By John Soukup,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Stories of transformation and newfound hope are emerging from behind prison walls throughout the Diocese of Lincoln. Many incarcerated men and women are experiencing the Catholic faith in powerful, personal ways.
The Diocese of Lincoln’s new Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA) focuses on bringing Christ’s love to incarcerated individuals and supporting their journey back into society. The apostolate is directed by Levi Baus, who is also the Volunteer Coordinator for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS). Hear Levi talk about this Work of Mercy and how it’s bringing Hope in the Good Life.
By Katie Patrick
On Mother’s Day, we often picture flowers, breakfast in bed, handwritten cards, and perfectly behaved children. But for one mother in our community, the day begins—like most days—with quiet sacrifice and deep faith.
Maria, like many immigrant mothers, balances her own dreams with her children’s needs. Before the day starts and while her children are still asleep, Maria sits with her coffee at the kitchen table and opens her U.S. Citizenship workbook. It’s been more than 10 years since she and her children made the dangerous journey to the United States. Two of the children are too young to remember the trip, but Maria remembers it all—the fear, the uncertainty, and the early years of hardship.
By John Soukup
for the Register
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) welcomed community members from across Lincoln and beyond to a “Sustainability Open House” April 24, offering an afternoon filled with education, engagement and environmental inspiration.
Held in alignment with Earth Week, the event showcased CSS’s commitment to care for God’s creation rooted in Catholic social teaching. Families, teachers, and neighbors gathered to take part in a variety of interactive activities, including a coloring contest, nature exhibits, and bee-keeping demonstrations. Food trucks provided local fare, while attendees toured the CSS Community Garden, where sustainability practices are actively being lived out.
By Katie Patrick
The call to the peripheries isn’t just for popes and bishops. You can go to the peripheries, too.
By John Soukup
for the Register
Since the 1970s, Vietnamese refugees have played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of Lincoln, Nebraska. Their journey to the city began in the aftermath of the fall of Saigon in 1975, when Lincoln was designated a “Refugee Friendly” city by the U.S. Department of State. This designation marked the beginning of a thriving Vietnamese community that continues to leave a lasting impact on the city.
A key player in this effort was Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS). Founded in 1932, the organization expanded its mission in 1948 to include refugee resettlement. Working closely with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the U.S. Department of State, CSS provided vital assistance to arriving refugees—including transportation to medical appointments, cultural and community orientation, English and citizenship classes, and job placement support.
By Miranda Schumacher
Development Officer at CSS Hastings
Our vision at Catholic Social Services is to inspire hope and love in every encounter. We’re here to help our neighbors, like Annette, who come to us in their most challenging times yet are so grateful for the assistance they receive. We’re here thanks to many of you, our partners in hope, because of your past support through Give Hastings Day.
Lincoln Catholics are mourning the death of Pope Francis, while carrying on his legacy.
On Tuesday, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska served free coffee and fellowship to those in need, just like Francis taught. Three workers there — Jamie Carson, Katie Patrick and Marilu Cazares — told Channel 8 how they are feeling after the pope’s death.
By Levi Baus,
Volunteer Coordinator in Lincoln, CSSS
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. — Matthew 25: 35-36, 45
In the aftermath of the fall of Saigon in 1975, Lincoln was designated a "Refugee Friendly" city. This designation marked the beginning of a thriving Vietnamese community that continues to leave a lasting impact on Lincoln and the state. CSS helped resettle 257 Vietnamese refugees within the Diocese of Lincoln that year, mostly in Lincoln but also in Hastings. Among those first arrivals was Alex Tran, who was around 10 years old when his family, along with more than 20 relatives, arrived in Lincoln. Alex reminisces with us about that escape from his home country and what that experience was like through the eyes of a child.
By Hope Weninger
Accounting & HR Manager, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Chances are you are a caregiver. Maybe you are a mom or dad raising your children; a daughter or son aiding your aging parents; or caring for others in your chosen profession or vocation.
Just as you are told in the preflight check, put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others. Conceptually, most of us know that, in order to effectively help others, we must take care of ourselves first. But do we?
You’re invited to join CSS for a Sustainability Open House on April 24, 2025. Director of Sustainability, Jamie Carson, tells us this engaging event aims to highlight CSS’s ongoing sustainability efforts, foster community feedback, and promote environmental stewardship, with a special focus on youth, families, and teachers.
By John Haag
Lincoln Warehouse Manager,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) has been, and hopes to continue to be, blessed with very generous donations across 24,000 square miles of southern Nebraska. One of the most-asked questions is, “What happens to the items I donate?” Well, dear readers, that is an excellent question! So together let’s tackle that question and more, and hopefully gain a better understanding of CSS’s role in showing dignity to all we encounter while providing “Hope in the Good Life.”
