures as the newly elected President of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities. Earthman served two years as Co-Chair of the Development Committee which is charged with providing leadership and guidance in the areas of fund raising, stewardship and agency wide accountability. He will continue to work towards promoting agency wide sustainable finances in his role as president. In addition, top priorities for Earthman include increasing access to family strengthening services through community partnerships and collaborations. Chris Earthman has been an active volunteer at Catholic Charities and a member of the board since 2005.

“We are proud to have talented and dedicated volunteers on the board of directors,” said Cynthia Colbert, Executive Director of Catholic Charities. “Our board of director’s active participation and leadership has been invaluable to Catholic Charities in providing help and creating hope for many families throughout central Texas, especially during this difficult economy.”

Chris Earthman is joined by seven new board members from Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Waco.

2009-2010 Board of Directors - Executive Officers

President of the Board
Chris Earthman – St. Mary’s Cathedral (Austin)

Vice President of the Board
Judy Morales Steinheimer – Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (Temple)

Secretary of the Board
David G. Scott, Jr. – St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church (Austin)

Treasurer of the Board
Art Borrego - St. John Neumann Catholic Church (Austin)

New Board Members

Art Canales – St. Theresa Catholic Church (Austin)
Ruby Roa – Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Austin)
Steven Wohleb – St. Paul Catholic Church (Austin)
Mike Martin – St. Helen Catholic Church (Georgetown)
Monica Figun – St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Marble Falls)
Parker Pieri – St. Louis Catholic Church (Waco)
Sister Marie Theresa Sedgwich, DC – St. Peter Catholic Student Center (Waco)

Effective Communication – Everyone’s Ministry

What’s in a word? Frankly, everything. What you say, how you say it and when you say it all have a tremendous impact on how a message is received or even if it is received at all. As Christians, we have a responsibility to take great care with our words, for as we are reminded in the Book of Proverbs (12:13): "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing".

The spoken, written and the digital word have tremendous power. Today, we receive messages from a multitude of sources: phone calls, phone messages, e-mails, facebook, twitter, blogs. It is almost becoming a thing of the past to communicate one-to-one. Everyone seems to rely on the easiest method possible. I am reminded everyday that we are in a ministry of service to people; the people who ask for our services, the people who work at our agency, the funders and donors who contribute to supporting our ministry, the volunteers who come through the doors each day to give of their time and talent. It’s people-to-people and that must involve effective, compassionate and productive communication.

More than any action we take, what we say and how we say it, can affect people in a significant way. Think about the last negative communication you had with someone. Maybe someone was rude to you on the phone, or a family member yelled at you, or a colleague sent you an email criticizing your work. How did it make you feel? How did it change your relationship with that person? Did that experience make you respect them and listen to them more or did it shut down communication; make you feel angry and feel like walking away. Maybe it even made you leery of future communications.

There’s no doubt about it, the way we communicate can affect how we view people and how other people perceive us. Good verbal communication is everyone’s responsibility and is especially in the ministry of service to others. We are all human, therefore, there are times, and I’m sure that each of us has been wounded by the words of others, or, we have said something or sent an email that wounded another. As a result, barriers were raised between people and communication became less effective.

In communicating with one another at work, at home, at church or in the community, we should follow the words of St. Paul in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” Being kind in our communications doesn’t mean we avoid addressing conflicts or problems. It does mean, however, that we treat, listen and speak to one another with the dignity and respect that Christ calls us to have for one another.

So how can we improve our ability to communicate effectively? I think one of the most important components about communications is listening. Listening is an intentional act. When we fail to listen, we communicate that we do not care about the thoughts or ideas of the other person. Listening means not only hearing the words that someone says, but also what they mean. But good listening skills are not developed overnight. You have to practice listening. Try it with a co-worker or your spouse. Listen to what they have to say and then, rather than immediately thinking about your own response, check in with them to make sure you really heard what they had to say. Recall a time when you felt really heard and understood by another. How did that experience make you feel? Did you validated and understood? Did that experience make you want to in turn, hear what the other person has to say too? To be really good communicators, as Christ intends us to be, then first we need to learn to listen.

But listening is only half of the equation. In addition to listening, we must be able to convey our ideas and thoughts with clarity and respect for the other person. Harriet Meyerson, founder of The Confidence Center, offers 7 tips to more effective communications in the workplace. I think these are equally applicable in other parts of our lives as well.

