By Sean DeWitt
--A word to all interns and college students taking a break from their studies--
There exists within the halls and corridors of America’s great universities a Great War—the War of Ideas. It is a horrific war with lots of casualties, mostly freshmen, who get caught in the crossfire before they find the right office door to duck behind for cover. The most confusing part about this war is that it is not just one war. No, it is an intricate set of ongoing conflicts between colleges, schools, professors, and students, each with their individual alliances and treaties. Amidst these brawls is the age old conflict over the role of government in a society—a conflict the United States has fervently carried on for the past 233 years.
Working at Catholic Charities this summer, I have had the opportunity to work first hand with the step-children of the many treatises’ that have been made during the war. Though the war in America has seemingly ended with the Great Society and the New, New Deal, the wounds are deep and one can still hear the whispers of Samuel Adams and Alexander Hamilton.
As I sit in my cubical—an old fox hole perhaps?—I wonder which side to take. Back at the university I used the likes of Locke, Jefferson and Washington, as my cover against the likes of Marx, Roosevelt, and Keynes. But here one must lay aside his weapons. Here on the home front, the enemy is more like the ally. Here, I find peace and generosity amongst the two sides—a seemingly permanent ceasefire that has blossomed into a working relationship. Within the walls of Catholic Charities, unlike those of the university, I find diplomatic meetings over common goals, rather than on each other differences. Instead of holding opposition against the other, there is recognition of a common end, the end to poverty, hunger, sickness, and homelessness. And thus, both sides work to achieve that goal together, so that the war may end once and for all. Because here where big government meets limited government, the two sides understand that an end to poverty means a victory for everyone. Both sides realize that under the tent with the red and white cross, they are both here to serve the same need, the same purpose, and the same people. The only crossfire here is friendly fire.
Fortunately, during the War of Ideas, like the wars of old, there is a winter season, which calls us back home from the halls and corridors of the university for a permanent three month cease fire. Though our winter is more like a summer scorch, these three months give us valuable new knowledge—knowledge of practicality and real world application. Some never come back from this respite, others return only to fight with even more tenacity, but some return as medics, hoping to heal the wounds instead of make them. Whatever the case, without this new knowledge and experience from the home front, the war would be a total loss.
So fellow interns, you hardy soldiers of college, tend to your wounds and study your strategies. Observe what is around you and see what makes the world run. For we will all be back in the fall, and the fight will presume once again. The battles will come, the arguments will fly, the ramparts will fall, and when each sides hunkers down for the 4 month siege, may we all be warriors of peace, fighting behind the same door—the door of Charity and Love.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Dignity of Human Life
First in a series of entries on the principles of social work.
by Sean DeWitt
As St. Francis so beautifully showed us in his life, God has left his finger print all over the earth, His creation. In no part of God’s creation is that finger print more distinct than in the human person, who was made in the image and likeness of God. This knowledge of the human person from Genesis forms the basis for the Church’s understanding of Human Dignity, which in tern is the foundation for the social teaching of the Church. The U.S. Catholic Bishops say that:
“The human person is central, the clearest reflection of God among us. Each person possesses a basic dignity that comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment”(U.S. Catholic Bishops, A Century of Social Teaching, 4).
Poverty is one of the greatest threats to Human Dignity, denying the opportunity to fulfill all aspects of life. As Americans, Christians, Catholics, and Social Workers, we all believe that on a base level every human has the right to what has come to be called Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’. Poverty threatens all levels of the hierarchy from the most basic needs—food, shelter, and water—to the highest needs—morality and spirituality. The impoverished fight hunger, extreme living conditions, and cleanliness, lacking the time needed to develop a sense of security, build a community, attain a level of self-confidence, and come closer to God.
As of the 2007 Census, Texas was one of the worst states in terms of poverty, holding a 16.3 percent poverty rate—three percentage points above the national average. The staggering number of individuals, who live below the poverty line in Texas, could be attributed to the large immigrant population. However, such sentiments only work to discriminate and take away the dignity of those people.
Everyone has the right to their dignity regardless of race, gender, age, economic status, or cultural background. As Pope John Paul II said, “The dignity of the human person is a transcendent value, always recognized as such by those who sincerely search for the truth” (Pope John Paul II, 1999 World Day for Peace Message, no. 2). Human Dignity is not confined to a place, an achievement, a skin color, or a culture. In fact, Human Dignity is not even confined to space or time. Human Dignity is ‘transcendent’ and is kept in common with the whole human race, both past and present.
