Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Living Generously


But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
This passage begs the all-important question: What do you seek first? What drives and motivates how you spend your money, your time, and your talents? We are called to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with, but we are also called to be obedient and generous towards others.
When the opportunity arises, we should be willing to give generously of our time, talent, and treasure. In First Kings 17:10-12 it says:
He [Elijah] called to her [the widow] and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?”  As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

This woman was living in a time where famine was throughout the entire land. She was counting sticks to prepare her last meal for herself and her child so they could eat and then die. And Elijah asked her to give him her final meal. What’s truly amazing is that she did it. She did it not because she had an abundance to give, but she had faith that God would provide.
Even more, the widow gave out of what she had. She was not asked to prepare a feast or feed a thousand people – even though God could have done that miracle. She was asked to give what she had. God will never ask us to be generous with what we don’t have – only with what we have. We are called to give generously. After all, all we have is not ours – it’s all God’s.
Let’s all live generously, giving to meet the needs of those in our community.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Finding Hope in Hardship


"No one is to be excluded from God's love or our care." - Pope Francis
So often we unintentionally overlook those who are in need, because the need isn’t overtly obvious. Or, sometimes the person does not know how to ask for help. People like Jack.
Jack is a retired veteran and is a very “matter-of-fact” kind of man, even when expressing his deep sense of need. He called Catholic Charities in Indianapolis this summer, looking for utility assistance. Although many calls come through during very hot or very cold months, Jack’s need for assistance was a matter of life or death. See, Jack relies on medical equipment to breathe, and if his equipment was left without power, he might not make it through the weekend.
After calling Jack back, we learned that Jack’s need extended beyond the physical. Jack’s wife Jenny passed away in January. Jenny was the one who handled the bills. Jenny was the one Jack went to for help. But, Jenny wasn’t around any more and Jack wasn’t sure how to pay the bills or how to ask for help.
Catholic Charities was not only able to meet Jack’s utility needs – ensuring his power would run uninterrupted. But, Jack was able to find a place of help and hope as he transitioned to his new “normal.” Catholic Charities is now able to be a friend and support to Jack so he is never left in a vulnerable position again.
Catholic Charities is a reflection of God’s love and care to those in need – the vulnerable and hurting. Sometimes the need is purely physical, but often, there is a deeper wound that needs healing. Catholic Charities is able to walk beside those who are hurting, providing help and creating hope for all who are struggling.
How can each of us better see the needs in those around us and show God’s love and care in the midst of hardship, so no one is left vulnerable?

Friday, September 19, 2014

Choosing Love



“It is our job to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.” – Thomas Merton
We are called and created to love others. Love is a deliberate decision – you choose every day to love those around you. But, are we truly loving those around us, or simply waiting to see if they deserve it – if they have earned it?
Love requires us to give of ourselves. Choosing to care for another’s needs and burdens over our own. But we cannot love of our own abilities. We can try, but our love always comes up short, because our love is selfish. True, selfless love must come from Christ. When we try on our own, we fail, get frustrated, give up, and leave. We cannot love others without first being eternally loved – loved by the One who died to see us live. Loved by the one who knit us together in the womb of our mothers. The One who shows us how to sacrifice and love others.
First John chapter 4 verses 10 – 12 says this:
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

The chapter goes on to say this in verses 19 – 21:
We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

We are the mirrors of His love. We are the hands and feet of Christ. Not just today, but every day.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Laying Down Yourself


“You will come to know that what appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make.” – Gordon Hinckley
How often do we take for granted the sacrifices made around us? Do we adequately acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices our spouse makes for our children and us? Are we grateful for those who have served in the military at times – other than holidays? And are we truly appreciative for those who sacrifice in ministry – both at Catholic Charities and in churches, schools, and on mission fields around the world?
If someone were to literally lay their life down for yours, wouldn’t you do everything within your power to show them every day that sacrifice was worth it – their life was not given up in vein? What if someone laid down their life for your child – how would that change both your perspective and attitude?
Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. We didn’t deserve it, but He gave His perfect life in death so we could live. His blood was not only shed for our sins but was also shed for our redemption.
A favorite reminder of this is found in 1 John 4:9 – 12
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.

