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Island Of Hope
A blog by Catholic Charities of Long Island about the many ways Long Islanders are working to bring about the kingdom in today's world.
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Don’t Give Up
...left by my local sign angel...
12/2020
by Laura A. Cassell, CEO
Not long ago, I wrote about a “Stop Littering” sign planted by someone on a busy street near my home. Well, my Sign Angel is at it again – this time with the simple message, “Don’t Give Up.” For starters, it warms my heart that there are average people who care enough to share messages of hope with total strangers. And boy, do we need hope after a year with COVID and so much other upheaval!
It also got me thinking about Advent and about the ultimate message of hope that we just celebrated – the Birth of Christ. For more than 2,000 years people’s distressed spirits have been buoyed by the humble birth of an infant in a stable. Through all types of hardship, many worse than the recent pandemic – whether it be famine, depression, pestilence, disease, world wars – at year’s end, people have found their hope renewed by simply recounting what happened on that cold, quiet night in Bethlehem so long ago. This same birth is here for us now if only we can find a way to ease our restlessness and open our hearts to His power.
It’s telling that our Lord was NOT born into a situation of grandeur, or ease or even remote normalcy; as if to assure us – 2,000 years into the future – that when things look their bleakest we should turn our eyes to heaven and look for His star. Indeed, our Savior was born into despair. His mother and father were traveling as strangers in a land that held no relations, gave them nowhere to rest, and promised only danger for their newborn child. Yet the Holy family found solace that first holy night in the angels and the poor shepherds who came in from the fields. And lucky for us and for humanity, they did not lose hope.
While we tend to visualize Christ as the young carpenter who literally carried the cross to His own crucifixion, Advent reminds us that He first revealed Himself as a vulnerable baby with a powerful message of hope: With God, there is always room for new beginnings and for that second chance. This belief is central to the mission of Catholic Charities. For more than 60 years we’ve served neighbors who turn to our Church in their struggles – frail seniors, pregnant women, young mothers, veterans, immigrants, people with addictions and mental illness, developmental disabilities and many other challenges. This past year, COVID brought many more to our doorstep with sickness, loss of loved ones, loss of jobs and even dreams. And just like the innkeeper of Bethlehem, we opened our doors and made room, keeping hope alive and well in their hearts.
This year that message is one we all ought to fervently cling to, individually and collectively, as a community of believers. It’s been a year of trial on so many levels that it would be easy for us to throw up our hands and surrender but the infant Jesus won’t let us. He promises us a new beginning and the opportunity to keep striving in His footsteps. Advent is His personal invitation to renew our covenant with Him and not even COVID can limit us when we unite our hearts to unleash His HOPE on the world!
I am so grateful to my stealth, “Sign Angel” for the well-timed, covert inspiration. That little, road-side sign reminds each of us to use the power of the Holy season to ignite hope in the hearts of all people of goodwill throughout our country and the world.
May God continue to bless and watch over you and your loved ones. I hope you all had a joyous Christmas and I wish you peace and good health in the new year.
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Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15
An Advent reflection for 12/30/2020: The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas - by Laura A. Cassell, CEO
Do not love the world or the things of the world…
In a year dominated by the COVID pandemic, John’s caution not to love “the things of this world” carries particular weight, especially as we’re forced to contemplate the reality of those words in our day-to-day lives. To be sure, the virus has changed virtually every facet of how we behave and with whom we interact. For many of us, it has uncomfortably exposed the all too significant degree of attachment we have for the things of this world. Not only have we forgone communal events like concerts, movies, and shows of every kind, we’ve also had to sacrifice large weddings, baptisms and virtually all the personal gatherings we once took for granted. Simple things like a lunch with coworkers or a day at the beach have become carefully-executed and exceedingly rare projects if they even happen at all.
Meanwhile, the practices of social distancing and mask wearing have had even more profound impacts. These necessary but heartbreaking restrictions have reduced our personal contact with each other while also leaving us with a tangible, emotional disconnect. We avoid all but the most necessary visits and our masks block the beauty of facial expressions which are so vital to true communication. All the Zoom meetings and Skype calls in the world could never match the authenticity of the human face.