Here at Catholic Charities, we try in earnest to honor the dignity of each person we serve. We do this in many ways the most visible being our Angel’s of Hope Food Pantry. Unlike most food pantries, we allow our clients to choose their own food from a selection. Though our selection differs from week to week and it is limited in its variety, we believe that the opportunity for the clients to practice their freedom of choice gives them a greater sense of dignity and worth.
Another aspect of the food pantry experience is the amount of client to volunteer interaction. The most beautiful part of this process is that both volunteers and clients have the opportunity to see Christ in each other—to see more clearly that finger print left by Christ, during creation. Anytime someone serves, they are both giving and receiving the light of Christ. Sometimes this vision can be lost, during long hours preparing meals or sorting hoards of paper work. But during the interview process, clients and volunteers get the opportunity to stare into the face of Christ. The volunteer sees Christ in the hot, hungry, tired, and worn out client, and the client sees Christ helping hand that is being extended to them.
by Sean DeWitt
As St. Francis so beautifully showed us in his life, God has left his finger print all over the earth, His creation. In no part of God’s creation is that finger print more distinct than in the human person, who was made in the image and likeness of God. This knowledge of the human person from Genesis forms the basis for the Church’s understanding of Human Dignity, which in tern is the foundation for the social teaching of the Church. The U.S. Catholic Bishops say that:
“The human person is central, the clearest reflection of God among us. Each person possesses a basic dignity that comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment”(U.S. Catholic Bishops, A Century of Social Teaching, 4).
Poverty is one of the greatest threats to Human Dignity, denying the opportunity to fulfill all aspects of life. As Americans, Christians, Catholics, and Social Workers, we all believe that on a base level every human has the right to what has come to be called Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’. Poverty threatens all levels of the hierarchy from the most basic needs—food, shelter, and water—to the highest needs—morality and spirituality. The impoverished fight hunger, extreme living conditions, and cleanliness, lacking the time needed to develop a sense of security, build a community, attain a level of self-confidence, and come closer to God.
As of the 2007 Census, Texas was one of the worst states in terms of poverty, holding a 16.3 percent poverty rate—three percentage points above the national average. The staggering number of individuals, who live below the poverty line in Texas, could be attributed to the large immigrant population. However, such sentiments only work to discriminate and take away the dignity of those people.
Everyone has the right to their dignity regardless of race, gender, age, economic status, or cultural background. As Pope John Paul II said, “The dignity of the human person is a transcendent value, always recognized as such by those who sincerely search for the truth” (Pope John Paul II, 1999 World Day for Peace Message, no. 2). Human Dignity is not confined to a place, an achievement, a skin color, or a culture. In fact, Human Dignity is not even confined to space or time. Human Dignity is ‘transcendent’ and is kept in common with the whole human race, both past and present.
Here at Catholic Charities, we try in earnest to honor the dignity of each person we serve. We do this in many ways the most visible being our Angel’s of Hope Food Pantry. Unlike most food pantries, we allow our clients to choose their own food from a selection. Though our selection differs from week to week and it is limited in its variety, we believe that the opportunity for the clients to practice their freedom of choice gives them a greater sense of dignity and worth.
Another aspect of the food pantry experience is the amount of client to volunteer interaction. The most beautiful part of this process is that both volunteers and clients have the opportunity to see Christ in each other—to see more clearly that finger print left by Christ, during creation. Anytime someone serves, they are both giving and receiving the light of Christ. Sometimes this vision can be lost, during long hours preparing meals or sorting hoards of paper work. But during the interview process, clients and volunteers get the opportunity to stare into the face of Christ. The volunteer sees Christ in the hot, hungry, tired, and worn out client, and the client sees Christ helping hand that is being extended to them.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Farewell to Bishop Aymond
by Jeff Haecker
Many of us have been affected by the news that our Bishop Gregory Aymond, shepherd of the Austin Diocese for the past 8 and a half years, was named last week by the Holy Father to be the new Archbishop of New Orleans. We are sad to see him leave, and we thank him for his faithful leadership. He has done many great things in the Diocese, which has exploded in size and seen a great increase in vocations under his leadership. He has been a strong advocate for the youth, who are not just the future of the Church, but are the Church itself. We at Catholic Charities thank God for all that the Bishop brought to central Texas, and our prayers go with him for the many challenges ahead. He will do great things in the arch-diocese of New Orleans, which is still hurting from the effects of Hurricane Katrina four years ago. There are many questions and uncertainties, as we await the Holy Father to choose the new Bishop for the Austin Diocese. The most pressing question is what will happen between now and when we will have a new Bishop.
