Responding to a comment…

An anonymous source asked: “Now, how about telling us—the audience—how to best serve Catholic Charities. Faith, Hope and Love are all verbs! Please round out this beautiful message by informing us, regardless of our physical proximity and economic status to Catholic Charities, in specific examples of Faith, Hope, and Love—how we can also serve!”

The comment was left in response to the article on Faith, which ended a trilogy on Faith, Hope, and Love. And Anonymous makes a great point. We here at Catholic Charities serve because of our Faith, Hope and Love in the Lord. But how does this carry over to everyone?

Keeping in mind that the mission of Catholic Chariites of Central Texas is to work towards strengthening individuals and families by provide direct services, engaging in community collaboration and advocating for social justice, then there are many ways to help out. Certainly, anyone is welcome to serve with us by volunteering, donating, or applying for any job openings we have at the moment, but seeing that our audience has reached across the state, our country and even the globe, direct aid might not be a possibility for some. Do not fear. There are many other ways to help Catholic Charities meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

Pray. The easiest and most profound way to help our cause is through prayer. As St. Paul says, we are to pray without ceasing, keeping our brothers and sisters in Christ close to our hearts (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Catholic Charities can always use your prayers. Pray for the people we serve – our brothers and sisters who have been impacted by poverty, sickness, homelessness, domestic violence, etc. We hope that through the intercession of saints, especially Our Lady’s, and the prayers of the human family that our actions maybe blessed by the grace of God.

Volunteer. Another way to contribute to Catholic Charities would be to assist any of the organizations or communities that we collaborate with, extending any charitable cause, since our mission is part of the larger mission to serve God’s people around the world. Whether you are in Austin, Round Rock, Bryan, Waco, Houston, California or in the UK (quick shout out to our UK readers), there are Catholic Charities in your areas or other charitable organizations that you can help with. In other parts of the world, Caritas Internaionalis, Catholic Relief Services and other ministries need your time and talents. Right here in the Diocese of Austin, there are many faith-based and other nonprofits that we collaborate with on a daily basis. Examples are St. Vincent de Paul society, VinCare, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, the Gabriel Project Life Center, Anunciation Maternity Home, and the many soup kitchens and homeless shelters. But, as I mentioned, our collaboration is not limited to this small list. Because of our mission to serve the poor and vulnerable, we are united with charities across the globe in particular the Roman Catholic Church.

Donate. There is no doubt that it takes financial and in-kind donations to keep our doors open in service to our Diocese. Our funding comes from a variety of sources, and one of the most important are contributions from individuals and organizations. Eighty-seven cents of every dollar we receive is used to directly help people in need. In-kind donations for food and other items are also extremely helpful. With the holidays approaching in just a few months, our organization will need additional food and gift donations to help families in need.

Advocate. Discipleship demands that all Catholics work with others to build a civic society aligned with Catholic Social Teachings in which all people are able to reach their fullest calling in both personal and community life. We align ourselves with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops who state: Catholic social teaching is a central and essential element of our faith.... Because this commitment to social justice is at the heart of who we are and what we believe, it must be shared more effectively. We encourage you to contact local, state and federal legislators to make your voice heard on legislative issues and work for more just social policies.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas thanks the many volunteers, donors, and workers that have made it possible for so many people to be served. We hope that we can continue to serve God’s people and love them through the hard work and dedication of the individuals who work with Catholic Charities. We also extend our gratitude to those who help and support other charitable ventures. We recognize the effect of your hard work and hope to continue to work together in solidarity to end poverty world wide.