So while it’s clear that most of us have spent this year unhappily relinquishing “the things of this world,” I can’t help but wonder if we’ve used the time wisely. Have we spent these months lamenting these burdensome circumstances? Or, have we used this time to grow closer to God? This forced intermission in our ever-more busy lives might be considered an opportunity to re-evaluate what really matters. Clearly, our dependence on a loving and merciful God is on the minds of many. Will we simply forget this profound truth when this is all over?
Change is always transformational. Perhaps we might seek peace and solace in our isolation by reflecting upon this reading and focusing on the love the Father. How can we weave that more deeply into our hearts and souls so that when “normalcy” does return, the love of the Father is more central to everything in this earthly life?
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New Name, Same Aim
10/2020
by Laura A. Cassell, CEO
If anyone ever designs a time machine, let’s remind them to skip 2020.
All kidding aside, it’s certainly been a daunting year and that’s coming from Catholic Charities, an organization designed to tackle challenging problems. To be sure, we’ve navigated a fair share in our 63-year history, everything from 9-11 to Superstorm Sandy. However, a worldwide pandemic, nonstop political unrest, and now hurricane power outages have left all but the toughest Long Islanders feeling overwhelmed. Even the warm weather we patiently waited for brought an uptick of sharks prowling our beaches!
So I wanted to take this opportunity to finally share a bit of good news from earlier in the year. Back in February we decided to breathe some new life into our ministries by introducing an updated agency graphic and a refreshed mission statement (found below). With those in hand, we then changed our name from, Catholic Charities of Rockville Centre to Catholic Charities of Long Island. Remarkably, despite our long, local history at more than 60 locations from Elmont to the East End, many people still didn’t realize we serve all of Long Island. We knew this name change would be a tremendous undertaking but that it was also somewhat overdue. Unfortunately, just as we were poised to unveil our new identity, COVID-19 struck our beloved island.
As you well know, outside of New York City, Nassau and Suffolk were among the hardest hit counties in the country but as always, Long Islanders leapt into action. Our hospitals constructed enormous medical tents and invented makeshift ventilators, beach parking lots became high-volume testing centers, doctors and nurses came out of retirement and everyday people started sewing masks. At Charities, we joined the fight too. We immediately instituted telehealth appointments, set up electronic benefits filing and offered online psychological consults. We made weekly calls to the hundreds of seniors unable to attend our senior centers and delivered Meals-on-Wheels and groceries to hundreds more. Most important, we continued round-the-clock, face-to-face care in our homes for developmental disabilities, mental illness, frail seniors and single, pregnant young moms and their babies. Our team at Catholic Charities never stopped caring for our neighbors and when the virus got in the way, we found new ways to deliver services and to reassure them that they were not alone.
Looking back on those first, few, tumultuous months it’s clear we made the right choice. Our phones were ringing off the hook because Long Islanders instinctively knew the Church would be there for them. And every time we responded, “Catholic Charities of Long Island” we could sense the relief of our callers. But we’ve always been here. We responded when the towers fell and we rebuilt our communities after Superstorm Sandy. Naturally, we’re going to be here to pick up the pandemic pieces. Catholic Charities is part of Long Island, and Long Island is a part of us. We are your friends, family, and neighbors and all that we do, we do together with you as one community. That’s what makes us Catholic Charities of Long Island and that’s why no other name fits so perfectly.
Today, there are tens of thousands of neighbors whose lives are still in utter disarray from this year’s catastrophic events. And if the experts are right, we still have plenty of obstacles before us. But if you believe in Long Island and love your neighbors, then join us because together we are, “Long Island Strong!”