1. Personal contact is important. People relate to one another better when they can meet in person. If personal contact is not possible, the next best way to connect is by talking on the telephone. Do not rely on email as the consistent means to communicate with one another.

2. Develop a network. No one achieves success alone. Make an effort to get to know people in your workplace and in your community and look for experiences or interests you have in common.

3. Always be courteous in your communications with one another. Courtesy lets people know that you care.

4. Be consistent and clear in your workplace communications. Consistency builds trust. Asking, “Did I explain this clearly?” will assure that people understood what you said.

5. Compromise decreases the tension associated with conflict. When addressing a problem or conflict, ask, “What is best for the client/program/agency?” so that co-workers will not take the conflict personally. Is your intent to demean or to vent your anger or is it to truly resolve an issue?

6. Listen to what others are saying. Listening demonstrates respect and admiration.

7. Practice common courtesy and tact. In speaking with co-workers, be considerate of their time and points of view. Separate emotion from intellect, and do not be condescending. If you are a manager, set an example and never allow anger to overrule reason. In written communication, this is even more important. While a conversation is a fleeting thing, written documentation is on the record, and can be referred to in the future. Your words, once written, become part of a permanent record. Choose your words carefully, and avoid using an accusatory tone. State your case clearly and concisely without emotion. Read and reread your email before you send it to avoid sending something that you will later regret. Avoid sarcasm. Everything that you write leaves an impression, and the goal should be to always make that impression a positive one.

I would add another topic and that is the issue of gossip in the workplace, the church, or ministry. The dictionary defines gossip as “idle talk or rumor about the personal or private affairs of others.” When used as a verb it means to talk idly about the affairs of others. We all recognize that gossip can only lead to problems, but most of us have at some time in our lives, committed the sin of gossiping about others. It’s very subtle sometimes. How do you know when or if you are expressing concern for someone and sliding over into gossip? For me, it’s a simple test. Do I think that the person being discussed would want the information shared with me and with others? Or, if it is a commentary on someone else, is it something that I or others would say to them face to face? If the answer is no, then its likely gossip and should be stopped. It’s a lot harder to address a problem with a boss or co-worker, instead of gossiping about it; but we are advised in Ephesians 4 to “speak the truth in love.” It doesn’t say; go talk about it to someone else first.

Words are powerful. How we use them is a reflection on our relationship with God and the values we put into practice each and every day. Let’s all pray for and practice the ministry of effective communications.

Philanthropy derives from Ancient Greek, meaning "to love people".

Philanthropy derives from Ancient Greek, meaning "to love people".
Catholic Charities is blessed to have many active philanthropists in our community of supporters that have given money, goods, services, time and/or effort to support our mission, with no financial or material reward in return.
Philanthropy encompasses any altruistic activity intended to promote good or improve the quality of life for individuals and has been around for several thousand years. Throughout the bible, God calls us to come to the aid of the widow, orphan, the stranger, the sick and the poor. Those categories identify the most vulnerable in our society, those least able to sustain themselves. At Catholic Charities we have an Angel of Hope Food Pantry to feed the hungry every week, case management services available for those trying to get back on their feet, Immigration Legal Services to help individuals receive services that they need to unite with their families and/or get legal assistance, and Access for Central Texans to help those without medical benefits acquire them in order to have the healthcare they need.

In August, Catholic Charities of Central Texas had a Good Samaritan for the summer appeal and as a result is still receiving a wonderful outpour of support from the community. Over $25,000 has been received to date from the Good Samaritan appeal and will be used to provide food in our food pantry, case management services, Immigration Legal Services, and healthcare outreach to those in need. We are blessed to have friends that understand the meaning of being a Good Samaritan to our neighbors, even and most importantly when times are hard.

Many people ask “who is my neighbor”?
The Parable of the Good Samaritan addresses this question directly.
[Luke 10:30-37]

Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight.

He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?

He answered, “The one who treated him with Mercy.”

Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Philanthropy is another definition of Good Samaritan. Some might be able to give their time and volunteer. Our Angel of Hope Food Pantry depends on the service of volunteers to serve the hundreds of neighbors that we do on a weekly basis. Without the gift of time from our volunteers, we would be unable to serve as many as we do. Talent is another way to give a gift of yourself and serve those around you. For instance, several volunteers donate their talents to organize our annual spring luncheon that raises awareness and money for our programs. And finally, treasure is another gift that some people are able to give. As a nonprofit, financial support that is received is poured into ensuring our programs are in place and that our neighbors are being served throughout central Texas.

Thank you, on behalf of those that we serve, for those of you that have learned how “to love people” through giving to Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

What an inspirational speech by Carl A. Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus

Here is the weblink to a speech given by Carl A. Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, at the Meeting of Friendship Among Peoples held in Rimini, Italy.

The complete speech, Work to Better the Moral Compass of Business, can be read at: www.zenit.org/article-26735?l=english

Very inspirational.

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

By Cynthia Colbert

Catholic Social Teaching
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

I grew up in a humble home. My Dad worked as a diesel mechanic and my mother was a stay at home mom. We were blessed to have our own home, but I remember wearing hand- me- down clothes most of the time. And as early as 3rd grade, my brothers and sister and I all worked summer jobs, such as cutting apricots, to earn money to help with buying school supplies and other necessities. I know my parents counted every penny because they always shopped for bargains. There were four kids to feed and with one income, every dollar had to go as far as possible.

We were lucky enough to have health insurance from my Dad’s job. And it’s a good thing too because I had severe asthma as a young child and was in the hospital a lot. I didn’t know anything about food stamps, the federal poverty level, or public assistance. We were probably one of the families whose income was put them just over theose income guidelines. But I knew there were times we didn’t have enough money to get through a month so, my parents had to make some tough calls; pay the electric bill on time or buy groceries.? And there was no Catholic Charities agency in my hometown to turn to in times of need.

Fortunately, there is a Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Austin. At Catholic Charities of Central Texas, we work with struggling families each and every day. We help families who need a helping hand to get through the month with groceries from the food pantry, case management support to work on a self-sufficiency plan, legal advice from the Diocesan Law Project to help them. Services that help them get through a tough times and back on the road to self-sufficiency.

Our Catholic faith teaches us to work for the common good. But those who are weak, vulnerable and most in need deserve preferential concern. A basic moral test for our society is how we treat the most vulnerable in our midst. In a society marred by deepening disparities between rich and poor, Scripture (see Mt 25:31-46) reminds us that we will be judged by our response to the “least among us.”

The families that come to us for help and for hope want a safe and happy home, are people just like you and me. They want a safe and happy home. They want their children to grow up healthy, to have an education. and for those that can work, they want a good job with enough income to pay their bills. They want health insurance so they can go to the doctor when they need to. They’d like to never be in a food line again. But in the meantime, until those goals are met, we walk beside them, on their life’s journey. They deserve our prayers, our respect and help.

Join me in helping families. Walk with us…walk with them. Be the HOPE they need today. Volunteer, Pray, Donate. You can make a difference.

St. Joseph Calasanz

By Ashley Lahr

St. Joseph Calasanz (or Calasanctius) is a name that encompasses so much more than I expected. When I used a search engine to find out feast days for saints for August 25 or 26, I didn’t expect to find such an extraordinary man like St. Calasanz.

Born in 1556, Calasanz had a life that was completely selfless with a single goal: to educate the poor. Even though he was a priest with extensive training in theology and canon law, he put aside his career in order to address the needs of the community. After many failed attempts to get funding for education, he recruited personal companions in order to provide a free education. At this point in history, this was a revolutionary idea. With an overwhelming response, Pope Clement VIII agreed to build facilities for the community. Just with any new idea, free education became a contradictory topic. But Calasanz persevered and continued his mission.

Despite all odds, St. Calasanz put aside his career and challenges in order to assist those in need. He looked at the community as a whole and worked to figure out what areas needed assistance the most. At the time, education for the poor was an important need to Calasanz. In a different era, it could have been a different need. Regardless, it is people like St. Calasanz who are able to see a need, work to find a solution and help the community simultaneously. Despite differing views from his peers and neighbors, he looked past the discrepancies and worked for free education.

He was ultimately credited as the founder of the Pious Schools and the Order of the Piarists. He also had a close relationship with Galileo and defended his controversial view of the cosmos.

