In the latest 180 with Katie—a quick, three-minute update—CSS Executive Director Katie Patrick and Development Officer John Soukup share how your support is making a real difference in both immediate needs and lasting transformation. From a powerful story of faith and generosity at “Mercy Station” in Lincoln to record numbers of families served with basic necessities—and lives being changed through the prison and reentry apostolate—February was filled with impact made possible by you. You’ll also hear how growing donor support and expanding sustainability efforts are helping strengthen our mission of providing more Hope in the Good Life for the future.
Read the latest uplifting HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE updates!
In this video, we share more about the 2026 Heart of Christ Award recipients: the St. Gregory the Great Seminary Propaedeutic Year Seminarians.
These young men embody the spirit of Christ through their humility, service, and willingness to accompany those in need. Their year of formation has been marked by deep prayer, intentional community, and a commitment to living out the Gospel in tangible, compassionate ways
In this powerful 2026 Stories of Impact video, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska shares real stories of courage, healing, and transformation.
By Katie Patrick
The first Friday of Lent marked a retreat day for the staff at Catholic Social Services. Our St. Teresa of Calcutta Committee, composed of CSS staff from across our different offices and programs, organized the day for us.
Father Timothy Danek, newly appointed clergy for the incarcerated, celebrated Holy Mass and gave one of three talks. Staff signed up to bring homemade soups and bread, and we had Eucharistic adoration continuously that day.
“Our new building and location will enable us to expand services and keep human dignity at the forefront of our vision to inspire hope and love in every encounter.”
By John McDermott
Vice President, Marketing & Development
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
One of the first things we do when we are planning for our annual Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction is to come up with a theme for the event. The theme sets to the tone for the evening and conveys the message we want to share for that year’s event. The process usually begins with suggestions being tossed around, and then tossed out because they just don’t “feel right.” Then, right on cue, the Holy Spirit inspires one of the committee members to say, “What do you think of this for a theme?” followed by a suggestion that is the perfect message for the evening.
Megan Conway from 10/11 News sits down with CSS Development Officer John Soukup to share more about our upcoming gala and silent auction.
“Christ is in the poor. Christ loves the poor. Christ desires for us to love the poor.” In this episode of Hope in the Good Life, we hear from seminarians of St. Gregory the Great Seminary who volunteer with Catholic Social Services Community Street Outreach. Together with Alexis Broulliette who leads this program, they share powerful stories of encounter, transformation, and what it truly means to bring the Heart of Christ to the streets of Lincoln. This year, these men will be honored with the Heart of Christ Award at the Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction — a celebration of hope lived out in action.
Read all about it! Here's the latest HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE updates from across southern Nebraska!
In a small warehouse building on Lincoln’s O Street, toy collectables, books, sports memorabilia and ceramic Christmas decorations are neatly sorted on the shelves. Vintage Husker gear, jackets and jeans line the walls.
By Jonathan Kiehl
“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19)
Starting over is always challenging and exciting. There are new landscapes, new possibilities, and new blessings; but it can also cause fear. There are so many unknowns, possible failures, and perceived dangers.
By Katie Patrick
Last Friday, we had our first open holy hour at Catholic Social Services’ St. Joseph Chapel in Lincoln. This holy hour was organized so that staff, volunteers and the public could spend intentional time together praying for our clients and their intentions. In a way, we wanted to transform our daily works of mercy that occur in the front lobby, in our food market, on the streets, and in meeting rooms into moments of silence, gratitude, and trust in God’s presence.
By Cathy Blankenau Bender
Editor-in-chief
An elementary school principal can easily log more than 10,000 steps in an average school day: attending meetings and walk-throughs, performing various duties and providing coverage, remaining visible and present to students and staff.
For Curt Feilmeier, principal at St. Peter School in Lincoln, each trip to and from his desk during Catholic Schools Week added 40 more steps than usual, thanks to the ingenuity and generosity of the school community – and a brightly colored cardboard maze.