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Picture Perfect
4/2020
by Laura A. Cassell, CEO
My recently retired brother, Eddie, took on the considerable task of digging out the old Lionel train sets that my father got for us as little children. Every Christmas, Dad would erect a table in the tiny free space available in our cramped living room and he’d create a winter wonderland of scenes through which our respective trains passed. Back then, it was a big deal to purchase each car and the tracks, engines and accessories that went along with them. Dad began the initial negotiations with Mom shortly after Eddie was born, somehow managing to invest in that first small train set. When my other brother came along, the train system expanded. When I joined the family, my brothers upgraded to the new train lines and I took over command of that first locomotive. It was truly a family affair, with Dad as head of the railroad system and each of us as engineers of our respective trains.
Every year the scenes and layout varied, but there was always a glorious ice skating rink fashioned with tinfoil that was graced with elegantly clad skaters. There were the snow-covered mountains upon which the skiers sped downhill and the cowboys on horses and Indians with canoes who frolicked just beyond the bustling rail stations. It was quite a project to set up the villages complete with characters, sleds and cars, to say nothing of laying the tracks, setting up the transformers, and electrifying the system to get all three train lines moving simultaneously. When it was finally done, Dad would lower the lights and we’d start our engines. What excitement there was! Dad would coach me on the controls and then I’d take over, slowly accelerating the speed until he cautioned us all to slow down.
When my brother pulled out the boxes, these memories flooded over us. Good grief, I remember that exploding box car and this missile launcher! And how about the adorable caboose and playful bumper car! Each box ignited another avalanche of memories and stories about this treasured, family tradition. As Eddie caressed each section of track and cable, he remembered the loving way Dad had touched those very same old, dusty pieces, and it was so deeply moving to feel such a tangible connection with our father who has been gone from this world for nearly 20 years. What a gift! We don’t have a lot of photographs of those trains, but the vivid memories are far better than any image we could have taken with the old Polaroid camera.
Today, everyone is so busy taking selfies and other shots with their smartphones that we have more pictures than we have time to scroll through them. But selfies aren’t memories – they simply capture a moment that is often mere vanity. If it’s not to your satisfaction, you delete it and keep snapping until you capture the image that you want to push out to friends and followers. Does it really matter whether others like my shoes? Or what I’m eating for lunch?
As we enter the season of Lent I think back on the dated black and white photos of years past, with the dreaded red eye effect, someone else with eyes closed and the uncooperative toddler screaming and crying. It may not have been the perfect picture, but today it is a picture perfect memory – one that you feel deep inside with just a glance. That old camera lens views us the same way God does. He sees us as we are and loves us completely with all the imperfections we try so hard to delete from view.
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Seeing the Glass Half-Full
1/2020
by Laura A. Cassell
I’m often described as an “eternal optimist” and I guess I’m guilty as charged. In fact, I can’t imagine being involved in this charitable mission of our Church without a well-developed sense of hope and an acute appreciation for the boundlessness of the human spirit.
That’s why I was floored earlier this year when freshman Congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned whether it was still wise to have children in the face of climate change. It sent me reeling. Notwithstanding the flaws in her hypothesis, my immediate reaction was profound sadness that she would hold and promote such a pessimistic world view. Throughout history, children have been born despite horrendous conditions – famine, holocaust, war, epidemic, inequality. Nonetheless, their parents hoped for and worked toward a future for them that would be more promising. Bringing a child into the world is by its very nature, an act of loving optimism. It says that despite the blunders and hardships of this particular moment, we believe that child has the capacity to make the world a better place. It means we believe in a God who forgives our trespasses and who continues to bless us abundantly. We pass that faith to this beautiful, new life so that he or she will eventually become a blessing to the community and the world.
Optimism springs from faith. So, perhaps the secularization of our society is partly to blame for the growing pessimism in our world. A recent study indicates that egregious misperceptions are fueling a sense of hopelessness around the globe. While it revealed that hardly anyone thinks the world is getting better, actual statistics and facts tell a very different story. Key indicators of human well-being have dramatically improved all over the world in just the past two centuries. As recently as 1950, 75% of the world’s population suffered from extreme poverty. Today that number is less than 10%. Education is another key factor. Whereas literacy used to be for just a few elite, today 8 out of 10 people can read and write worldwide! And child mortality shows similar progress, moving from 40% in 1800 to less than 1% today. The truth is the world is getting better! If our predecessors had adopted Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s view, none of this progress would have been possible.
