Nestled in the heart of Licking County, our Catholic Social Services (CSS) office is a beacon of hope for individuals facing unique challenges in rural communities. With the population steadily growing, so do the needs of those requiring support. Among the many inspiring success stories from this location is Angeline’s—a testament to resilience and the power of compassionate assistance.
Angeline was referred to Catholic Social Services by a service provider who had been assisting her at home. Living with a degenerative disease that severely impacted her vision, Angeline struggled to navigate everyday tasks. Reading, even with assistive devices, became nearly impossible. As the unopened mail piled up, so did her feelings of frustration and depression. She found herself overwhelmed and isolated, unsure of how to move forward.
Upon connecting with CSS, our team quickly assessed Angeline’s situation and identified her most pressing needs. The first step was helping her sort through her mail, distinguishing important documents from clutter. During this process, it became apparent that Angeline had missed numerous medical appointments simply because she could not read the correspondence from her healthcare providers. This discovery underscored how deeply her vision challenges were affecting her quality of life.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, CSS stepped in with practical solutions. Our team worked with Angeline to establish a budget, helping her regain control over her finances. To address her missed appointments, we coordinated with her primary care physician and specialists, ensuring she could resume necessary medical care. Most importantly, we introduced Angeline to a voice-accessible schedule on her phone. This technology empowered her to independently track her appointments and daily tasks, removing a significant barrier to her autonomy.
Since engaging with Catholic Social Services, Angeline’s life has taken a transformative turn. She now attends the majority of her medical appointments, equipped with the tools and confidence to manage her schedule. Her renewed independence has brought a sense of control and optimism, improving both her mental and physical well-being. Angeline’s story is a powerful reminder of how targeted, compassionate support can restore hope and dignity to those navigating life’s challenges.
At Catholic Social Services, we are committed to addressing the unique needs of individuals and families in rural communities like Licking County. Stories like Angeline’s inspire us to continue our mission of fostering independence and improving lives.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Angeline’s success is just one example of the impact CSS has on the lives of those we serve. With your support, we can continue to provide critical services to individuals and families in need. Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or sharing stories like Angeline’s to raise awareness, your contribution makes a lasting difference.
Learn more about how you can support Catholic Social Services at colscss.org. Together, we can create more stories of resilience, hope, and independence.
Hope in Unity
We are called to be “Pilgrims of Hope” during this Jubilee Year 2025. Considering that pilgrims often journey collectively, incorporating the theme of unity into this experience is appropriate. Unity, however, has become a misunderstood concept in our times, often misused. While many contexts align with our Christian worldview, others represent ideological movements contrary to our values. How do we reclaim the term “unity” in its purest form, a state of oneness without demanding sameness? In this article, we will explore oneness over sameness, how our differences matter, and find hope in unity through the example of the Holy Family as a model.
Oneness is not Sameness
One of the oldest questions in Western philosophy is known as the problem of the “one and the many.” Starting with the ancient Greeks and later explored theologically by St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, we accept that there is one reality (God) underlying everything and we “the many” find our relation to the One. The great Spanish Carmelite mystic, St. John of the Cross, described God as “todo y nada,” or everything and nothing. This tension provides us with mystery and ultimately draws us together in pursuit of understanding where we fit in it all. While sameness might seem desirable, it eliminates the need for relationships and the natural, healthy tension arising from our differences. Our cultural, experiential, gifts, and hopes are what draw us toward a oneness larger than anything we could create ourselves.
Differences Matter
Approximately a decade ago, I was invited to join an anniversary trip of the Civil Rights Heritage Tour in Alabama. Living in Atlanta at the time, I was invited by Black clergy friends I met through a Religion and Race project in partnership with Emory University. Our journey included stops in and between Birmingham and Montgomery over four days. One stop was in Selma, Alabama, on the anniversary of the deadly 1965 “Bloody Sunday” march. I knew the historical significance of this effort to secure voting rights. My friends allowed me to absorb the stories from survivors and colleagues of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we began a ceremonial march across the bridge, I was overwhelmed by the emotions of the estimated 5,000 attendees. One of the clergy walking with me was a retired Methodist Bishop. During our walk, I asked him a seemingly simple question: “Bishop, can you help me understand why…?” He abruptly interrupted, stating, “It is not my job to help you understand, son, and it was not our job back then.” Through this “tough love” encounter, I began to grasp what oneness over sameness truly meant. We are not the same, and unity is not about achieving uniformity. Unity is about a shared experience and reality that we are all created and loved by God. Starting from this premise, we can embark on the journey together to be unified with Him.