By Katie Patrick
The sound of trumpets will once again fill St. Joseph Church in Lincoln Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m., as musicians and community members gather for Trumpet Fest 2026, an annual charity concert benefiting Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS).
By Sarah Leon,
Client Relations Specialist at Lincoln
“Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15: 23-24
My name is Sarah Leon, and I am the new Client Relations Specialist here at the Lincoln office. What St. Mother Teresa teaches about how we should treat each human person as if it were Christ Himself whom you were encountering, is the essence of how I can do my job well. I love working at the front desk and having the opportunity to first encounter people and show them the merciful face of Jesus. Whether we’re assisting clients with paperwork or providing hygiene bags to those experiencing homelessness, each interaction is a chance to offer a listening ear and a joyful smile. For me, this embodies “hope in the Good Life”—paying attention to small details and trusting that no small act goes unnoticed by God.
Let's gather together to celebrate and support HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE on Saturday, March 14th!
On this episode of Hope in the Good Life, John Soukup talks with Kevin Murray about Trumpet Fest, an annual concert that combines musical excellence with a mission of service. Kevin shares how the event began in 2004 and highlights the high caliber of musicians involved—from talented young students to seasoned professionals—performing a surprising variety of music in the beautiful acoustics of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lincoln. He also reflects on Trumpet Fest’s impact as a fundraiser for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, raising more than $50,000 since its inception, and what continues to inspire him to bring the event back each year, including this year’s concert on February 15.
CSS AUBURN/ST. FRANCIS GIFT & THRIFT AUBURN- WEATHER CLOSURE 1/23 & 1/24
Due to forecasted weather conditions, Catholic Social Services Auburn and St. Francis Gift & Thrift will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC on Friday, January 23rd, and Saturday, January 24th.
The latest 180 with Katie highlights December at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska as a powerful month of “hope in action.” John Soukup and Executive Director Katie Patrick share how staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners came together across southern Nebraska to serve families, support those experiencing homelessness, and bring comfort during the holiday season. From food markets, thrift stores, and outreach efforts to record-breaking generosity and life-changing moments of personal care, the episode shows how small acts—meals shared, coats given, prayers offered—made a lasting impact on hundreds of lives throughout December.
Our latest HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE newsletter shares stats and stories from across southern Nebraska.
By Katie Patrick
During the Advent season, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska witnessed—more than ever before—the humbling generosity of our donor community. Your response to the urgent needs of the poor and vulnerable across all of southern Nebraska came in many forms: financial gifts, gift cards, donated items, and prayer. These truly sacrificial offerings are held close to our hearts and are never forgotten.
In this episode, John Soukup revisits a story of welcome that still matters today. In the aftermath of the 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan, CSS Volunteer Jeff Kanger opened his home to an Afghan family seeking safety and security, hosting them until Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska helped secure a permanent home through its refugee resettlement efforts. As the new year begins, this conversation reminds us that welcoming the stranger isn’t a one-time response to crisis, but an ongoing commitment to mercy, dignity, and Hope in the Good Life.
In this November episode of 180 with Katie, Executive Director Katie Patrick and Development Officer John Soukup look back on a month of strong community engagement, increasing need, and hopeful moments across southern Nebraska. The 180 second episode highlights record social media reach, generous donor and grant support, and meaningful impact through food assistance, family support services, immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, sustainability efforts, and the Prison & Reentry Apostolate. From Thanksgiving baskets and holiday outreach to community events and behind-the-scenes ministry, this episode offers a snapshot of how Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska continues to bring Hope in the Good Life to thousands of neighbors each day.
“I’ve heard of one family that faced the decision of whether or not to get Christmas presents for their kids or have a decent Christmas dinner,” said CSS Development Officer John Soukup. “We don’t want families to have to go through that kind of decision-making.”