Yet the media, politicians and professors continue to paint a bleak picture that negatively influences so many, especially our youth. Instead of accelerating progress by synching their passion with the latest technological and healthcare advancements, too many young people are discouraged and anxious, numbing their pain with drugs and suicide.
In response to the Congresswoman’s musings, former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, made a brilliant observation. He suggested that environmentalists who disavow having children seem to be putting creation ahead of the Creator. If we get the order right, we realize that God’s desire is for us is to lovingly welcome and train the next generation of problem solvers. We are a part of His process and He wants us to play a role in caring for the world He has made.
We’re lucky because at Catholic Charities we see proof of this every day. We encounter neighbors who face unimaginable hardships and despite limited resources, we join them in their journeys, determined to help in whatever way we can. We share their frustrations and heartaches and we let that fuel our fierce advocacy on their behalf. We are rewarded by the sheer grace of their patience in the face of adversity and their steadfast assertions of being blessed. Indeed, it is this “half full” outlook that inspires us.
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Change the HOW to WHO
12/2019
by Laura A. Cassell, CEO
A few months ago, one of the cellular phone carriers aired a television commercial that touched my heart. It featured a grandmother who was transformed by a smart phone that was imposed upon her by family. While Grandma was initially reluctant to even fiddle with this new-fangled gadget, she quickly progressed to texting, taking selfies, playing games and communicating with her grandchildren more than ever before. Eventually one of her granddaughters even helped Grandma post photos from her youth. They revealed to the entire younger generation the remarkable beauty, joy, heartache, trials and countless memorable experiences of their grandmother’s amazing life. The message was punctuated by the statement, “everyone realized they had been so worried about HOW grandma was, they had never stopped to ask WHO she was.”
What a remarkable observation! We are once again reminded that in today’s fast paced world that it’s way too easy to reduce life to a checklist of tasks rather than to live and love in each precious moment. This is an especially significant realization as Christmas and all its hustle and bustle fast approaches. Perhaps you’re already wondering how you’ll finish all the shopping and dreaded gift-wrapping. Maybe it’s how you’ll find time to write cards, bake or cook. Or you might be geared up for the day after Thanksgiving and are already planning how to decorate your home. It’s natural to be a bit overwhelmed, but that’s what robs us of the season’s meaning and joy.
Advent is our time to anticipate the gift of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Everything else is just a distraction from that one singular, most important to-do. So this year I respectfully suggest we heed the message of that wireless commercial and stay focused on the WHO of this Holy season. But HOW can that be done?
Well, we can begin by focusing on those words. Just move the W and suddenly HOW becomes WHO. Then gradually go through your Christmas to-do list and replace the HOW with WHO. WHO is the recipient of this greeting, this gift, these treats? WHO will be around my Christmas table? WHO will be missing but be in our hearts? WHO will delight in the lights and décor? You’ll find that as we pen each card, wrap each package and bake each batch of cookies, the season will become a time of true appreciation for our loved ones. And gratitude flows from appreciation.
This simple exercise will also help us see the reflection of Jesus in their familiar faces. Every kindness we share, each thoughtful message we write, every embrace will be a celebration of His love for us. By keeping those we love in the bull’s eye of our preparations and celebrations, we keep Jesus at the center as well. And that’s really the whole point of this holy season.
So this year, change let’s change HOW to WHO and enjoy a more fulfilling Advent. We’ll be glad we did.
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The Littlest Teacher
10/2019
by Laura A. Cassell, CEO
There’s been an outbreak of joy at my parish that started several months ago. I would have missed how it all began if I hadn’t been seated directly behind a particular family at Mass one weekend. This familiar young couple is often at the same service that my husband and I attend and I can recall when they were expecting the adorable baby boy they now held in their arms. Just a few months old and already quite alert their son was making remarkable eye contact with everyone around him and accompanied his brilliant gaze with an even more brilliant smile. The gentle coos that escaped from him simply added a bit of garnish to his charm. And it’s this happy fellow that started this wave of gladness.