From the moment Bishop Aymond was named Archbishop, he was no longer Bishop of the Diocese of Austin. He is now the Administrator of the Diocese, until he takes the See of New Orleans in August. There are a few things that could happen. The first, is that the Pope names the new Bishop between now and August, but this is unlikely, because the process will take on average between 6 and 14 months. The next thing that could happen is that the Pope names a Diocesan Administrator. The Administrator performs all of the functions the Bishop does except for the liturgical functions (i.e. ordaining priests). He will oversee the Diocese until the Pope names the next Bishop. The final option will be that an Administrator is elected by the College of Consulters. This is a group of eight priests in the Diocese of Austin, who meet to pray and discern candidates with the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the position of Administrator, who may be in the College or another priest. The members of the College can be found on page C2 of the Diocesan Directory.
So in this time of transition, please pray for Archbishop Aymond and the great things he will continue to do, and for the Holy Father as he discerns candidates. In additions, please pray for our future Bishop, who will faithfully shepherd us, and for the Diocese, that we welcome him with open arms.
Many of us have been affected by the news that our Bishop Gregory Aymond, shepherd of the Austin Diocese for the past 8 and a half years, was named last week by the Holy Father to be the new Archbishop of New Orleans. We are sad to see him leave, and we thank him for his faithful leadership. He has done many great things in the Diocese, which has exploded in size and seen a great increase in vocations under his leadership. He has been a strong advocate for the youth, who are not just the future of the Church, but are the Church itself. We at Catholic Charities thank God for all that the Bishop brought to central Texas, and our prayers go with him for the many challenges ahead. He will do great things in the arch-diocese of New Orleans, which is still hurting from the effects of Hurricane Katrina four years ago. There are many questions and uncertainties, as we await the Holy Father to choose the new Bishop for the Austin Diocese. The most pressing question is what will happen between now and when we will have a new Bishop.
From the moment Bishop Aymond was named Archbishop, he was no longer Bishop of the Diocese of Austin. He is now the Administrator of the Diocese, until he takes the See of New Orleans in August. There are a few things that could happen. The first, is that the Pope names the new Bishop between now and August, but this is unlikely, because the process will take on average between 6 and 14 months. The next thing that could happen is that the Pope names a Diocesan Administrator. The Administrator performs all of the functions the Bishop does except for the liturgical functions (i.e. ordaining priests). He will oversee the Diocese until the Pope names the next Bishop. The final option will be that an Administrator is elected by the College of Consulters. This is a group of eight priests in the Diocese of Austin, who meet to pray and discern candidates with the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the position of Administrator, who may be in the College or another priest. The members of the College can be found on page C2 of the Diocesan Directory.
So in this time of transition, please pray for Archbishop Aymond and the great things he will continue to do, and for the Holy Father as he discerns candidates. In additions, please pray for our future Bishop, who will faithfully shepherd us, and for the Diocese, that we welcome him with open arms.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Immigration Legal Services – Program Director Spotlight
by Sean DeWitt
Amidst the fray of the housing market crash, massive government bailouts, unemployment shooting through the roof, and a new president, the issue of immigration has lost its glimmer in the news. Though far from being resolved, the media has left the issue to ferment and fester until it becomes “real” news. However, there are those who are still fighting to make sure that the only headlines on immigration in the future are positive ones.
Director of Immigration Legal Services for Catholic Charities of Central Texas, Carmen Cortes-Harms, has been working to educate and empower the immigrant community for years. Carmen began small, but quickly climbed the ranks in the Mexican Foreign Service, becoming the Consulate’s Chief of Protection and Legal Affairs Department in charge of providing Mexican nationals with criminal, civil and labor legal services. Through her work, she realized that people broke laws because they did not know the laws. She found that the immigrants were unaware of visas such as the VAVA, U, and T visas, which were specially created to protect victimized immigrants. As a result, Carmen saw immigrants become easy targets for violent crimes. She saw victims stop coming to government officials for help. And she saw many immigrants taken advantage of through fraudulent legal services.