In this episode, we take a look at meaningful and tax-wise ways to give as the year comes to a close. Host John Soukup sits down with planned giving expert Jim Gustafson, to explore simple year-end gifts, monthly giving, IRA charitable distributions, appreciated assets, grain donations, Donor Advised Funds, and more. If you’re considering a year-end gift to CSS or another nonprofit, this conversation offers clear, practical insight on how your generosity can make a real impact.
By Katie Patrick
For the second year in a row, Catholic Social Services has chosen a patron saint of the year. The CSS team offered thoughtful and inspiring nominations, each reflecting how the saints have embodied the works of mercy throughout history (Who did we pick? More on that another time!). As their leader, I was moved to see how deeply our team identifies with the mission of serving the poor and vulnerable — striving, in its own way, toward sainthood. Shouldn’t we all?
EXTRA EXTRA! Read all about the latest CSS HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE news!
By April Boellstorff
Regional Director in Auburn, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Auburn CSS had originally planned to distribute 40 Thanksgiving meal kits, complete with a turkey and all the trimmings, to local families in need. When the Thanksgiving request line opened, all 40 meals were claimed within five minutes!
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) hosted its annual Trivia Night in Imperial Nov. 14—an evening of friendly competition and community generosity in support of CSS’s outreach across southwest Nebraska.
After a year’s absence, Trivia Night in Imperial returned this year when a record-breaking 18 teams filled the Nutrien Event Center Nov. 14.
In this episode of 180 with Katie, we take listeners through just over 180 seconds of highlights from an extraordinary month across all Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska locations. From record-setting assistance in Hastings and remarkable volunteer engagement in Auburn to significant increases in homelessness outreach and family support in Lincoln, October showcased CSS’s mission in full motion.
CSS now hopes to make donated plots available to the public at approximately half the cost of the standard market rate.
Catholic Social Services of
Southern Nebraska
For Catholics, November is the month dedicated to remembering and praying for the faithful departed. Throughout the month, Catholics are encouraged to visit cemeteries, pray for deceased loved ones, and reflect on the hope of the Resurrection.
The season of remembrance offers a special opportunity to consider the corporal work of mercy to bury the dead, an act of compassion that Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) has quietly carried out over the years. Through the generosity of local donors, CSS has received several dozen cemetery plots that were no longer needed by their original owners. Many of the individuals moved away from Lincoln or made other burial arrangements, but wanted their unused plots to serve a good purpose.
By Katie Patrick
When we talk about lasting change or making a lasting difference, it often entails maintaining a long-term commitment, or at least making enough of an investment with significant time or resources that lead to permanent change.
The St. Gianna Women’s Home opened its doors in 2011, thanks to the significant commitment and financial investment by our donors. They were original change-makers who advocated with their time and resources for women and children who had experienced domestic violence or under-supported pregnancies. These “original” change-makers, who opened the door, made it possible for the hundreds of survivors of domestic violence that we have served over the years to become change-makers themselves.
CSS Prison and Reentry Apostolate leaders recently connected with local community leaders for a tour and collaboration at the CSS Lincoln offices
On this episode of Hope in the Good Life Podcast, we’re coming to you from St. Gianna Women’s Home—a safe, faith-filled refuge in Lincoln where women and families find healing after domestic violence and under-supported pregnancies. Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska invites you and your family to Carole Fest 2025, a Christmas benefit concert on December 14th at 3 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. This uplifting event highlights the St. Gianna Program through music, meditations, and inspiring stories—all to support the women who call St. Gianna’s home. Joining us today are three Marian Sisters who serve as Advocates at St. Gianna’s: Sister Carol Hohmeier, Sister Gabriel Perry, and Sister Melissa Moxley. Together, they’ll share what it means to walk with these women, the moments that inspire them, and how Carole Fest helps support this life-changing ministry.
By Will Stokebrand
Volunteer Coordinator in Lincoln, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
It’s hard to believe, but Christmas is just around the corner, which means the staff at Catholic Social Services is starting to prepare the annual Holiday Giving Program in Lincoln. Having worked at CSS for a few years, it always amazes me how generous our donors are and how eager they are to help out in any way they can. Speaking on behalf of all of our staff, I want to thank everyone who has donated and helped out with this program each year.