At every mass since, much to the delight of anybody in the pews around him, he showers fellow parishioners with intent gazes and glorious grins that never seem to fade. This little guy exudes joy and it’s absolutely contagious! And each week it’s easy to narrow down where this happy, wide-eyed child of God is. All you have to do is look for the beaming faces together in one pew and there he is in front of them. These days the whole church looks for him, no doubt to get a dose of the cheerfulness he radiates. This littlest person has unwittingly set a marvelous tone for our worship.
Now this beloved bundle could not possibly understand the words of the liturgy or the sacredness of the place he occupies. Yet, somehow he seems to appreciate the spirit of the ceremony, the proclamation of the Word in prayer and song and the absolute love that surrounds him from his parents to all those with whom he connects. Every aspect of the Mass delights him and he undeniably derives some satisfaction from being part of this special community.
While observing this phenomenon it occurred to me that God bestows the gift of the mass on everyone – young and old and everyone in between. It is just as important to our Lord that even the littlest child find solace in Him as it is that we do. And scripture tells us that Christ’s love for every one of us is so abundant, so all-encompassing that we can’t begin to imagine how deep it is. Jesus said, “Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid.” (Luke 12:7)
So maybe it’s our familiarity with going to Mass for so many years that blinds us to just how great a gift it is. Maybe we’ve lost sight of the fact that in receiving communion that we receive Christ Himself. But what a wonderful reminder children like this are for us! At Mass we experience the very real presence of our Lord and Savior in the sacrament of the Eucharist. We are not in any way thwarted or blocked from access to God. In fact, we are each personally invited to enter directly into communion with Him! What could possibly bring us more joy than that? Imagine, we can’t get a reservation at a fancy restaurant somewhere, but there’s nothing stopping us from experiencing the tenderness of our creator firsthand.
Maybe that’s why Jesus told us to “become like children” if we wanted to enter into His Kingdom. He knew that relationships with God ought not to be complicated or rest in institutions. Like this child, we encounter Christ best when we bask in the community of neighbors, the fellowship of praise and the knowledge that we are indeed loved. And may we take the first step like this littlest teacher did, by smiling lovingly at our neighbors.
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DISCONNECTED
6/2019
by Laura A. Cassell, CEO
When an unexpected mishap left me stranded without a smartphone for three days recently, my reaction was rather alarming. It was the weekend and my immediate concern was that I would somehow be unavailable for any work-related emergencies. Now keep in mind that my colleagues also have my home phone number on our emergency contact list so I knew my high degree of anxiety was not particularly rational. Nonetheless, I couldn’t seem to shake it. I feared that they’d miss me while I was running errands or visiting my mother, so I tried to stay home as much as possible.
To compound matters, I was scheduled to drive to a meeting in the Bronx on Monday and I found myself fretting about the possibility of something going wrong. What if I got a flat and needed to call for help? What if I got lost? I again tried to coax myself off this cliff by recalling that for decades, since I was 17, I drove everywhere absolutely carefree before smartphones had even been invented. Needless to say, this did not ease the gnawing sense of doom about driving to the Bronx “unconnected.”
My mind then raced with unlikely scenarios. What if I suddenly had to leave for a foreign country without my phone? What if a loved one had a medical emergency and I was missing their text messages? What if my associates overseas were trying to reach me through What’s App? When I ran out of paralyzing what-if scenarios I began to think about silly things. I’m going to fall behind on my daily Italian lessons. I’m going to miss my husband’s “thinking of you” texts. I’ll be unable to google the answer to something I need to know right that instant!
It was exhausting and frankly, nerve-wracking. When had this device become the center of my life? It was frightening to confront my dependence on this phone and the irrational sense of disconnection and isolation I felt in its absence. As I reflected upon the angst I was feeling, I wondered what impact all this had on our children, many of whom have NEVER known life without smartphones. In all the busyness of their young lives, they must certainly feel uneasy should they put the phone down for even a brief moment.
