CATHOLIC CHARITIES — A change of perspective
I grew upon a farm in Central Missouri, thinking hard work determined my success and my past had little to do with my future.
In my family, maybe that was true.
But not all families were like mine.
I had little exposure to people struggling with significant challenges regarding family stability, financial solvency, and basic needs of food, clothing and shelter.
In turn, I lacked real understanding and empathy for those less fortunate than me.
But now, through my involvement with Catholic Charities, my perspective has shifted regarding those in need within our community.
Serving has added real faces to the most vulnerable, and in those faces, I’ve come to see myself.
Indeed, I’ve realized that “there, but for the grace of God, go I.”
Gratitude naturally follows — gratitude for the blessings I’ve been given and for the chance to help share them with others, particularly through the work of Catholic Charities.
One program that illustrates this is our Predatory Loan Relief Program (PLRP) which offers budget coaching, financial education, and loan refinancing options.
With the PLRP, we worked with Jim, who had faced an unexpected vehicle repair bill that he could not afford.
Needing his car to keep his job, Jim took out a title loan, creating payments that toppled any hope of regaining financial stability.
After joining our financial education classes and working diligently to craft a budget and prioritize spending, Jim became eligible for loan refinancing within the program.
Thus, we were able to refinance his debt, lowering his interest rate from an incredible 350% down to 10.5%.
Monthly payments reduced from $287.12 to $74.80. This drastic decrease in bills has allowed Jim to walk on the path towards financial independence — achieving our goal at Catholic Charities to help our neighbors move from crisis to stability.
Jim is not alone.
Many struggle, even if their needs are invisible in our daily circles.
In my neighborhood, parish, and friend circle, I rarely meet those who are truly desperate.
Yet, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves and fulfill the Gospel call as written in Matthew 25:34-40 to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger and care for the sick and imprisoned.
As Jesus says, “’whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
I’m reminded of this call often during my work with the Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values.
During this event, college students from across the state learn what Jesus taught about leadership and relationships.
A profound part of that weekend forum includes a tour of the maximum-security prison east of Jefferson City.
During the tour, we visit some of the prisoners, and every year, I ask the same question: “How many of you came from a non-abusive, two parent family?”
Seldom, if ever, does a hand go up.
It’s sobering to realize that born to different parents, raised in a different neighborhood, or having made a few bad decisions (which we have all made in some way or another), any one of us could be in their situation.
Many of the families I have met through Catholic Charities come from similar backgrounds; others have simply experienced a streak of bad luck.
Nevertheless, whether they need a Participant Food Box, a Hope and Healing Bag, to shop our Food Pantry, or relief from crushing debt with PLRP, we are here to help and get people back on their feet.
Serving alongside Catholic Charities has been deeply rewarding.
It has humbled me, inspired me, and given me a way to live out my Catholic faith — not just in words, but in actions as we are called to do in Matthew 25.
The farm I grew up on taught me that hard work can shape a successful future.
But Catholic Charities has broadened my perspective and taught me that some of the most important work we do is for our neighbors, loving them as we love ourselves and as we are called to love God.
Would you join me in this work?
Volunteer in our Food Pantry or with Family Immigration Services by signing up today at cccnmo.diojeffcity.org/volunteer/.
If you’d like to donate, please visit our website cccnmo.diojeffcity.org/give/ or mail a check to 1015 Edmonds St., Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Finally, if you have any questions, would like to hear more stories, or get a tour, call 573-635-7719.