At Catholic Charities, we work around the clock to figure out different strategies to help the community, not only immediately, but also in a way that can benefit them years down the road. We strive to level ourselves with those who need assistance and help them find answers even when it seems there isn’t one. It is important to find the root of the problem within the community instead of creating a short-term “fix” to the problem.

We have all seen the words “in these economic times” in countless media outlets but it is time to start working toward a long term goal. Goals that can help keep individuals in a healthy financial state now and in the future, regardless of their economic background. Finances are an important part to our survival as a society and as individuals. Not in terms of how much we make a year but in ways that we can work toward creating budgets, understand the ins and outs of buying a home, mortgage, buying a car, calculating retirement funds, and everything else and in between.

In order to address this issue, we are offering a new series of workshops to help create “Financial Fitness.” This series will help individuals and families increase their knowledge and skills in budgeting and money management. The four part series called “Financial Fitness” combines an FDIC nationally approved curriculum, Money Smart, and specialized instructors from the financial field to give participants valuable tools to help them stabilize financially and overcome debt.


http://www.ccctx.org/news_view.php?id=44

Client Stories: God is always with you

“Without God man neither knows which way to go, nor even understands who he is. In the face of the enormous problems surrounding the development of peoples, which almost make us yield to discouragement, we find solace in the sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who teaches us: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5) and then encourages us: “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20).”
- Caritas in Veritate (para. 78)

Catholic Charities of Central Texas recognizes that in the face of seemingly unmanageable problems and severe discouragement, finding a solution deems impossible. Without a third party on the outside looking in, the idea of a solution can get lost in the midst of turmoil. We all need God to get us through to the next step and realize that there is a way out. Our employees are able to provide a helping hand and lend an ear when needed most through the strength given to us by God.

Finding solace can be extremely hard in times of despair. Our clients at Catholic Charities have overcome tremendous odds. Below, we have selected three stories that best encompass what we do as an organization.

Prior to the devastation of Hurricane Ike, FRANCES and WILLIAM lived comfortably in a two-bedroom condo in Galveston. When the storm hit, the elderly couple fled to Austin with nothing but the clothes on their back. Living in a hotel room, they anxiously awaited word that they could safely return home. Then Frances and William became very ill, both checking in and out of the hospital due to medical issues. Frances had no medical insurance, and the couple was fully dependent upon William’s monthly Social Security check. On the verge of homelessness, they came to Catholic Charities. Here they found a light of hope and help. A case manager was able to find them housing assistance through a Rapid Re-Housing program, medical assistance through Project Access, and food through food stamps and Meals-on-Wheels, and then helped them move into and furnish a new home. The couple, now permanent Austin residents, continues case management under Catholic Charities of Central Texas and are on the road to self-sufficiency.

SORAYA, 57, came to the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2002 with the hopes of finding a better life for herself and her six children. After witnessing her husband’s murder by Taliban forces and the many other atrocities of the war in her country, Soraya sought and obtained refugee status. She arrived in the United States in January 2002 and, as a refugee, she has seven years of access to a variety of social programs to provide support and help her integrate into society. This allowed Soraya to access the physical and mental health care she needed to care for several medical conditions, including early dementia. Catholic Charities helped Soraya bring her son and grandson to the U.S. In early 2009, Soraya’s access to social programs that she needed to treat her dementia was expiring. Fortunately, she applied for citizenship in March 2009 with the help of Catholic Charities staff—filing her paperwork, preparing her for the interview with immigration authorities and accompanying her to the interview to determine whether she will become a citizen. Now, as a proud citizen, Soraya is safe and secure while living the gift of freedom other Americans enjoy every day.

When John lost his high tech job of 10 years, JOHN and MARIA thought that they might lose their house as well. They used their saving trying to stay current on the mortgage, but had fallen two payments behind. After a six-month search, John had finally found a job, but they were unable to catch up and didn’t know where to turn. Attending Catholic Charities’ Tactics for Touch Times workshop changed all that. John was able to take the information he learned in the workshop to develop a new budget and then negotiate a repayment plan with his mortgage company that allowed him to catch the past due amount up over a twelve month period. “I was ready to give up and just walk away from my house and then I Saw the flyer for Tactics for Tough Times. Thank God Catholic Charities was there in this time of need.”

