"God is so good! The Catholic Social Services (CSS) Hastings open house was absolutely amazing, even though the weather was, without a doubt, the worst I’ve seen in Nebraska (I know, I’m still new!). In spite of slight flooding and cars breaking down and needing to be pushed in the pouring rain, our community partners turned out in full force and made it a day to cherish and remember."
Our Little Blessings crew had a FUN (beach-themed!) June- read all about it and learn more about our Catholic faith-based center in Lincoln in our inaugural LB newsletter!
By Nevara Yocom
for the Register
“Am I not here? I who am your mother?”
The words spoken to St. Juan Diego 500 years ago are now displayed in a striking mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Behind St. Louise Gift & Thrift on the Lincoln campus of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) at 22nd and O streets, a group of volunteers worked over three weeks to create a mural honoring the Marian apparition.
by Veronica Hotovy
St. Gianna Program Manager
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
I recently had the joy of attending Mass with one of our St. Gianna Women Home (SGWH) residents and her son. It was the woman’s first time attending Mass in 16 years. It was a very special occasion, and one I’m incredibly thankful to have been a part of. While I’ve often had the opportunity to pray with residents or guide Bible studies at St. Gianna’s, being able to join them for Mass in the community is an opportunity that is not often presented to me.
Southern Nebraska Register
Steve Sousek, a member of North American Martyrs Parish in Lincoln, will attempt a 24-hour run to benefit RUNBORN, an entity supporting women and children in crisis, and unborn children.
Sousek will begin his 24-hour run on the track at Pius X High School in Lincoln, at 8 p.m. Friday, June 26.
Holiday hours for all CSS locations
Read all about it! Here's the latest HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE updates from across southern Nebraska!
Our Item Drive for CSS Lincoln has already made a HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE difference for our neighbors in need! Our team shares heartfelt thanks from clients helped and an updated list of items.
Our new St. Lady of Guadalupe mural is a wonderful reminder that Mary is a spiritual mother for all of us.
What followed was a Holy Spirit-inspired vision, an outpouring of community support, and the creation of a new CSS Hastings campus designed to serve those in need across central Nebraska for decades to come.
In this episode, John Soukup sits down with Hastings Regional Director Jon Kiehl to discuss the journey from challenge to renewal, the impact the new facility is already having on individuals and families in need, the remarkable ecumenical support behind the project, and the upcoming Building Blessing and Family Festival on June 20.
It's a story of faith, collaboration, and Hope in the Good Life.
By Katie Patrick
The Monday after we left the hospital without our daughter, my husband Ryan and I went to evening Mass at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. When Mass ended, Father Wylie came straight to our pew. He sat quietly beside us and began to pray.
Imogen’s unexpected death never caused me to question my faith, but it was one of the darkest moments of my life. Father Wylie’s presence that evening—his prayers, his quiet hope, his reminder of our enduring love for Imogen—shaped how I learned to carry both grief and motherhood in the days that followed. “She made you parents, and you will be her parents forever,” he said. It was in those moments that I understood something deeper about spiritual fatherhood.
CSS Lincoln needs your help restocking shelves for St. Gianna Program families/Family Support Services clients.
We celebrate St. Gianna Beretta Molla’s feast day on April 28th, and for the St. Gianna Program this is a pretty special day.
By Levi Baus,
Director of Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA)
During this academic year, the Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA) received several batches of letters from the fifth and sixth grade CCD classes at St. Mary Church in Sutton. Thanks go out to Mrs. Tracy Galusha for spearheading this effort.
This June will mark the 4th time we’ve been blessed to participate in the Chase County Challenge. This event is in conjunction with Smokin’ on Broadway, a barbeque competition and concert. The Challenge is a dollar for dollar percentage match for non-profits in Chase County.
Easter Vigil began in darkness with the blessing of the Paschal Candle, which represents Christ as the light of the world. Slowly all of the Candidates, Catechumens and Sponsors lit their candles from the Paschal Candle and then one by one shared that light with the whole congregation and the whole parish was lit up by candlelight.
During this academic year, the Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA) has received several batches of letters from the 5th and 6th-grade CCD classes at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sutton, NE. Thanks go out to Mrs. Tracy Galusha for spearheading this effort.
In March, at our annual Celebration of Hope Gala and Silent Auction, I found myself drawn not only to the conversations among friends, but to the quiet, beautiful presence of mothers and their children. Several women had their babies in tow, their small squeals and bright smiles weaving joy into an already meaningful evening. In a room filled with faithfulness and generosity in support of Catholic Social Services, these mothers offered a living witness to love in its most tangible form.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 20th! Catholic Social Services (CSS) is throwing a community celebration, and you are invited. From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, we are opening the doors of our brand-new facility at 124 S. Colorado Ave for an unforgettable Building Blessing + Family Festival. Our goal is simple: to bring together Hastings' churches, organizations, and families for a day of joy, fellowship, and awareness of all God is doing in our town.
This month’s "180 with Katie" highlights the many ways CSS staff and volunteers brought hope, dignity, and connection to the people we served throughout April. In 180 seconds, you’ll hear about a Good Samaritan who helped one of our refugee clients, and how sharing meals with clients inside the new Hastings building is so special. This episode captures meaningful moments that reflect Hope in the Good Life.
Read the latest HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE news from across southern Nebraska!
By April Boellstorff
Regional Director in Auburn, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
I often find myself reflecting on the profound words of our executive director, Katie Patrick: “One of the most powerful moments is when someone who once came to us in need becomes the one giving back. That transformation from receiving to becoming help is at the heart of everything we do.”
Featured speaker Johnny Ray shared a powerful testimony of hope at our 2026 Celebration of Hope gala, themed "You Are Not Alone," detailing his journey from a life sentence in prison to redemption. His story closely mirrors the mission of the CSS Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA) of the Diocese of Lincoln, which walks alongside incarcerated men and women and those returning to society, believing that restoration and redemption are possible.
“What does it feel like to be a mother?”
“What does it truly mean to be a mother?”
“How does a mother come to love her child so deeply?”
These were the questions that I asked myself for 13 years, before motherhood became part of my story.