It seems undisputable that excessive smartphone usage leads to anxiety. Professionals warn us that it can be an addictive. We have studies directly linking usage to spikes in the stress-related hormone cortisol and there are plenty of painful statistics that tie smartphones to depression. Despite the evidence, the average American is glued to the screen for an average of four hours a day.
I can’t help but think of what Jesus Himself told us in Matthew, chapter 6: “Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?” Jesus very plainly assures us that He alone is the remedy for anxiety. And if we truly can’t add a single moment by worrying, why cling to the smartphones that cause us so much anxiety?
This summer let’s look to the birds in the sky and contemplate the goodness of our Lord. It’s the season of vacations, a time to revitalize and recharge so let’s reduce stress and improve our wellbeing by disconnecting from our smartphones a little bit each day. After all, every hour less is an hour more with loved ones. And spending more time with those we love is spending more time with the God Who lightens our burdens. It’s really not a complicated undertaking and it’s one that will improve our lives dramatically.
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Shout Back!
by Laura A. Cassell, CEO
If you’re like many New Yorkers, you feel like you just got punched in the gut. Newly-elected New York State senators had barely found the way to their offices in the capital when they enthusiastically voted to pass the dishonestly named Reproductive Health Act.
Let’s get to brass tacks and call it what it really is: a brazenly dangerous expansion of late-term abortion. The State of New York now officially allows abortions right up to the moment of birth. And if you think that’s a medical doctor’s decision, guess again. This ill-conceived legislation permits non-physicians to perform the procedure. So if a mother or unborn child was suddenly in mortal danger at this last moment, a non-doctor could be making these life and death calls. As a result, penal code protections for pregnant women and their unborn children were eliminated as well. So if someone attacks or batters a pregnant woman and causes a miscarriage, there will no longer be criminal penalties.
To rub salt in this gaping wound, Gov. Cuomo signed this loathsome act into law on the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. These out-of-touch politicians then had the audacity to celebrate this tragedy by illuminating both the Freedom Tower and the Alfred E. Smith Building in Albany in pink light – the first, a sacred place that actually memorializes the lives of unborn children who died in their mothers' wombs on 9/11 and the latter, named for a man who publicly proclaimed his Catholic values as former NY Governor and Democratic candidate for President in 1928. Abortion, once considered an avenue of last resort, has now inconceivably become a badge of pride.
To that end #ShoutYourAbortion is a viral movement that encourages women to boldly proclaim their abortion stories. Go online and you can watch painful videos of women angrily shouting the gruesome details of their abortions to crowds of onlookers. There are also thousands of written posts, all defiantly shouting variations of, “YES! I murdered my child!” Ironically, one entitled, “No Shame” claimed, “I am here to say that I do NOT regret my abortion and I am not ashamed!” Yet the author signed it, “Anonymous.”
How did we get to such an ugly place? In the 46 years since Roe v. Wade, we’ve witnessed extraordinary technological advances. Back in 1973, many women wouldn’t even suspect pregnancy until at least a month in, yet today it can be detected almost immediately. Sophisticated images reveal the amazing development of the fetus as it advances from embryo to its first heartbeat in week five, budding hands and feet in week seven and the formation of lovely fingernails at week ten. Had these clear and vivid signs of life – precious and undeniable – been available back then, perhaps the abortion argument wouldn’t have gained traction.
Yet, here we are, wondering how a once agonizing decision that prompted tears and heartache became cause for celebration. This didn’t happen overnight but we must snap out of our complacency immediately because we’re now plunging even deeper into a culture of death. Just this month, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam revealed the ugly truth about unfettered access to abortion. He described with chilling detachment how a baby that was already delivered after a failed abortion would be kept “comfortable” while mother and provider actually decided whether to save that life. My friends, no matter how people try to explain this away with double-talk, it’s nothing more than legalized infanticide.
Right here on Long Island, Catholic Charities has literally helped thousands of young women and their children find unconditional love at Regina Residence, our home for unwed mothers who chose life. That’s why I implore not just people of faith, but any person who values hope and love to rise up and be counted. Do not remain silent. This is a time for all good people – men and women, Republican and Democrat, young and old – to “Shout back!” and demand that this repugnant legislation be repealed. Go to www.nyscatholic.org/nys-catholic-conference-action-center and join all good people in the fight for life!
