Fundraising event helps ministries share their mission

Catholic ministries across the state – 115 of them – are better able to serve others, thanks to the Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving on May 6.

The fundraising event had raised a total of about $868,000 through May 8.

And there’s still time to give. Donations to individual charities through the Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving will be accepted through May 13.

The third annual fundraiser was successful in several ways, said Joshua Pfeifer, development officer for the archdiocese’s Office of Stewardship and Development, which helped organize the effort.

“This year’s Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving was a wonderful celebration of what makes our Catholic community in Nebraska so special,” Pfeifer said. “Organizations across the state continued to grow and make valiant efforts to expand their reach and increase their individual fundraising success.

“More importantly,” he said, “the day provided an opportunity for parishes, schools and ministries to share their missions, tell their stories and celebrate being uniquely Catholic in Nebraska.”

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha was among the top organizations in fundraising, garnering about $89,000 through the initiative, according to the still incomplete figures.

The Society provides food, clothing and other material aid to struggling families and individuals in need, as well as friendship and spiritual aid. In the past year, nearly 134,000 people were helped, according to the organization.

Efforts like the Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving are critical for the Society.

“We are deeply grateful for the generous support received during the Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving,” said Jill Lynch-Sosa, executive director.

The donations help the Society “better serve neighbors throughout our community who are facing homelessness, food insecurity, and unexpected crises.

“Because of this compassionate support,” she said, “individuals and families are able to remain safely in their homes and receive the dignity, care and hope they deserve during difficult times.

“We are also sincerely thankful to the Archdiocese of Omaha and its dedicated staff for coordinating such a meaningful and impactful event.”

The Catholic Day of Giving helped dozens of parishes, schools and organizations, big and small. Organizations in Omaha included Notre Dame Housing, Seeking Truth Catholic Bible Study and the St. James Little Flowers Girls Club.

The Father Flanagan League Society of Devotion, Ablaze House of Prayer in Springfield and many other groups also benefited.

To support your favorite ministries, visit the Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving website.