Monday’s Meditation, 8/10/09

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CENTRAL TEXAS MISSION:

To strengthen individuals, families and communities through direct services, collaboration with other ministries and community organization and social justice advocacy.

Monday’s Meditation, 8/10/09

Yesterday we read in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (Eph 4:30 – 5:2) to be reminded that those who have been transformed by our beliefs follow a new way of being: "And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love. . ."

At Catholic Charities of Central Texas, we are called to be witnesses to this new way of being and doing. We must be examples of kindness and compassion in all of our work. When someone calls our office or visits our agency, we have the opportunity to be instruments of kindness and compassion and a to be a living sign of God's love in all we do. It doesn’t mean however, that we are able to be all things to all people. Sometimes clients request services that we don’t or can’t provide and/or they request assistance beyond what our resources will allow. But we can help them access services from other agencies and organizations and we can try to be helpful in other ways.

Pope Benedict XVI recently released a new Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, which reflects the following: "Charity is love received and given. It is “grace” ( cháris ). Its source is the wellspring of the Father's love for the Son, in the Holy Spirit. Love comes down to us from the Son. It is creative love, through which we have our being; it is redemptive love, through which we are recreated. Love is revealed and made present by Christ (cf. Jn 13:1) and “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5). As the objects of God's love, men and women become subjects of charity, they are called to make themselves instruments of grace, so as to pour forth God's charity and to weave networks of charity." (Caritas in Veritate, par 5-1).

Have a blessed Monday and a blessed week.

Cynthia Colbert

Executive Director

Feast Day of the Transfiguration

In honor of this special day, here are some great reads about the Transfiguration and Pope Paul VI’s life.

Also an interesting read on St. John Vianney several days after his feast day, which was on Tuesday. The Saint has been declared the patron saint of all priests for this the Year of the Priest, which Pope Benedict XVI dedicated.

Catholic Charities recieves a large Federal Contract for Case Management Operations.

And lastly an odd post on a Church in a mall.

A Valediction Coming Full Circle

By Sean DeWitt

Sometimes timing speaks for itself. This past spring I was studying abroad in Rome. And having made my decision to apply for seminary, I was scared. I had basically decided to reshuffle my life, while being over 10,000 miles away from home. I had no idea what was going to happen.

Fr. Mike Sis, the former vocations director, and I shot emails back and forth across the ocean. I thought for sure Fr. Mike would think I was crazy. I was just some random guy emailing from Rome, wanting to join seminary for the Austin Diocese. But, Fr. Mike was patient with me.

In an exchange, I expressed my frustration with job hunting. Needless to say, several thousand miles of ocean doesn’t help when trying to apply for jobs. Fr. Mike said he had an opening he could offer me through Catholic Charities. I’ll be honest. I had never heard of Catholic Charities, but I decided to go for it.

Nearly three weeks later, I showed up for work. The following two months that would ensue taught me more than I could have imagined.

During my time here at Catholic Charities, I served at the food pantry, interviewing clients in English and in Spanish. Working with Meg Kee, Jeff Haecker and the many volunteers, I was blessed with the privilege to meet the face of Christ in those I served and in those I served with. Though often times I felt like I was learning more about God’s love from those around me, than they were from me, I pray that the small bit of time I had with them gave them a greater sense of hope.

Several times a week I also worked with case management, meeting with walk-in clients seeking help from Catholic Charities and with ex-offenders seeking assistance and guidance through the Criminal Justice Ministry. These meetings were special to me because I was able to have a personal encounter with the poor and the needy. The helpless situations that seemed to face these people were heart wrenching sometimes, yet the assistance I was able to provide them with seemed to be just enough. Whether it was a bus pass or a pair of work boots, giving these people the ability to work and take care of themselves was a rewarding experience. I hope and pray that those I helped will continue on their way to self-sufficiency.

I have also been working on social networking, a new and expanded form of communication tools like this blog to help spread the message about Catholic Charities. A stranger to the blogosphere in the beginning, I have really come to see the merits in this venue and I thank all the wonderful people who have taken time to read our blog. I am humbled that anyone feels that my words are important enough to read. It is only for the greater glory of God and Catholic Charities that I do this.