The Holy Family as Guide
The Holy Family serves as the perfect model of journeying together. February, dedicated to the Holy Family in our Catholic tradition, offers much to consider on the topic of unity. From the beginning, our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph faced the challenge of being one as God intended for married couples. They instead found perfect unity in the One who entrusted them with the greatest of tasks. Even the joy of welcoming a new child was challenged by homelessness when no room was available in the inn. Just as they were settling into their new home and receiving visitors from afar, they were displaced once again, becoming refugees in a foreign land. Despite these challenges, the Holy Family remained unified in the promise and hope of their special child, the One Himself. They give us Hope in Unity for all seeking something greater today.
The age-old problem of the “one and the many” has been pondered by philosophers and theologians for millennia. Humankind flourishes when we seek unity and relationship, yet we often fall short amid our differences. Perhaps within our differences lies the opportunity! Unity is not about sameness; it is about oneness, achieved by trusting in the constant reality of God’s love for each person. For me, understanding unity did not come from someone else’s explanation, but from a “tough love” encounter and reminder that we are all created in the image of God. Regardless of our birth circumstances, skin color, culture, status, or credentials, true unity and hope emerge when we seek to unite with the One unchanging reality: the Love of God for all.
On May 9, 2024, the Holy Father officially declared 2025 as a Jubilee Year with the Bull of Indiction, SPES NON CONFUNDIT “Hope does not disappoint,” a familiar phrase taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans 5:5. To officially begin the Jubilee Year, the Holy Father then opened the doors of St Peter’s Basilica on December 24ᵗʰ and our own Bishop Fernandes joined him by opening the doors of St. Joseph’s Cathedral on December 29ᵗʰ. Thousands will make the pilgrimage in Ohio, and millions across the globe to participate in the holy year, where all are called to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Hope is the topic of this article, and I would like to explore hope through three questions: why hope, why pilgrimage, and why together?
Why hope?
For nearly 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving some of our most vulnerable neighbors inneed across three states. I recall a time when I was asked to teach a class for men recently
released from jail and were staying in a homeless shelter until they found employment. This was the first time I truly witnessed the power of hope. The weekly class was called “Owning our Struggles,” and focused on
unpacking the anger and emotions that come with failure. Yes, failure is a harsh word and elicited some emotional responses from many on their first night in class. If we are to heal, we must first own the reality that we need healing. We all struggle with something, and these challenges vie to become “lesser gods” in our lives. Lesser gods always disappoint and ultimately strip away our purpose and
possibilities. I learned much from these men, as they began to leave their struggles behind in the hands of Christ who alone could offer them mercy and healing. Here I witnessed the power of hope transform lives and futures, as these men journeyed together.
Why pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is more than a journey, it is an intentional journey of faith. Our Jubilee Year is
rooted in the phrase “hope does not disappoint” from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. For full context, the preceding verse describes the journey in more detail as one where we should “boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint.” (Rom 5:3-5). For many, the pilgrimage toward hope begins with
an understanding that we cannot get there on our own. Our struggles way us down, yet we build endurance through the sacraments, and trust in God’s mercy. It is this endurance that reinforcesour need for the Holy Spirit as our traveling companion. Our confidence in God’s complete love for us, no matter what, gives us the nudge we need to hope again. For most, the journey to hope may happen in subtle ways. We may not find ourselves facing the violence of poverty or loss of freedom on the journey, like those we serve each day at Catholic Social Services, but our personal journey
can be a pilgrimage of faith none-the-less, where we leave behind the heavy baggage of past hurts and disappointments along the way, and begin to hope again.
Why together?
A pilgrimage has two primary goals, to help the pilgrim grow in faith and to unite all the faithful
together in common purpose. We live in a time of division, polarization, and economic hardship, experienced together as neighbors. In SPES NON CONFUNDIT, we are reminded that “in addition to finding hope in God’s grace, we are also called to discover hope in the signs of the times that the Lord gives us…The signs of the times, which include the yearning of human hearts in need of God’s saving presence, ought to become signs of hope” (SNC 7). As we journey on a pilgrimage of hope in
the Jubilee Year, perhaps we could reflect on the reality of division as a sign of the times. A sign that calls us to respond faithfully and to build bridges where hope can be shared. We can choose to journey together with the poor, as neighbors toward a future where things are a little better for everyone, and where we experience the yearning of the heart to hope together as a people on a common
pilgrimage.