New interactive activity deepens understanding of clients’ challenges
By John Soukup
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) held its 38th annual “Celebration of Hope” gala and silent auction at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lincoln March 15, with more than 450 attendees.
The event marked a significant milestone as it introduced a new, interactive element designed to deepen attendees’ understanding of the challenges faced by CSS clients. For the first time in the event’s history, organizers included a guided activity aimed at offering guests an immersive experience into the lives of those they serve.
By Poe Dee,
Refugee Resettlement Director
Every refugee has a story to tell about his or her journey. To be sure, the journey of a refugee is not an easy one. Refugees flee their country because of persecution, war, or violence. Unable to return to their homeland, they seek refuge in another nearby country.
Life in refugee camps is difficult, though, and most refugees do not have opportunities to thrive in such conditions. This is why, when given the opportunity, refugees choose to be resettled in a third country, like the United States, in order to find a safe and stable place that they can call home.
We're honored to present Mike Hosek with the 2025 Heart of Christ award for his work nourishing HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE through the Walk to End Hunger events.
By Mario Racicot
Director of E-commerce
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Last spring, a wonderful donor dropped off several boxes of china, sterling silver, and antiques. She had been clearing out her basement and wanted to pass on the items to Catholic Social Services, to sell on eBay. A few months later, we sold her sterling silver for a little over $2,000. I reached out to share the news and she sent me this response:
By Katie Patrick
Our upcoming Celebration of Hope gala and silent auction on Saturday, March 15, promises an evening of inspiration, fellowship, and a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need across southern Nebraska. This year, our event will take on a new dimension with our silent auction, offering attendees the opportunity to bid on an array of memorable experiences and valuable items.
By Elli Wyllie,
Marketing Associate,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36.
When we hear these words, we often think of the great saints—Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Damien of Molokai; individuals who embraced this call in radical ways, serving the poorest of the poor in India, selling every possession they had, caring for lepers. Their stories are inspiring, yet they can sometimes lead us to wonder: Well, what can I do? Most of us are not in a position to drop everything. We have families, jobs, and responsibilities that are noble and good. The stories of great saints can sometimes feel overwhelming. But the reality is that most often, answering God’s call doesn’t require drastic measures. It simply requires a “yes,” and a willingness to try.
By April Boellstorff
Regional Director in Auburn,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
How do you explain a job that fills your heart to overflowing? When people ask what I do, words often fail me. How does one properly verbalize love? At Catholic Social Services, every day brings new reminders of what love is. It’s more than just a feeling—it’s action, compassion, and connection.
As St. Augustine said: “What does love look like? It has hands to help others. It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”
At this year’s 38th Annual Celebration of Hope Gala, we are privileged to honor a true example of servant leadership. Mike Hosek has been named the recipient of the CSS Heart of Christ Award, and in this podcast, you'll hear how his early experiences shaped his commitment to leadership and service. Discover how Mike has brought more Hope in the Good Life to those served through the CSS Food Market and Meal Services Program. His story is a powerful reminder that living out the Gospel doesn’t require changing the whole world at once—it simply calls us to keep saying yes to the opportunities before us.
By Katie Patrick
If you have never attended Catholic Social Services’ Celebration of Hope banquet, I urge you to join us this year. With the primary goal of sharing our mission and celebrating the impact our donors have made this past year, we are adding several new elements to the evening of Saturday, March 15.
While the potential impact from the Trump administration on refugee programs is still uncertain, CSS remains committed to serving the needs of all vulnerable individuals within our community. In this podcast, we hear about the hope provided by CSS to people who we have served through our Refugee Resettlement program. Once they are “welcomed home,” CSS does much to provide a real home.
By Katie Patrick
Eleven years ago, when I worked at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) as a refugee case manager, I welcomed a family from Sudan. Like many of our clients, they fled terrible circumstances in their home country, including conflict, persecution and the risk of famine. Yet they also had heavy hearts, having left behind family, friends and all that was familiar.
Hear how supporters of the St. Gianna Program at CSS and other Pregnancy Help Organizations can earn more than just a tax deduction thanks to recently enacted legislation called the Nebraska Pregnancy Help Act that creates a win-win for all involved.