Carmen worked to curb this trend. With the help of several agencies, Carmen convinced all Austin Wells Fargo Bank’s to accept Mexican Matricula Consular (an ID given to all Mexican foreign nationals) as sufficient ID to open a bank account. This was an important change because it took large amounts of money out of the immigrant’s pockets, deterring many thefts and related homicides. After Wells Fargo made the change, other major banks across the US took up the same practice. After fifteen years with the Mexican Foreign Service, Carmen took an early retirement. However, it was less than six-months until she started working for Catholic Charities, bringing all of her experience and knowledge with her
Looking to continue her efforts to educate the immigrant community, Carmen began hosting informative sessions on immigration laws. Her goal was to educate the immigrant community on the laws and the requirements for legal residency in the US. She combined the informative nature of the sessions with an emphasis on the immigrant’s rights and duties as guests here in the United States. Her approach has been very effective in getting the community to understand that as guests they have a certain set of rights that are protected by the law and therefore, there is no reason to avoid the law. Since the start of these programs, Carmen has reached over 1,700 immigrants in the Austin area, speaking with upwards of 1,300 on one occasion. That particular presentation took place on February 2001 at Dolores Church here in Austin, filling the parish hall to the brim. Father John Korcsmar, pastor of Dolores Church, was the first Priest to open the doors of the Church to her presentations.
Carmen attributes a great amount of this success in part to the Church. She said, “In Chicago as a student and immigrant myself, I realized how important the Church was in providing a support group and a safe place for immigrants to come.” Knowing the community’s great loyalty to the Church, Carmen has been using both the Church’s facilities and memberships to draw on the community. She said that though some churches fail to get the word out, the Church helps in both a spiritual and practical way. Not only does speaking in the name of the Church make your voice more powerful, but if the immigrants are registered members of the Church, they can use their membership as an official proof of their residency in the US.
Recently, a rough economy and tight budgets have caused Carmen to dedicate more time to the office, and less time to her out reach programs. In response, Carmen has moved these programs outside of her working hours, visiting local parishes on the weekends. When asked why she felt like hosting these events on her own time, she said, “I believe God has given me the talent to speak in public and He has provided me with the education necessary to help people. It is my duty and responsibility to use those gifts.” Carmen finds these outreach programs important enough to require those who work under her to attend as well. She says, “Paper and computers can be cold sometimes. I am a people person.” Carmen realizes how effective direct service is in conjunction with education. So much so that she wants her fellow coworkers to experience and learn this for themselves.
In terms of how her programs fits into the mission of Catholic Charities, Carmen quotes Matthew 25: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Her approach, as is the approach of Catholic Charities, is not only to feed the hungry and welcome the stranger, but to teach the hungry how to provide for themselves and to educate the strangers in the ways of the land. Don’t just give the people fish. Give them a fish, a fishing pole, and then teach them how to fish.
Carmen is an example of the great amount dedication and charity that is present in those serving the immigrant community. And though headlines might be lacking such stories, there are many people out there like Carmen, sacrificing both their working lives and their personal lives to the service of the immigrant community. So while we ooh and ah at the technicolor shout out loud news at home, let us not forget the wonderful people, who are serving our gracious guests.
Amidst the fray of the housing market crash, massive government bailouts, unemployment shooting through the roof, and a new president, the issue of immigration has lost its glimmer in the news. Though far from being resolved, the media has left the issue to ferment and fester until it becomes “real” news. However, there are those who are still fighting to make sure that the only headlines on immigration in the future are positive ones.
Director of Immigration Legal Services for Catholic Charities of Central Texas, Carmen Cortes-Harms, has been working to educate and empower the immigrant community for years. Carmen began small, but quickly climbed the ranks in the Mexican Foreign Service, becoming the Consulate’s Chief of Protection and Legal Affairs Department in charge of providing Mexican nationals with criminal, civil and labor legal services. Through her work, she realized that people broke laws because they did not know the laws. She found that the immigrants were unaware of visas such as the VAVA, U, and T visas, which were specially created to protect victimized immigrants. As a result, Carmen saw immigrants become easy targets for violent crimes. She saw victims stop coming to government officials for help. And she saw many immigrants taken advantage of through fraudulent legal services.
Carmen worked to curb this trend. With the help of several agencies, Carmen convinced all Austin Wells Fargo Bank’s to accept Mexican Matricula Consular (an ID given to all Mexican foreign nationals) as sufficient ID to open a bank account. This was an important change because it took large amounts of money out of the immigrant’s pockets, deterring many thefts and related homicides. After Wells Fargo made the change, other major banks across the US took up the same practice. After fifteen years with the Mexican Foreign Service, Carmen took an early retirement. However, it was less than six-months until she started working for Catholic Charities, bringing all of her experience and knowledge with her
Looking to continue her efforts to educate the immigrant community, Carmen began hosting informative sessions on immigration laws. Her goal was to educate the immigrant community on the laws and the requirements for legal residency in the US. She combined the informative nature of the sessions with an emphasis on the immigrant’s rights and duties as guests here in the United States. Her approach has been very effective in getting the community to understand that as guests they have a certain set of rights that are protected by the law and therefore, there is no reason to avoid the law. Since the start of these programs, Carmen has reached over 1,700 immigrants in the Austin area, speaking with upwards of 1,300 on one occasion. That particular presentation took place on February 2001 at Dolores Church here in Austin, filling the parish hall to the brim. Father John Korcsmar, pastor of Dolores Church, was the first Priest to open the doors of the Church to her presentations.
