Ah, January. The month named after Janus, the two-faced god of the Romans who looks backward and forward, two-faced but not a hypocrite. Catholic Charities looks back at levels of support that reflect increased interest in our programs, and looks forward to keeping your trust. Volunteers and contributors testify to how many keep the second great commandment.

 

In this winter’s burdens of cold and snow, short days and long nights, and the day-to-day challenges of living a mission statement to serve God’s people with dignity and respect, we say: Thank you. Your generosity of time and resources allows us to be the friend, confidante, colleague, and supporter of those whose dignity is attacked, whose humanity is challenged, whose lives are interrupted by pain and loss, and sometimes who just need a little help.

 

Communities throughout the diocese have welcomed our advocacy for justice. Personal commitments were made in the fight against human trafficking — identified by Pope Francis as a crime against humanity — as Bishop David Malloy, Catholic Charities, DCCW, AAUW, and Congressional representatives helped raise awareness of this abomination. More needs doing.

 

In nine of our 11 counties, Long-Term Care Ombudsman staff and volunteers advocated for those who live apart from their families. Having access to care facilities on a 24/7 basis is different than being invited and welcomed in them. We need more volunteers in this program. It’s hard, unglamorous and oftentimes unappreciated. For all those reasons and more, please consider joining us in this ministry. 

 

St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center is Rockford-centric, but its influence extends beyond the city’s borders. As we develop programs and facilities in Elgin, Aurora and the western counties of the diocese, our St. Elizabeth experiences will help children and adults in additional sites.

 

Our ability to offer small, emergency contributions comes from generous gifts to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal. Occasionally we celebrate when individuals who have received some help return months or years later, both to pay back and pay forward. Landlords with whom we’ve worked to keep tenants from homelessness have sent contributions to help others. Other donors have supplemented what we can offer to those who are in short-term distress.

 

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, Caritas, Catholic Women’s League, volunteers in the Ombudsman program and at St. Elizabeth’s have all helped when time and goods are needed. St. Joseph and Sons Work Crew has aided us in meeting structural needs, with smiles on their faces, expertise in their hands and prayer in their hearts as they begin a project. English language tutors make integration easier for newcomers, and high school volunteers babysit children whose parents master a new language and culture. 

 

We regularly take baby steps with new efforts. Building a healthier community with the University of Illinois College of Medicine and St. Anthony School of Nursing puts developing professionals into the real world of urban health care. Our 2017 Project HIRE initiative helped 60 unemployed individuals find new opportunities to support themselves and their families.  

 

Janus’ backward face would smile at the work accomplished last year. Its forward face would see generosity and kindness, observe dignity in the poor and watch the full measure of Christian service.  Surely, our benefactors and volunteers will delight in Jesus’s  answer when they ask, “Lord, when did I see you hungry, or cold, homeless or in prison, naked or sick?”

 

Thanks to all, and Happy New Year from your Catholic Charities.