Giving up one’s self for another takes service to a whole new level. To lay down your life for another – that is true love. To all those who lay down themselves for Catholic Charities – whether with time, prayer, and financial support – thank you. You are the hands and feet of Christ. Thank you for continually providing help, creating hope and serving all.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Providing Access to Affordable Housing to Women & Children in Need


All across Indiana, there is a lack of safe, affordable housing options for one of the most vulnerable populations – women and children. Not only is there a lack of access but also a lack of total care needed through housing programs.

Many times when a family becomes homeless it is not for lack of income, it is the lack of having sufficient income with access to supportive services. Catholic Charities has seen families affected by this time and again. And we exist to serve all of these families in need – sometimes with multiple services, and sometimes with just one. 

One example comes from a resident at St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities in New Albany, Indiana. Sarah* was not in need of all the support the transition home provided but was unable to move into fair market rent housing. Sarah also needed access to therapy and case management, which would have been more difficult, if not impossible, to maintain if she moved out completely. St. Elizabeth saw this need and addressed it in the form of creating a new program called Affordable Supportive Housing (ASH).

The ASH Program started in 2013 with buying a small home behind St. Elizabeth’s transition home. Soon after, St. Elizabeth also purchased a 4-plex housing unit with individual 4 apartments. Sarah was able to quickly move into the home with her small daughter. To this day she remains in the home, working towards moving into either fair market rent or, more importantly, buying her own home.
Without the support of Catholic Charities programs like ASH, families will not have success in moving into fair market housing. 

Catholic Charities: Providing help. Creating hope. Serving All.
*Names changed

Monday, August 11, 2014

Providing Caregiver Support


At Catholic Charities, we see so many people come to us living in a challenging situation. Often, they have done nothing wrong, but rather, something has changed in their world and they cannot make it on their own. That’s why we exist – to provide help, create hope and serve all – no matter the situation. To serve people in need… like Joyce* and John*

Joyce was referred to the Catholic Charities in Indianapolis Caregiver Support Program by a social worker with Eskenazi Health House Calls for Seniors because she was in need of grab bars. Joyce's caregiving journey began 5 years ago. Joyce had just retired when her friend John had his first stroke. She became his Power Of Attorney (POA) and felt that the care he was receiving in the long-term care system was inadequate. Out of love and care, Joyce moved John into her home. At the time, Joyce was 66-years-old and John was 68, and although she received assistance through home health services, the physical strain on Joyce was significant, as she suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes. And although John could walk, he required stabilization, assistance getting into the bathtub, help to sit and stand, was nonverbal, and continued to have strokes.

To add to the challenges she was facing, Joyce's 44-year-old son also lived in her house. Although he helped when he could, his two kidney transplants made Joyce reluctant to ask for his physical assistance.  

That's when Joyce contacted the Caregiver Support Program.


The Caregiver Support Program provided help through home modifications: grab bars, a hand held shower, a shower chair, and a fire extinguisher. As a result of the modifications, John is able to do more for himself. Although he still needs assistance, he is now able to participate in his care. And thanks to this new-found independence through home modifications, John has spoken a full sentence for the first time since his first stroke! John is making more progress every day. Joyce appreciates the reduction in physical strain on her body and the relief and care she received from the Caregiver Support Program.

For more information on the Caregiver Support Program and other Catholic Charities services, visit HelpCreateHope.org.

Catholic Charities: Providing help. Creating Hope. Serving All.

*Names have been changed 

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Serving Everyone...EVEN Catholics


You may not have noticed the subtle new addition to our Catholic Charities tagline, "Serving All." For many years now we have simply stated that the purpose of the work that we do is to "Provide Help and Create Hope." This mission remains the same as does the fact that this help and hope is offered to anyone, regardless of race, creed, color, or any other distinction except to be a person in need.

However, the most common misconception about Catholic Charities continues to be that you have to be Catholic to receive our services. This has never been the case and never will be! Sometimes we even say in jest, "we serve everyone... EVEN Catholics."
 

We serve everyone because WE are Catholic, not because our clients are or are not. Our faith compels us to, as Jesus taught us, to regard every human being as a child made in the image and likeness of God and is therefore entitled to our care and concern. The very first tenant of Catholic Social Teaching is the recognition of the inherent dignity of the human person. It is the high regard for all of human life that drives us to seek out the lost and forgotten.

The fact is that most of the time we have no idea about the faith tradition of those we serve. We simply act in such a way that we hope and pray they will have an experience - an encounter - with the Living God, through our staff and volunteers. 