Carmen attributes a great amount of this success in part to the Church. She said, “In Chicago as a student and immigrant myself, I realized how important the Church was in providing a support group and a safe place for immigrants to come.” Knowing the community’s great loyalty to the Church, Carmen has been using both the Church’s facilities and memberships to draw on the community. She said that though some churches fail to get the word out, the Church helps in both a spiritual and practical way. Not only does speaking in the name of the Church make your voice more powerful, but if the immigrants are registered members of the Church, they can use their membership as an official proof of their residency in the US.
Recently, a rough economy and tight budgets have caused Carmen to dedicate more time to the office, and less time to her out reach programs. In response, Carmen has moved these programs outside of her working hours, visiting local parishes on the weekends. When asked why she felt like hosting these events on her own time, she said, “I believe God has given me the talent to speak in public and He has provided me with the education necessary to help people. It is my duty and responsibility to use those gifts.” Carmen finds these outreach programs important enough to require those who work under her to attend as well. She says, “Paper and computers can be cold sometimes. I am a people person.” Carmen realizes how effective direct service is in conjunction with education. So much so that she wants her fellow coworkers to experience and learn this for themselves.
In terms of how her programs fits into the mission of Catholic Charities, Carmen quotes Matthew 25: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Her approach, as is the approach of Catholic Charities, is not only to feed the hungry and welcome the stranger, but to teach the hungry how to provide for themselves and to educate the strangers in the ways of the land. Don’t just give the people fish. Give them a fish, a fishing pole, and then teach them how to fish.
Carmen is an example of the great amount dedication and charity that is present in those serving the immigrant community. And though headlines might be lacking such stories, there are many people out there like Carmen, sacrificing both their working lives and their personal lives to the service of the immigrant community. So while we ooh and ah at the technicolor shout out loud news at home, let us not forget the wonderful people, who are serving our gracious guests.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Mobile Loaves and Fishes Summer Lunch Program
by Jeff Haecker
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus uses the image of food to convey his message. It is not coincidence that He called Himself the Bread of Life, and that He chooses to remain with us in the appearance of bread in the Eucharist. Hunger is something that all humans have felt, and can understand, and as we hunger for Christ, so do our bodies for the worldly food we need. For most it is not a problem to satisfy it. We can simply go to the fridge or cabinet and take something out, or go out to a restaurant. We even eat when we are not hungry. In fact as I am writing this I am eating a bag of trail mix, even though I ate a meal only a few hours ago. We take for granted this easy access to and abundance of food. Unfortunately for many, this simple convenience is out of reach. Those who are homeless or too poor to afford food go hungry. Even children, who rely on their parents or caretakers to eat, go hungry if their parents can’t afford to feed them. When they are in school, government funding provides lunches for each student, but during the summer they do not have access to these lunches. That is where the partnership between Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Catholic Charities of Central Texas comes in.
Mobile Loaves and Fishes, founded in 1998 at St. John Neumann’s parish, delivers meals to the homeless around Austin. This ministry has expanded to include more parishes in Austin as well as to other cities. There are two teams involved in the program, one to make sandwiches and load a truck and the other to drive to locations in Austin and provide a sack lunch to those in need. The Angels of Hope Food Pantry, a program run by Catholic Charities, is open to serve the local area of downtown Austin, and provides 7-10 days of emergency food to any who need it. Catholic Charities also works to help those in need achieve self-sufficiency and works with the government and it’s agencies to alleviate the poverty that is holding so many down. Normally the Mobile Loaves and Fishes trucks go out a few times a week in the evenings, but this summer, Mobile Loaves and Fishes is partnering with Catholic Charities of Central Texas for a Summer Lunch Program to deliver lunches twice a week to those children that will be without their school lunches this summer.
The program began on June 8th and will run through July 8th on Mondays and Wednesdays, with a goal of feeding 1000 children with dignity and abundance. The program will provide healthy lunches to children, allowing them to choose what they would like to eat, such as the kind of sandwich, fruit, chips milk, and juice along with books and small toys. In doing this we are living by Christ’s example to show each child that they are not forgotten and that they are human beings worthy of love and respect. For the volunteers, it is an opportunity to serve and encounter those less fortunate, and not only to be blessed enough to serve them but to also see Christ in them.