And just as my stay here at Catholic Charities began with a call to the priesthood, I find myself saying goodbye the day after the feast of Saint John Vianney, the patron saint for the year of the priest, which our Holy Father, Pope Benedict the XVI, has so wonderfully dedicated. Ironic though it may seem, St. John’s feast day is the perfect book end to a summer that I will never forget. What I have learned about service to the poor and its importance to the Church is something that will never leave me.

One of the greatest gifts one can give is the ability to help others. This is what Catholic Charities has done for me. I humbly thank Catholic Charities for giving me the opportunity to work and grow under its wings. My experiences here at Catholic Charities will no doubt have a positive affect on the kind of priest I will become—God willing. And though it is a long road ahead, the road for now has come full circle. A summer internship that started with a call from the Eternal City has come to an end on the day in which we honor the priesthood through St. John Vianney’s intercession.

Again, I thank the Catholic Charities directors, staff and volunteers for all they have done for me, especially Cynthia Colbert, Ryla Simmons, Meg Kee, and Melanie Ann Watson. I thank Jeff Haecker, my fellow seminarian intern, for his friendship, and I pray that God blesses him this fall, as he begins his discernment. I also want to thank the Gabriel Life Project Center for all their support and prayers. May God continue to bless your wonderful service. And last I want to thank you, the readers of this blog, for your prayers and support. The Catholic Charities blog has far surpassed any expectations I had. Your comments and commentary are wonderful and I hope that you will continue to support Catholic Charities and myself in your prayers.

So as I head off to Holy Trinity Seminary to discern my calling, learn about the priesthood, and study God’s word, I will leave you with a short prayer for priests by our Holy Father.

May the Year for Priests lead all priests to identify totally with the Crucified and Risen Jesus so that, in imitation of St John the Baptist [Mary Vianney], they may be prepared to "shrink" that Christ may grow and that, in following the example of the Curé d'Ars, they feel constantly and profoundly the responsibility of their mission, which is the sign and presence of God's infinite mercy. Let us entrust to Our Lady, Mother of the Church, the Year for Priests which has just begun and all the priests of the world.—Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience: St. Peter’s Square, June 24, 2009

Mary’s Legacy of Service

By Sean DeWitt

Tired, groggy, and a bit confused after the dream like visit from an angel, Mary picked up her things and went off to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. Doubts, concerns and questions swarmed through Mary’s young mind, yet she set them aside, and devoted the next few months of her life to serving and bringing joy to Elizabeth, who had conceived in her old age.

Though not the first time in her young life, the Visitation is the first story we get of Mary’s devotion to service. Though we often think of Mary as a strong young beautiful women exemplifying Mother Church, and that she is. However at the time of the visitation, Mary would have been a pregnant young teenage girl between the ages of 13 and 15 years old. The thought of such a burden is no less daunting today, but Mary’s faith was strong. Mary set aside the confusion and the fear, and said ‘yes’ to the Lord, giving herself completely to His service and bringing joy to the one’s she served. This was manifest in Elizabeth’s child leaping for joy in the womb at the presence of Christ in Mary.

And though this seems like a miracle (and certainly it is), this miracle is no less present today, as teenagers spend their weekends and evenings working at food pantries and soup kitchens all over the world. An example of such is the wonderful young volunteers that work at Angels of Hope Food Pantry here at Catholic Charities. Around the same age as Mary was during her service to Elizabeth, the youth come out every Friday to serve the poor and the vulnerable. The youth continue Mary’s ‘yes’ to Christ through their service of the poor, carrying on Mary’s legacy of service by bringing a child like joy to those in need. Through their Love of God, the youth carry Christ Jesus with them as Mary did, causing the hopes and dreams of those they serve to leap with joy at the presence of Christ.

However, Mary’s legacy is not limited to the youth. Mary continued her service of Christ throughout her life. In Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection, Mary stayed true to her son, never abandoning Him. Mary, providing the ultimate service to our Lord, visited Him on the cross venerating her son and savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is in this moment that Christ bestows on Mary the motherhood of the whole human race, giving her to the service of His people. As the mother of mankind, Mary continues her service to Christ by bringing the love of God to everyone, causing all of our hopes and dreams for a better life to leap for joy in the presence of His love.