Catholic Charities - Providing Help. Creating Hope. Serving All.

Peace,

David Siler
Executive Director, Catholic Charities at Archdiocese of Indianapolis

 

Sunday, June 29, 2014

May we interrupt you for a moment?


Life has a way of interrupting our plans.

Perhaps even today you were caught in sudden traffic, had an unexpected issue to deal with at the office or a family member became ill. We pray your interruption was not a continually growling stomach or trying to find shelter for your family because you can no longer afford the rent.
Imagine the immense challenge of a child who needs to remain focused on their academics, but their growling stomach is regularly “interrupting their life,” or they recently overheard Mom and Dad discussing where they can live because they can no longer afford the rent.
Every child should have the opportunity to grow up with stability in their lives and to enjoy fun, youthful activities. No child should grow up with the stress of where their next meal will come from and in whose home they might be living next week.  
Ryves Youth Center in Terre Haute has been faithfully helping our community and our children thrive for 30 years. We provide a safe haven and positive environment where more than 1,500 children each year have the opportunity to overcome the challenges and interruptions of life. At Ryves, learning and development is met without shame or fear...and every child is offered the chance to experience joy and success.  
To learn more about Ryves Youth Center and how you can help a child in need, please visit HERE.

Monday, June 23, 2014

A Beautiful Day in Your Neighborhood


Summer is in full swing here in Indiana. As we go about our work and our play, it’s easy to get into a comfort zone and miss what’s going on with those around us. In days gone by, some of us older folk (let’s not define “older”) can recall the neighborhood where we grew up and the people who lived there with us. Our families knew their families and if someone needed a hand, a neighbor was there to help.
In today’s busy, technology-driven world, the personal nature of many relationships has fallen by the wayside. Some of us may not even know the names of our nearest neighbors and their children. As we drive into our garage with its automatic opener, what opportunities are we missing as we close that door behind us? 
Many families lack a support system around them, often living in an area with no relatives nearby. Imagine the opportunity this presents to fill a void, a need, and make a life-changing difference in someone’s life. Why not simply strike up a conversation with your neighbors this summer…introduce yourself and your family…get to know them…invite them into your life as someone they can turn to for a cup of sugar, a pet sitter while away on vacation, or a friendly ear to listen over outdoor barbeque.
You just never know the impact you can make in someone else’s life until you step out in the faith and love of Christ to make it a beautiful day in your neighborhood.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

World Refuee Day


The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Christ died so that we might live. And He didn’t die so we would live in mediocrity, but to live with the fullness of His love and grace. But, having a new life in Christ involves taking a risk and leaving behind the old self, with its addictions, insecurities, and challenges. When we surrender to Christ and exchange our old life for a new one, we must surrender the good and the bad to experience His riches.
This month, in honor of World Refugee Day, we introduce you to Mohammed.
Mohammed knows all too well the reality of leaving behind everything – good and bad – in pursuit of a new life in Christ. 
On a cold January day, Mohammed entered the United States, leaving behind his home, siblings, and culture to protect his children, wife, and his own life. Mohammed’s family found comfort and support through Catholic Charities’ Refugee and Immigrant Services. The services helped Mohammed’s family integrate into the Indianapolis community, providing them the tools of self-reliance. Catholic Charities’ Refugee and Immigrant Services helped Mohammed find housing, job placement, employment skills, clothing, medical attention, education, English-language classes, and community orientation. Additionally, Catholic Charities connected Mohammed with another community-based organization to create an Individual Development Account. This allowed Mohammed and his family to experience financial stability in their new home.  
Now two years after arriving in the United States with only the belongings they could carry, Mohammed’s family has purchased their own home. Mohammed’s resolve to do what is best for his family, along with the help of Catholic Charities and other local agencies, made this new life in America possible.
Are you willing to take the risk, leave behind your old life, and exchange it for a new one? Christ wants to transform your life and heart, giving you a life of freedom, peace, and security that can only come through Him.



Friday, May 23, 2014

Simple Ways to Fight Hunger this Summer in Your Community



With Memorial Day weekend upon us and summer fun ahead, Catholic Charities remains dedicated to serving those in need within our communities. Feeding America reports more than 31 million kids depend on free and reduced price school meals programs to help them grow and thrive – this includes school-age children in your very own neighborhood who will face days of hunger this summer unless someone intervenes on their behalf.