We are all part of the Body of Christ, and if one part of the Body is hurting, then the whole Body is hurt. If one part of the Body is healed then the whole experiences that as well. The hope is that there is an outpouring of interest and support so that next year the program can be expanded to run all summer. Meg Kee, the Coordinator of the Angels of Hope Food Pantry at Catholic Charities and the coordinator of the summer lunch pilot program stated that she receives “the satisfaction of knowing these kids won't go hungry - at least not for that one meal, as well as the knowledge that we are meeting Christ's command to serve.”
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus uses the image of food to convey his message. It is not coincidence that He called Himself the Bread of Life, and that He chooses to remain with us in the appearance of bread in the Eucharist. Hunger is something that all humans have felt, and can understand, and as we hunger for Christ, so do our bodies for the worldly food we need. For most it is not a problem to satisfy it. We can simply go to the fridge or cabinet and take something out, or go out to a restaurant. We even eat when we are not hungry. In fact as I am writing this I am eating a bag of trail mix, even though I ate a meal only a few hours ago. We take for granted this easy access to and abundance of food. Unfortunately for many, this simple convenience is out of reach. Those who are homeless or too poor to afford food go hungry. Even children, who rely on their parents or caretakers to eat, go hungry if their parents can’t afford to feed them. When they are in school, government funding provides lunches for each student, but during the summer they do not have access to these lunches. That is where the partnership between Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Catholic Charities of Central Texas comes in.
Mobile Loaves and Fishes, founded in 1998 at St. John Neumann’s parish, delivers meals to the homeless around Austin. This ministry has expanded to include more parishes in Austin as well as to other cities. There are two teams involved in the program, one to make sandwiches and load a truck and the other to drive to locations in Austin and provide a sack lunch to those in need. The Angels of Hope Food Pantry, a program run by Catholic Charities, is open to serve the local area of downtown Austin, and provides 7-10 days of emergency food to any who need it. Catholic Charities also works to help those in need achieve self-sufficiency and works with the government and it’s agencies to alleviate the poverty that is holding so many down. Normally the Mobile Loaves and Fishes trucks go out a few times a week in the evenings, but this summer, Mobile Loaves and Fishes is partnering with Catholic Charities of Central Texas for a Summer Lunch Program to deliver lunches twice a week to those children that will be without their school lunches this summer.
The program began on June 8th and will run through July 8th on Mondays and Wednesdays, with a goal of feeding 1000 children with dignity and abundance. The program will provide healthy lunches to children, allowing them to choose what they would like to eat, such as the kind of sandwich, fruit, chips milk, and juice along with books and small toys. In doing this we are living by Christ’s example to show each child that they are not forgotten and that they are human beings worthy of love and respect. For the volunteers, it is an opportunity to serve and encounter those less fortunate, and not only to be blessed enough to serve them but to also see Christ in them.
We are all part of the Body of Christ, and if one part of the Body is hurting, then the whole Body is hurt. If one part of the Body is healed then the whole experiences that as well. The hope is that there is an outpouring of interest and support so that next year the program can be expanded to run all summer. Meg Kee, the Coordinator of the Angels of Hope Food Pantry at Catholic Charities and the coordinator of the summer lunch pilot program stated that she receives “the satisfaction of knowing these kids won't go hungry - at least not for that one meal, as well as the knowledge that we are meeting Christ's command to serve.”
Monday, June 8, 2009
What the interns are doing (a weekly journal)
Just this past week, Jeff Haecker and I (Sean DeWitt) began working at Catholic Charities as interns for the summer. Graciously, we have both been given the opportunity to work with the diocese, as we apply, and (God willing) getting accepted into seminary. Both of us hope that through this wonderful opportunity we will attain a greater understanding of the social work of the Church here in Central Texas and how to implement such work into a parish setting.
One of the things Jeff and I want to do while we are here with Catholic Charities this summer is share our experiences and hopefully give some insight into the great work that is done here. As part of this wish, we plan on keeping a running journal throughout the summer. We do hope you will enjoy this journal as it develops over the summer.
Week 1: by Sean DeWitt
First off to introduce ourselves, Jeff and I put together a small profile pieces in addition to our weekly happenings.
