Help Neighbors in Need

This Christmas, we lift up our hearts with gratitude for you.

This last fiscal year, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas served more than 70,000 of the most vulnerable children, women and men in our communities by offering help, hope and hospitality through one or more of our 30+ programs. The generosity of donors like you allows us to continue our mission of providing help, hope and hospitality.

We couldn’t do this without you.

Eliza's Hope Story

When Eliza came to the Mobile Resource Bus for food, she was tapping every resource she could manage to keep her family’s expenses down. Her husband, Jude, had lost his job, and unemployment wasn’t covering the bills. He was starting a new job soon, but his pay would be significantly less than his previous position. With three maxed-out credit cards and an unclear path forward, Eliza decided to ask Catholic Charities for help.

An Asset Development team member worked with Eliza and Jude to lay out a comprehensive view of the family’s current financial situation, credit and budget. The findings were sobering: their budget was $300 short on income vs. their regular monthly expenses.

Initially, the couple was asked to cancel unnecessary insurance and subscriptions before focusing on more difficult changes. Eliza and Jude did that and more, refinancing their auto loan and changing to a budget phone plan. Also, Eliza picked up a part-time job, Jude gave up smoking, and they put their ATV up for sale to bring in money for an emergency fund – all in a matter of two weeks.

The result? A new financial picture with sufficient income to cover all their monthly expenses, plus $150 leftover to save or put towards debt payments. “I really don’t think any of this would have happened without the financial conversations we’ve been having,” Eliza said. “You helped us think of things we never would have, and now we have a plan and know we can do it. We’re excited about what’s ahead.”

Featured Stained Glass

On the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 1908, the first Holy Family Church was blessed and Mass offered by Father Kompare. On July 2, 1933, the parish celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding with a solemn mass by Bishop Francis Johannes.

The Mass was offered for the benefactors of the parish, living and deceased. To mark the silver jubilee, beautiful stained glass windows from Bavaria were installed as anniversary gifts from church societies and some individuals. Admired today as works of art, they depict scenes from the life of Jesus and honor several saints.

The rose window in the choir loft is of the Holy Family. The Nativity window was reproduced as a Christmas card by Hallmark a few years ago.

Church history was written by the late, Joseph A. Lastelic.

Click to view