And now we are called to carry on Mary’s legacy of service. We are to join Mary in her ‘yes’ to God’s call, serving His people. Catholic Charities of Central Texas answers that call on a daily basis, serving the poor and the vulnerable, giving them the joy and hope for a better life. Through our service, we hope to carry on Mary’s legacy and bring the presence of God in our Love to those we serve. We believe that by our love filled actions, those we serve will come to know God. Like Mary, we hope to put aside our doubts and questions, and give ourselves completely to God’s call to service.

Interesting Links on HealthCare

Read a summary on the current HealthCare Bill, or just read it yourself.

There is also a great Response to the Federal Health Care Reform Proposal HR 3200 Health Care a Right: Even for the Elderly, Infirm, those with Disabilities, and the Unborn.

All of these links and more can be found on our facebook page.

Statement of Catholic Charities USA:

“In response to inaccurate online media reports, Catholic Charities USA states unequivocally that it does not support any plan to reform health care and/or any proposed legislative provision that allows or promotes the funding of abortions or that compels any health care provider or institution to provide such a service. In fact, Catholic Charities USA will continue to work with the Catholic Health Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to ensure that any health care reform legislation will not include such provisions. All media accounts or public comments that misrepresent this position are inaccurate.

‘These attacks appear to be politically motivated by opponents of health care reform. They are distortions of the truth and disingenuous. Catholic Charities USA will continue to work to reform health care in a way that is consistent with the teachings of our faith.’ said Fr. Larry Snyder, President.”

A Run in With God’s Love

By Sean DeWitt

Working at the Angels of Hope Food Pantry every Friday, I am blessed with the opportunity to work face-to-face with those in need. Mostly through my comic attempts to speak Spanish, I try to give a bit of hope to those I serve. One of my favorite things to do is to visit with the many Spanish speaking children that tag along with their moms. It is a joy to talk to them because they speak on my level (in Spanish at least).

This past Friday I met a beautiful Mexican family. The mother was very young and she had four children: two boys, and twin two year old girls. They were the last household we were serving that day, so I took the opportunity to talk to the mother and her children.

Having two younger brothers myself, I tried to talk to the boys first, but they were too interested in the action figures they had brought. I guess Wolverine and the Red Power Ranger are much more interesting than a boring 20 year old. Have I reached the boring age already?

I turned to the twin girls. They were in matching pink shirts and bowties, and were sitting in their stroller. The little girl in the back seat was putting her chubby little feet in her sister’s hair, while the other girl tried to grab them. They were adorable.

I tried to think of what to say, but was at a great loss of words. “Hola, Senorita,” I said and they both turned to look at me. “Como estas,” I continued, and they quickly turned away, putting their little hands over their faces. I looked up to their mother, who was watching intently. She was turning bright red.

She quickly bent over and whispered to the two girls, but they shook their heads in disapproval. She looked up to me and said they were shy. I agreed with her and asked for the names of the girls. I tried one more time and said, “Hola, Ashley y Maria, como estan?” Maria turned away again, but Ashley cocked her head and smiled at me. I glanced up at the mother and she was glowing. Ashley cooed at me and showed her sparsely placed teeth. I said, “Donde estan sus dentes” or where are your teeth? Her mother laughed and spoke for her child saying in high pitched voice, “yo no se” or I don’t know.

At this point, Maria was becoming more interested in what was going on. Maybe that big man wasn’t so mean and scary, she probably thought. She chimed in, making one of those lovely baby babbles though when I turned to speak to her, she retreated back behind her tiny little hands. Her mother was smiling from ear-to-ear. The love she had for her little girls was amazing. She literally glowed.

The next moment they were called to get their food and they were out the door. I sat down to take a break. I couldn’t help but smile. I was happy. One of my co-workers looked at me and I stopped smiling because I didn’t want them think I was weird. But that big grin soon returned. Why was I smiling, I thought to myself.

Looking back on that day, I know now why I was smiling. I had ran into God’s Love. The mother of those twin girls was overflowing with it. While I was there, trying to show this family God’s love through my service, it was they, the mother and her kids, who were showing me true Love—a love that I can only hope to reciprocate someday. It was as if those children took their mothers love and amplified it like a megaphone, except they were amplifying a whisper.

Instead of a loud and moving love, their love was quiet, shy, gentle, warm, and had red cheeks. It didn’t make me want to go shout from the top of mountain, or stand up and preach on the street corners. Yet it gave me an innermost joy, a joy that wouldn’t leave me. It was the kind of love that is present in a wink between two friends, or a mother’s humming to a restless child. No words are needed.