I pray that the faithful of the Diocese of Columbus, spanning 23 counties across Central and Southern Ohio, experience hope during the Jubilee Year 2025. At your Catholic Social Services, we are prepared to journey with you, your parish, your school, as neighbors serving neighbors. St. Paul’s words still resonate today, “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has poured out into our heart through the Holy Spirit, that has been given to us” (Rom 5:5). This total gift of self, shared with each of us so that we could share with others, ensures that we never journey alone.
Learn more about getting involved with Catholic Social Services at www.colscss.org
Kelley Henderson is a Third Order Carmelite who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services in Columbus Ohio, helping vulnerable seniors, families, and persons living with disabilities in Central and Southern Ohio. He is a regular speaker for days of recollection, retreats, and faith groups interested in exploring the intersection of prayer, discipleship, and service in the modern world. Kelley is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in German Village and serves in volunteer leadership roles with Catholic Charities USA (Alexandria, VA), Inter-Provincial Lay Carmelite Commission (PCM and SEL Provinces), Mission and Culture Committee at Mt. Carmel Health System in Ohio.
Published January 12, 2025 in The Catholic Times, the official newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. Copyright © 2025 The Catholic Times.
On May 9, 2024, the Holy Father officially declared 2025 as a Jubilee Year with the Bull of
Indiction, SPES NON CONFUNDIT “Hope does not disappoint,” a familiar phrase taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans 5:5. To officially begin the Jubilee Year, the Holy Father then opened the doors of St Peter’s Basilica on December 24ᵗʰ and our own Bishop Fernandes joined him by opening the doors of St.
Joseph’s Cathedral on December 29ᵗʰ. Thousands will make the pilgrimage in Ohio, and millions across the globe to participate in the holy year, where all are called to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Hope is the topic of this article, and I would like to explore hope through three questions: why hope, why pilgrimage, and why together?
Why hope?
For nearly 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving some of our most vulnerable neighbors inneed across three states. I recall a time when I was asked to teach a class for men recently
released from jail and were staying in a homeless shelter until they found employment. This was the first time I truly witnessed the power of hope. The weekly class was called “Owning our Struggles,” and focused on
unpacking the anger and emotions that come with failure. Yes, failure is a harsh word and elicited some emotional responses from many on their first night in class. If we are to heal, we must first own the reality that we need healing. We all struggle with something, and these challenges vie to become “lesser gods” in our lives. Lesser gods always disappoint and ultimately strip away our purpose and
possibilities. I learned much from these men, as they began to leave their struggles behind in the hands of Christ who alone could offer them mercy and healing. Here I witnessed the power of hope transform lives and futures, as these men journeyed together.
Why pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is more than a journey, it is an intentional journey of faith. Our Jubilee Year is
rooted in the phrase “hope does not disappoint” from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. For full context, the preceding verse describes the journey in more detail as one where we should “boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint.” (Rom 5:3-5). For many, the pilgrimage toward hope begins with
an understanding that we cannot get there on our own. Our struggles way us down, yet we build endurance through the sacraments, and trust in God’s mercy. It is this endurance that reinforcesour need for the Holy Spirit as our traveling companion. Our confidence in God’s complete love for us, no matter what, gives us the nudge we need to hope again. For most, the journey to hope may happen in subtle ways. We may not find ourselves facing the violence of poverty or loss of freedom on the journey, like those we serve each day at Catholic Social Services, but our personal journey
can be a pilgrimage of faith none-the-less, where we leave behind the heavy baggage of past hurts and disappointments along the way, and begin to hope again.
Why together?
A pilgrimage has two primary goals, to help the pilgrim grow in faith and to unite all the faithful
together in common purpose. We live in a time of division, polarization, and economic hardship, experienced together as neighbors. In SPES NON CONFUNDIT, we are reminded that “in addition to finding hope in God’s grace, we are also called to discover hope in the signs of the times that the Lord gives us…The signs of the times, which include the yearning of human hearts in need of God’s saving presence, ought to become signs of hope” (SNC 7). As we journey on a pilgrimage of hope in
the Jubilee Year, perhaps we could reflect on the reality of division as a sign of the times. A sign that calls us to respond faithfully and to build bridges where hope can be shared. We can choose to journey together with the poor, as neighbors toward a future where things are a little better for everyone, and where we experience the yearning of the heart to hope together as a people on a common
pilgrimage.
I pray that the faithful of the Diocese of Columbus, spanning 23 counties across Central and Southern Ohio, experience hope during the Jubilee Year 2025. At your Catholic Social Services, we are prepared to journey with you, your parish, your school, as neighbors serving neighbors. St. Paul’s words still resonate today, “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has poured out into our heart through the Holy Spirit, that has been given to us” (Rom 5:5). This total gift of self, shared with each of us so that we could share with others, ensures that we never journey alone.