If you are looking for a simple way for your family to make a difference this summer, a small donation of fresh produce or canned and boxed items will be a huge help to a family in need.

Donations can be made to the Crisis Office in Indianapolis, the Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, or to Martin’s Cloak Food Pantry in Tell City.

If you do not live near one of these locations, we encourage you to find your local food bank or food pantry and make a much-needed contribution to help a struggling neighbor today. Your compassionate generosity will not go unnoticed by the Lord.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.' – Acts 20:35

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Working Together


"Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons…” – Philippians 1:1

In this short opening of Paul's letter to the churches at Philippi, make note of all the togetherness.
Paul and Timothy.
To all the saints.
Together with the overseers and deacons.
Those words and phrases represent real relationships that existed between real people. They represent God's design for us – to do life together in authentic, loving, life-changing relationships.
This togetherness is at the heart of our mission at Catholic Charities. We work together day after day on behalf of people who are struggling in our communities. Whether they face homelessness or food insecurity (not enough to eat); childlessness or an unplanned pregnancy; day care needs or senior care needs – and more; we continually partner with local businesses, passionate individuals, other non-profit organizations, as well as local government agencies to help real people in real need. And we do it all together.
God designed us for relationship, and he desires to see each of us reach out in some way to make an impact in the life of someone around us. Together, we can create a ripple effect of providing help and creating hope as we reach out to serve all.
Learn more about Catholic Charities here.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

The Transforming Power of the Resurrection



“What are we to do, my brothers?” Peter said to them. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.” Acts of the Apostles 2: 37b-39.

We, as the body of Christ, are not always obedient or faithful in our relationship with our Lord, particularly when we are walking along a path that brings us tests, challenges, and lessons. My dear 90-year young Gram Jo, who serves as a community spiritual mentor, says this is “our cross and part of answering the call as true believers.” Being tested, challenged, and learning is connected to our livelihood as the body of Christ. We just need to trust that Our Father will always hold us in these periods.Through humility, he begets us to repentance, healing and change.

She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni,’ which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, ‘Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them,‘I am going to my Father and your Father,  to my God and your God.’” John 20: 16b-17

I am humbled by John 20:11-18. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first. Every day our Catholic Charities network collectively supports the gift of new life for people and communities, bringing to light the blessing to be besieged in the essence of grace that can only be through Our Lord, Our God.

I am inspired by our Catholic Charities network: parish social ministers, community organizers, educators, social workers, youth, elderly, and others who minister daily for and in partnership with others in collective visioning--ensuring that all people can engage meaningfully and gain the tools needed to build and live with dignity in a just and sustainable world. 

The promise of the Resurrection is transformative. Through healing and change, we are strengthened by our witness and are able to see the face of Jesus in the people we serve and support.

Written by Christina Baldera
Training Manager, Parish Social Ministry; Catholic Charities USA

Friday, April 11, 2014

Are you ready to throw stones?



Both Jeremiah and Jesus experienced scrutiny of their every word and deed. Jeremiah was ridiculed and beaten for his prophecy of doom and destruction. Jesus’ countrymen picked up rocks to stone him (Jeremiah 20: 10-13; John 10: 31-42). They claimed their actions were a response to blasphemy – that Jesus, a mere human, claimed to be the Son of God. Jesus encouraged them to believe him not because of his claim to be the Son of God but because of his good works done in the name of his Father.

Like the Jews in Jeremiah’s and Jesus’ time, do we ever find ourselves ready to “cast stones” based on our harsh judgments of other peoples’ motives? Though there may be 99 good reasons for the word or deed of another, we may all too readily ascribe the one evil intention. We may not say something aloud but simply cast a withering glance. I remember a lesson from my youth when my aspirant directress told me: “If looks could kill, the person you are looking at would be dead.” That is what you might call “an evil eye.”

At times, like Jeremiah and Jesus, we may receive harsh judgments from others. When giving “handouts” in charity we may be criticized for not giving a “hand up.” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta suffered such an indictment.) When working diligently to change unjust systems we may be chastised for not instead fulfilling the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. How do we respond to such criticism? Do we, like Jeremiah, complain to God about our suffering? Or do we, like Jesus, leave for a quiet and holy place where we can center ourselves and consider who we are before God – God’s Beloved.


Written by Sr. Sally Ann Brickner