And perhaps that is why I find it so hard to capture it in words now. God’s love is beyond words. And though that maybe, I can tell you one thing: the love I felt through that mother and her children gave me hope, reassurance, and confidence that God truly is.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas Statement on HealthCare

Catholic Charities of Central Texas, serving the Diocese of Austin, is a not for profit social services agency meeting the needs of poor and vulnerable residents in 25-Central Texas counties. We work with the uninsured on a daily basis and see that greater access to health care is needed by many. Catholic Charities is a proponent of changes in health care policies that are in line with the teachings of our Church and supported by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Access to health care for the people of central Texas, the state as a whole, and our country, is intrinsic to upholding the dignity of the weak and the vulnerable in our society.

“With this need for health care reform comes a great responsibility to continue to uphold the dignity of human life at all stages. Genuine health care reform that protects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and a vital national obligation," said Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., as he outlined the policy priorities of the USCCB on the issue of health care in a July 17 letter to Congress. The letter supported efforts to pass health care reform, but warned against inclusion of abortion.

Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the country with almost 25 percent of the population living without insurance (U.S. Census Bureau); One in four Texans has to make the difficult decision of going to the doctor, buying medicine or paying other bills. These Texans live precariously wondering if their next doctor’s visit could devastate their family finances.

Changes in health care policies are needed in order to improve the health of all Central Texans. We must ensure that quality, compassionate care that works for everyone is available for all of our brothers and sisters in need. However, as stated by Bishop Murphy, any changes in health care policies must uphold the sanctity and dignity of life at all stages.

Jeff's Farewell Address

Hello faithful readers, you haven’t heard from me in awhile. Sean has done a great job with the blog and promoting what Catholic Charities does and why we do what we do. I have taken on many other projects while Sean has been working on the blog. I wanted to write one, however, because this is my last week at Catholic Charities, and I wanted to tell the readers what I have been up to.

I began to do a lot of work for Meg Kee, the Coordinator of the Angels of Hope food pantry here. I helped organize files, enter some data and some other smaller projects for the pantry behind the scenes. We keep track of all clients who come to the pantry in order to show how many people we serve, for grant purposes. I have been very active in participating in the operation of the pantry on Thursdays for our senior and disabled clients, and on Fridays for the general public. That has been a great experience, to have the opportunity to serve those in need, to see Christ in my fellow man and to help them however I can. I have also been seeing clients who come into our office and helping them in their time of need, and to being a patient ear and voice of hope for them. This direct service has been great for me to live out my baptismal call to practice charity in love.

I also created a Powerpoint presentation for use by the Mission Council of the Diocese to clarify what mission is and to promote it, both at home and abroad. I also worked with Sean to modify a presentation on end of life issues for use in the Symphony of Faith that is coming up in August. I primarily created slides about the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and a way to promote reception of the Sacraments at the end of life. One of my favorite projects that I was able to do was to read Pope Benedict’s first Encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love). Cynthia Colbert, the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central Texas, asked me to prepare a presentation on the Encyclical. This involved a careful reading of the Encyclical, and it was great to see what the Holy Father has to say about love, the love God has for man, the love that man has for each other, and ultimately how the Trinity is the ultimate source and summit of all love. I had the great opportunity to present it in front of the Catholic Charities staff meeting this week. It was well received and a great reminder on why love is an essential part of charity.

It has been great working with all of the wonderful people here, both staff and clients. I have learned a lot that will help prepare me for ministry in the Priesthood or in whatever capacity that God calls me to. I will be leaving Austin on August 11th for Convocation, a gathering of all the seminarians and many priests in the Diocese. On the 14th I will drive to St. Joseph’s Abbey Seminary College, a college seminary and Benedictine monastery in Covington, LA, about 45 minutes north of New Orleans. Orientation is the following day and classes start on the 18th! It is a very quick transition, and I am excited, nervous and everything in between. The campus is beautiful and secluded, with 1200 acres of surrounding forest. I will be studying philosophy for two years there, before moving to St. Mary’s in Houston for theology I look forward to deepening my relationship with Christ and discerning His call, whatever that may be. Thank you for following this blog, and for all your prayers for Sean and I.