CSS Outreach Offices

By Levi Baus

“I was in prison and you came to me.” - Matthew 25:36

There was a beautiful tension between the bitter cold afternoon of Dec. 14 and the warmth of singing and piano music inside the Nebraska State Penitentiary Religious Center. Bishop James Conley celebrated Mass on the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, which was also the occasion for the worldwide celebration of the Jubilee of Prisoners. While there was no heat in the building, everyone at Mass came together around the brilliant light of our Lord’s joy and mercy.

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.