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Just Wait
by Laura A. Cassell, CEO
Before I could even finish ruining my diet with left-over Halloween candy, Thanksgiving was suddenly in the rear view mirror too. Now Christmas is approaching and, like many of you, my anxiety level is inching up by the hour in perfect pace with my already too long to-do list. There are cards to write, decorations to hang, visits to make and of course, the ever looming shopping lists. Don’t get me wrong… I love it – every bit of it - but it’s easy to see why this season can overwhelm even the most composed planner among us.
As I mulled this over during my morning jog today, my gait shifted and I found myself trudging along in the downward-looking, closed stance that my body typically takes when it tires. So I did what all good joggers do: I threw my shoulders back, lifted my chin up, turned my face to the rising sun and filled my lungs with a deep breath of fresh air. I immediately felt recharged. Refreshed, confident and happy, I got through that last mile and was ready to meet the day. This made me conscious of how my spirit always moves in lockstep with my body. Perhaps we should approach the Christmas season in similar fashion.
You see, as joyful as this time of year can be, psychologists tell us that it’s also a period of increased stress and depression. There are any numbers of reasons. Maybe it’s that never-ending to-do list or the painful absence of loved ones. Or it could simply be the relentless, secular focus on material goods and money that seems to permeate today’s Christmas landscape. Without even realizing it, we can find ourselves tediously trudging through the season, heads down, crossing things off of a list instead of enjoying the time with eyes wide open. The greatest shame would be waking up on December 26th with an empty feeling, that somehow we again missed Christmas. So let’s not let that happen. Like that morning jog, the trick is to recognize when fatigue sets in then lift our faces to God, take a deep breath and reset ourselves.
Remember that “Advent” is Latin for “coming” and that from the earliest days of our Church it was meant to be a time of expectant preparation and waiting. These days, most folks try to avoid waiting at all costs. We yearn to rush right through things. There are even apps to help avoid traffic and gauge wait times for everything from airport security to restaurant tables and theme park rides. Yet, the Advent wait for the Christ child is precisely what fills our hearts and brings us His peace. This is not something to avoid, but rather to embrace. And oftentimes, waiting is made easier when it’s done in community with others. Just think, how many lines have been made less tedious by passing time in pleasant conversation with another? Not only can the mad dash to complete our last-minute Christmas shopping be made more meaningful when we connect with others, every wait can – yes – even a store line.
I’ll leave you with this thought: Scripture tells us that even the Magi who looked for the infant king had to patiently search the night skies for weeks to find Him and, when they did, he wasn’t on a throne surrounded by wealth. He was in a cave reserved for livestock, His first visitors being lowly shepherds who had come in from the fields. So this Christmas, may we look up and around like the Magi in search of our Lord. And may you and your loved ones enjoy the wait and find our Savior in the ordinary places all around you.
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Summer Stripes
Don’t you just love the vivid palette of the summer season; the happy yellows of brilliant sunsets, the soothing turquoise of sun-kissed waters and of course, the satisfying greens of lush lawns? Let’s not forget the reds, whites and blues that literally parade in on Memorial Day and remain to set the stage for our July 4th festivities. To be sure, there’s a thread of Americana that weaves its way throughout these summer days and that got me thinking about this month’s column.
One need only take a short drive on a sunny afternoon to find American flags proudly displayed on homes and businesses throughout our Long Island neighborhoods. With more than 100,000 veterans living on Long Island it comes as no surprise. For those of us with family members who are veterans, in active service, or sadly, who have been lost in battle, Old Glory holds an even deeper significance.
I guess that’s why there is such a visceral reaction by some folks to “taking a knee” during the National Anthem. Now I realize that this is a touchy subject, but I thought it’d be worth exploring together, especially through the lens of our Catholic faith.