Howdy, my name is Jeff Haecker and I have just graduated from Texas A&M University where I majored in History. I really enjoyed my time at A&M and I will miss College Station. Over the last year I have grown a lot in my faith and this past spring I decided to apply to the seminary for the Diocese of Austin. I don’t know if God is calling me to be a priest, but I hope to discern that question more deeply in the seminary. I am originally from Austin, and this summer I am living downtown in the Borromeo House, a house owned by the Diocese for guys discerning the call to religious life. I am also interning at Catholic Charities, and it has been great. I am really looking forward to helping serve those in need.
My name is Sean Regan DeWitt, I am 19 years old, and I am from Dripping Springs, Texas. I currently attend the University of Dallas, studying Philosophy, and I just got back from studying abroad in Rome. Needless to say the experience was amazing! During this past semester, I decided to apply for seminary and have nearly finished the process. I hope to attend Holy Trinity Seminary in the fall. Right now I live in Our Lady of Guadalupe Rectory with Friar Francisco and two other seminarians (unfortunately, Jeff is not one of them). I am thoroughly enjoying my time here at Catholic Charities and I look forward to a great summer with them.
Now that you know more about who Jeff and I are, here are some thoughts and reflections on the work we did this past week, our first week on the job.
This past week after all the meetings and introductions, Jeff and I had the pleasure of doing some direct service with the food pantry here at Catholic Charities. Our first task was to pick a job and shadow one of the volunteers so that we could take over in the future. I was fortunate enough to help with the interviewing process, the last stage before the clients receive their food.
The interview does several things. First, it gives volunteers the opportunity for social interaction with the clients. We say hello, ask them how they are doing, and check in on their well being. Most clients find great relief in this interaction. Secondly, the interviewer aides the client in completing any forms that they need to finish, including their food order. The food order is a wonderful part of the food pantry as it allows the clients to choose the foods they want, or do not want, giving the client a greater sense of dignity. Instead of handing each client a generic sack of food, we want the clients to participate in the process and choose for themselves. Lastly, the interviewer tells the client about our program i.e. when they can come back, and other places they can go to for help. Again, this is another opportunity for the interviewer to care for the client as a person. Most clients find this part of the interview very helpful, finding out closer and more convenient food pantries, or other places they can go for resources. After shadowing several interviews, I was able to interview clients on my own.
As I am sure anyone reading this is aware, there comes a time in your life when you are figuratively hit in the head with a big two by four that has “reality” painted on it in big bold letters. I was hit by such a board, and it came in the form of an eighteen year old single mom. She came to me slightly shaking and having some trouble filling out the papers. I asked her if she wanted me to help her, but she did not reply. She spoke Spanish and I mustered up all the courage and strength I could, and started talking with her. She looked greatly relieved and slightly amused at my poor attempt at speaking her language.
While I was helping her fill out the forms, I learned that she was just eighteen years old (two years younger than me!). I could not believe it. Chills ran down my spine and I got goose bumps on my arms. My younger brother was eighteen, and he was graduating that night! I kept thinking to myself, “She shouldn’t be here.
She is supposed to be having fun with her friends and getting ready to graduate!”
The rest of the day I could not stop thinking about her, and I still pray for her ever chance I get. My meeting with her profoundly affected the way I see my life. I realize now how fortunate myself, my brothers, and my friends really are. We get to go to high school, then to college, and then off to work without worrying about things like where will I sleep tonight, or how am I going to find food for my six month old baby, let alone myself. I have heard about people like this girl. We all have. But when you meet her face-to-face, you realize how real she is; how real Christ is. Not only is she smart and intelligent, but she is a beautiful, courageous, and strong mother, worthy of anyone’s respect and admiration. I realized how hard it must be to be a single mom, and I could see Christ in her face. Her stare burned right through me and I felt His presence. I could see His suffering in her small, frail, but resilient body.
When I look back on that moment, I can see what it means to help others like this girl. I can see what Christ meant when he called on people to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. We have to help them carry the cross, because no is meant to carry the cross on their own, not even Jesus. I can only hope to have the strength that this girl has. I can only hope to embrace such a cross with the same Love that she does. I can only hope that one day I will have the opportunity to be her Simon and help her carry the cross.
One of the things Jeff and I want to do while we are here with Catholic Charities this summer is share our experiences and hopefully give some insight into the great work that is done here. As part of this wish, we plan on keeping a running journal throughout the summer. We do hope you will enjoy this journal as it develops over the summer.
Week 1: by Sean DeWitt
First off to introduce ourselves, Jeff and I put together a small profile pieces in addition to our weekly happenings.