Learn more about getting involved with Catholic Social Services at www.colscss.org
Kelley Henderson is a Third Order Carmelite who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services in Columbus Ohio, helping vulnerable seniors, families, and persons living with disabilities in Central and Southern Ohio. He is a regular speaker for days of recollection, retreats, and faith groups interested in exploring the intersection of prayer, discipleship, and service in the modern world. Kelley is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in German Village and serves in volunteer leadership roles with Catholic Charities USA (Alexandria, VA), Inter-Provincial Lay Carmelite Commission (PCM and SEL Provinces), Mission and Culture Committee at Mt. Carmel Health System in Ohio.
Published January 12, 2025 in The Catholic Times, the official newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. Copyright © 2025 The Catholic Times.
When she was 18 years old, Alexandra made the long, terrifying trip from Honduras to the United States with her 16 year old sister and her uncle. Her parents had come to the United States a few years prior, leaving Alexandra and her younger sister completely alone. Because they had very little money, their journey was extremely difficult, but the thought of the United States, which they considered a dreamland, kept them going.
Years later, Alexandra was talking to her daughter about the importance education when her daughter asked why she had to study if her mother did not finish school. Alexandra took up her daughter’s challenge and began attending English classes at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Center. The classes were tough, and it was difficult to learn a new language, but Alexandra refused to give up. She was determined to show her daughter what it took to succeed, and to make her understand the importance of education.
One day, Alexandra hopes to get her GED and attend college so that she can get a better job and support her family independently. Her goal is to build a life for her family here, and to watch her children grow up in a society that will allow them to truly succeed.
One Sunday morning, Jackie was sitting in her home drinking tea when someone knocked on the door. Her daughter went to answer it and, when she returned, told her mother, “We have ten minutes to be out of the house.”
This was the first shocking revelation Jackie received in what turned out to be the longest day of her life. By the end of the day, she had lost everything she had worked her whole life for.
Jackie is a retired nurse who had always had a good income and was able to retire comfortably. When she had a stroke that made it difficult for her to walk, her daughter moved in with her to help her manage her life, including her finances. It wasn’t until the morning Jackie was kicked out of her home that she realized her daughter had been taking her money to buy drugs.
Jackie’s daughter did more than steal Jackie’s hard-earned income. She also sold Jackie’s pain pills, replacing them with similar-looking pills to fool Jackie. She pretended to lose Jackie’s cell phone, isolating her from the outside world with only her dogs for company.
Upon her daughter’s pronouncement that she had to be out of the house in ten minutes, Jackie, completely taken off guard, had a panic attack so severe she had to be transported to the hospital. By the time she was released from the hospital, her daughter had taken all her money and personal belongings. Jackie found herself alone, without her beloved dogs, holding her few possessions in a garbage bag. In Jackie’s words, “51 years I was a nurse, and I came out with a little garbage bag of stuff.”
Starting over was an uphill battle for Jackie. She faced what she calls the “virtual endless circle” of bureaucracy, which was exacerbated by having lost all her personal documents, as she tried to reclaim her Social Security check. She had closed her bank account so her daughter couldn’t keep stealing, so she needed an ID to get her check. Her daughter had taken all her possessions, including her ID. She could get a new ID by showing her birth certificate or Social Security card—but of course, she didn’t have those, either.
On top of all this, the compounded stressors were taking a serious toll on Jackie’s mental health. She said, “At that point I was broken down and didn’t know what to do—I was ready to commit suicide.” It was while she was in this desperate state that Jackie’s doctor referred her to Catholic Social Services’ Payee Program for help.
Jackie’s Payee Specialist, Ann Marie, set a goal that Jackie would be settled in a new apartment within two months—something Jackie didn’t think was possible. But Ann Marie gently guided Jackie to make decisions, and they met the goal.
Now, Jackie is settled into her new home and is thriving. Through the Payee Program, CSS uses Jackie’s money to pay her necessary bills, then gives her the remaining money. This takes the responsibility—and stress—off of Jackie’s shoulders. Jackie has built up over $2,500 in savings, and lives comfortably. She is active in her community and tells anyone who will listen what CSS has done for her. She says, “CSS helped me remain independent by managing my money so I have money in the bank to make choices for myself; I don’t have to have other people make the choices for me.”
She acknowledges that most people can’t imagine giving over control of their money to anyone else, but says that, “People could use this program if they understood it. You get peace of mind, and can relax and smile.”
