Catholic Social Services
- Fr. Luke Fleck
- Feb 14
- 2 min read
I remember being a part of my godteen group in high school and helping out at the local soup kitchen, Matt Talbot, to feed the poor and needy in Lincoln. It was a great experience and helped to teach me valuable lessons about gratitude and generosity. Later I got in touch with Catholic Social Services and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society which do great work in addressing the various needs of people. I was struck that they make it their mission to personally encounter their clients while helping to evaluate their needs. Catholic Social Services (CSS) is a community organization, rooted in the Catholic faith, that provides a network of social service programs to people in need, offering assistance with housing, food, legal guidance, counseling, and other support. It aims at empowering individuals and improving their lives, often focusing on vulnerable populations like seniors, families, and the homeless; its mission is guided by Catholic teachings on human dignity and social justice. It has been a blessing to have CCS in our diocese where it provided over two million dollars in aid last year alone! Over the years, I have contributed food and clothing to CSS, as well as their contact information for those in need.
For a long time, I did not know what to do around the poor I saw at the grocery store, downtown, or at a park. However, I have found that offering them CSS’s information and asking to pray with them goes a long way. I simply pray aloud with them, asking God to bless them and then specifically name anything they have brought to my attention. It can be disheartening not knowing what to do for them, but often they simply desire to be received with joy and openness.
Below is CSS’s contact information and their location in Lincoln.
St. Joseph Center
2241 O Street
Lincoln, NE 68510
May God Bless you all this week!
Reminder: This coming Saturday, February 22nd will be First Penance at St. Joseph for all children in 2nd grade who have been properly prepared. First Penance will begin at 11:00 am.
In Christ,
Fr. Luke Fleck
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