By John McDermott
Vice President, Marketing & Development
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Around this time each year, it’s natural for us to look back and feel grateful for God’s countless blessings. For me, during the Christmas season and at the start of a new year, I thank God for all that He has done for me over the past year – not just in my personal life, but in my work life. I’m blessed to work at Catholic Social Services and am so thankful for my co-workers, our volunteers, and those who support our mission through prayers and with material and monetary donations. I’m also blessed to have the opportunity from time to time to see how grateful those who come to CSS for assistance are for any help we can provide.
By Elaine Simpson
Child Care Director
Catholic Social Services
“Jesus our brother, kind and good was humbly born in a stable rude....”
- from “The Friendly Beasts,” a song by Robert Davis
As we move into the last Sunday of Advent and prepare to celebrate Christmas, let’s pause and remember that this Baby who was born in a humble stable more than 2,000 years ago is the real reason for celebrating. This kind and good Brother who came to earth to be our Savior is really who brings us joy and salvation!
What does it mean to be a part of the CSS Legacy of Hope Society? It means that through your generosity, you can support CSS in different ways, long into the future. Chris Raun of the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska explains several financial strategies designed to not only support CSS but also provide tax breaks to benefit you and/or your family.
Nebraska Catholic Conference
On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Catholic bishops of Nebraska shared a letter (in English and in Spanish) with migrants across the state, expressing the bishops’ compassion, solidarity, and support for immigrants in Nebraska, including those concerned about the possibility of mass deportations.
Hastings Catholic Schools
More than 100 students from St. Cecilia High School in Hastings traveled into the surrounding community Nov. 20 to share the love of Christ through service.
Students were accompanied by all high school faculty members and 10 volunteers. To start the day, students were split into groups and assigned work schedules. Service groups spent the school day visiting and lending a hand at 15 homes, two nursing homes, the Good Samaritan Village, Catholic Social Services, two small businesses and all the neighbors surrounding the St. Cecilia campus.
By Katie Patrick
As the holiday season approaches and twinkling lights and Christmas wreaths adorn streetscapes across Southern Nebraska, a unifying theme of the Christ-child shines through the windows of our Gift & Thrift stores.
By Levi Baus,
Volunteer Coordinator in Lincoln
“O God, who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and still more wonderfully restored it, grant, we pray, that we may share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”
— Collect for Mass during the Day, the Solemnity of Christmas
Southern Nebraska Register
The Auburn Chamber of Commerce named St. Francis Gift & Thrift (SFGT), owned and operated by Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS), its “Business of the Year.”
On October 18, 2024, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) welcomed author Stephanie Saldaña to Lincoln for a dinner with around 40 local Syrian, Iraqi, and Yazidi refugees and as part of a tour across the United States for Saldaña’s most recent book, What We Remember Will Be Saved: A Story of Refugees and the Things They Carry (2023).
Here's a short and sweet recipe that's perfect for an easy breakfast (or snack) prep- take two simple ingredients and turn them into delicious pumpkin muffins!
Success depends on cooperation of all parishioners in the diocese
By S.L. Hansen
for the Register
It’s not enough to encourage (a woman without support) to have her baby. She needs more than that, for quite some time. “We’ll walk with them however long they need.”
Pro-life people from across the diocese have shown their support of children and families in need through the annual diaper drive hosted by the Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (LDCCW).
“It saved my life being here,” says Stephanie and current resident of St. Gianna Women’s Home in Lincoln. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Stephanie talks about her life as a victim of domestic violence that included having her leg run over by a truck, black eyes, bruised ribs, being strangled, and a lot of verbal abuse - all things she began to accept as normal in a relationship. Now she has a full-time job, people at St. Gianna’s she calls family, and a whole different outlook on life that is full of hope.
Two decades of serving Southeast Nebraskans will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 5. Read all about it in the 9/26 edition of the Nemaha County Herald.
CSS is celebrating TWO DECADES of southeastern Nebraska HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE on October 5. We'll have food trucks, face painting, fun contests/freebies, and more. Auburn Regional Director April Boellstorff joins us to talk a little about the history of St. Francis Gift and Thrift and why it is such a special place for those in need in southeast Nebraska.
By Paula Schlotterbeck
Digital Media Manager,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Time and time again, a fruit-filled wicker basket on St. Francis Gift & Thrift’s counter shares apples, oranges, and our Auburn team’s Christ-like love for the community.
by Katie Patrick
Isolation, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is 1) the act of isolating or the condition of being isolated; and 2) to set apart from others.
In 2012, David committed a crime and was sentenced to 12 years at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.
Twelve years is a long time. In the beginning, his girlfriend and friends visited him, as well as a couple of brothers and a sister. His mom visited weekly, despite the long drive. But as time went on, his friends became too busy, and his girlfriend moved on. By the time he neared release, only his mother remained a steadfast visitor.