By John Soukup
Development Officer, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
As I walked through the lobby of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) in Lincoln, and then observed what was happening in our Food Market this past week, the energy feels a little different. There’s a steady rhythm of families arriving for their food market appointments—parents carrying toddlers, seniors pulling small carts, and volunteers greeting each guest by name.
When SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were paused Oct. 29 due to the government shutdown, then partially funded Nov. 3, thousands of Nebraskans were affected. For many, CSS has become a place to turn when there’s nowhere else to go for food or basic needs. Normally, our Lincoln food market schedules about a dozen appointments each day, and it’s not unusual for a few clients to miss theirs. But now, almost everyone is showing up, grateful for the help.
Read uplifting HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE updates from across 24,000 square miles of southern Nebraska!
By Katie Patrick
Does it ever seem that your six-month routine visit to the dentist comes around sooner than expected? I often feel that way when I receive a text notification from the dental office informing me of my upcoming appointment. Truly, I feel as if I was just there having my teeth cleaned. However, when I check my calendar – sure enough, it has indeed been six months and the time has come for my next appointment. And so I go.
Now, that’s the dentist where I schedule in advance. The eye doctor, however, is another story.
Since SNAP benefits were paused Oct. 30 due to the shutdown, thousands of Nebraskans have been affected, with more turning to Catholic Social Services for food market appointments.
As the government shutdown continues, families in Lincoln are struggling to make ends meet.
Catholic Social Services is stepping up: providing food, basic needs and hope for those who aren’t sure where else to turn.
In this episode of Hope in the Good Life, John Soukup visits with two Catholic Social Services team members serving in southwest Nebraska to share how they bring hope and compassion to families in rural communities. The conversation also highlights an upcoming Trivia Night fundraiser on November 14 in Imperial—an evening of fun that supports the serious work of helping neighbors in need. As the title reminds us, when it comes to faith, community, and service, there’s nothing trivial about hope.
By Katie Patrick
What started as a routine trip to drop off recycled clothing turned into a powerful encounter with someone in need—and a reminder of how God works through everyday moments.
Just as he did each month, Bill Sullivan—manager of St. Isidore Gift and Thrift in Imperial—traveled to McCook to deliver recycled clothing to a CSS truck coming from our Hastings office.
Just 180 seconds of your time to hear all about the happenings at CSS through the month of September!
By Alexis Brouillette,
Lincoln Outreach Coordinator
Working at the front desk and in the role of Outreach Coordinator at Catholic Social Services, you truly are the hands and feet of Christ, but also the heart and shoulder and ears and… I could go on, but you get the point! I never know what is going to happen in my day, or who I am going to meet and where the conversation will go.
I start my day with a prayer, offering to God all of the people I meet, all of the conversations I have and all of the struggles I encounter throughout the day A prayer I have recently been saying is called Radiating Christ, and it is affiliated with St. Teresa of Calcutta, who is the patron saint of Catholic Social Services this year.
By Katie Patrick
When someone calls Catholic Social Services in need of financial assistance, it’s usually because, for one reason or another, they have fallen behind in rent or utilities. Many things can disrupt a household’s ability to pay the bills, including illness, job loss, or the unexpected death of a family member. Natural disasters such as a fire or flood can also affect a family’s financial independence, prompting them to seek temporary assistance.
When I took calls and processed requests at our Lincoln office, I remember many of these scenarios and the families that we were able to assist. However, there is one unique request that we have received several times in the past few years from our office in Hastings: financial assistance to pay for cranial helmets for infants and young children.
EXTRA EXTRA! There's too much #HopeintheGoodLife to share for just one newsletter issue. Read our October updates from across 24,000 square miles of southern Nebraska in our digital-only October edition.