Howdy, my name is Jeff Haecker and I have just graduated from Texas A&M University where I majored in History. I really enjoyed my time at A&M and I will miss College Station. Over the last year I have grown a lot in my faith and this past spring I decided to apply to the seminary for the Diocese of Austin. I don’t know if God is calling me to be a priest, but I hope to discern that question more deeply in the seminary. I am originally from Austin, and this summer I am living downtown in the Borromeo House, a house owned by the Diocese for guys discerning the call to religious life. I am also interning at Catholic Charities, and it has been great. I am really looking forward to helping serve those in need.
My name is Sean Regan DeWitt, I am 19 years old, and I am from Dripping Springs, Texas. I currently attend the University of Dallas, studying Philosophy, and I just got back from studying abroad in Rome. Needless to say the experience was amazing! During this past semester, I decided to apply for seminary and have nearly finished the process. I hope to attend Holy Trinity Seminary in the fall. Right now I live in Our Lady of Guadalupe Rectory with Friar Francisco and two other seminarians (unfortunately, Jeff is not one of them). I am thoroughly enjoying my time here at Catholic Charities and I look forward to a great summer with them.
Now that you know more about who Jeff and I are, here are some thoughts and reflections on the work we did this past week, our first week on the job.
This past week after all the meetings and introductions, Jeff and I had the pleasure of doing some direct service with the food pantry here at Catholic Charities. Our first task was to pick a job and shadow one of the volunteers so that we could take over in the future. I was fortunate enough to help with the interviewing process, the last stage before the clients receive their food.
The interview does several things. First, it gives volunteers the opportunity for social interaction with the clients. We say hello, ask them how they are doing, and check in on their well being. Most clients find great relief in this interaction. Secondly, the interviewer aides the client in completing any forms that they need to finish, including their food order. The food order is a wonderful part of the food pantry as it allows the clients to choose the foods they want, or do not want, giving the client a greater sense of dignity. Instead of handing each client a generic sack of food, we want the clients to participate in the process and choose for themselves. Lastly, the interviewer tells the client about our program i.e. when they can come back, and other places they can go to for help. Again, this is another opportunity for the interviewer to care for the client as a person. Most clients find this part of the interview very helpful, finding out closer and more convenient food pantries, or other places they can go for resources. After shadowing several interviews, I was able to interview clients on my own.
As I am sure anyone reading this is aware, there comes a time in your life when you are figuratively hit in the head with a big two by four that has “reality” painted on it in big bold letters. I was hit by such a board, and it came in the form of an eighteen year old single mom. She came to me slightly shaking and having some trouble filling out the papers. I asked her if she wanted me to help her, but she did not reply. She spoke Spanish and I mustered up all the courage and strength I could, and started talking with her. She looked greatly relieved and slightly amused at my poor attempt at speaking her language.
While I was helping her fill out the forms, I learned that she was just eighteen years old (two years younger than me!). I could not believe it. Chills ran down my spine and I got goose bumps on my arms. My younger brother was eighteen, and he was graduating that night! I kept thinking to myself, “She shouldn’t be here.
She is supposed to be having fun with her friends and getting ready to graduate!”
The rest of the day I could not stop thinking about her, and I still pray for her ever chance I get. My meeting with her profoundly affected the way I see my life. I realize now how fortunate myself, my brothers, and my friends really are. We get to go to high school, then to college, and then off to work without worrying about things like where will I sleep tonight, or how am I going to find food for my six month old baby, let alone myself. I have heard about people like this girl. We all have. But when you meet her face-to-face, you realize how real she is; how real Christ is. Not only is she smart and intelligent, but she is a beautiful, courageous, and strong mother, worthy of anyone’s respect and admiration. I realized how hard it must be to be a single mom, and I could see Christ in her face. Her stare burned right through me and I felt His presence. I could see His suffering in her small, frail, but resilient body.
When I look back on that moment, I can see what it means to help others like this girl. I can see what Christ meant when he called on people to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. We have to help them carry the cross, because no is meant to carry the cross on their own, not even Jesus. I can only hope to have the strength that this girl has. I can only hope to embrace such a cross with the same Love that she does. I can only hope that one day I will have the opportunity to be her Simon and help her carry the cross.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Free Presentation by Immigration Services
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The Office of Immigration Legal Services from Catholic Charities is putting on an informative presentation at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church free of charge. The presentation is part of a series of presentations that will take place every month at local parishes. The presentation will be in Spanish and all are welcome to attend. For more information please visit our website at http://www.ccctx.org/index.php and look under the tab titled ‘Our Services’ and click on ‘Immigration Legal Services.’
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Catholic Charities - Providing Help and Creating Hope
Providing Help and Creating Hope.
This is a powerful direction for
Toge
While we face changes all around us, our dedication to serving our bro
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