You see, every day at Catholic Charities, we open our doors to neighbors in difficulty. Some have suffered unfortunate circumstances while others have made and continue to make serious mistakes that directly contribute to their dire situations. They all find welcome with us. We meet each person where they are and accompany them as they navigate past the hurdles, the pain or shame. Even when loved ones have given up on them and friends have turned their backs, our staff and volunteers offer God’s merciful love to them on behalf of our whole Church. Why? It’s simple – our mission is the “go forth and live out the Gospel” instruction that we hear at the conclusion of every Mass.
Pope Francis summed it up saying, “Even if the life of a person has been a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs or anything else - God is in this person's life. You can - you must - try to seek God in every human life.”
We believe that wholeheartedly and fueled by this love of Christ, we do all we can to bring forth the dignity of every person and help them rediscover the spark of the divine within them. Do we make mistakes? Of course! Do we do this perfectly? No way! Are we always successful? Not really. But we keep at it despite our shortcomings because, just like those we serve, we choose love and forgiveness. We choose to be united as followers of Jesus rather than to be alone, bitter and judgmental.
Unity is also what holds a country of individuals together. The United States, like any nation, has a checkered history with chapters that include everything from heartbreaking ugliness and prejudice to noble goodness and grace. Just like individuals, our nation has made mistakes that have contributed directly to our own strife. Yet, there have also been times of extraordinary leadership, compassion and concern, not just for our homeland, but for people around the world.
In that light, we might choose to accept our country with the same optimism and hope that our faith asks us to show our brothers and sisters – realistic enough to see flaws but open to the redemptive goodness that resides here as well. And I think that’s what patriotism is all about – being united with others who believe in overcoming our flaws and choosing love over hatred, hope over despair.
Yes, freedom means that someone – anyone – can take a knee during our anthem. Those who fought for that freedom know that better than anyone. Yet it still makes me sad. My hope and prayer during this American summer is that we stand united under our beautiful red, white and blue flag. Let’s put aside the vitriol, suspend judgment and commit to authentic albeit uncomfortable dialogue. That’s the path to mutual understanding and brighter tomorrows. And that’s how we’ll keep building up His kingdom here in the USA and beyond. God bless America!
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The Power of One
If I look at the mass, I will never act. If I look at the one, I will.” – Mother Teresa
Last week a handwritten sign mysteriously appeared alongside the entry ramp onto the parkway that I take to work in the morning. Neatly written in indelible marker, it simply said, “Please stop littering.” Wow, did that get my attention! I’m not sure exactly when I started becoming accustomed to trash scattered along the road, but that earnest request, offered so gently, put me to shame. Suddenly my eyes were wide open to all of the rubbish that I whizzed by each day. When did it become OK to throw cans, paper, plastic bags and assorted wrappings out the window as we rush about?
We all know that littering is against the law, right? I even looked up local county and town codes just to confirm that it was indeed prohibited and discovered the penalties include fines and even possible imprisonment. Why then does debris pepper our streets? In Suffolk County there has been much attention paid to a case charging a construction company with illegal dumping, but when was the last time you heard about individuals being cited? And yet, most of the rubbish we see in public places has likely been tossed by ordinary folks.
Care for the environment is clearly on the minds and hearts of many. For most Long Islanders, the discipline of sorting household garbage for recycling has become commonplace. Certainly, media coverage about climate change regularly captures our attention. Pope Francis frequently reminds us of our responsibility to be good stewards of the earth and to walk gently upon her. In his encyclical, Laudato Si’, the Holy Father calls all people to acknowledge the urgent environmental challenges we face and join him embarking on a new path. Yet lots of people, including family, friends and neighbors, continue to hurl trash into the streets.
Do we need more laws? Heftier penalties? More aggressive enforcement? While the thought is momentarily satisfying, it’s probably not the best use of limited law-enforcement resources. The obvious answer, as is often the case, seems to circle back to good old-fashioned love and values – the foundation upon which people of faith stand. When I consider the wellbeing of others, littering does not figure into the equation. Reducing one’s carbon footprint is about caring for creation, including one another. And going green is more than a trend – it’s about living modestly and passing the blessings of this planet on to our children – also known as common sense. Remember when our parents insisted that we “not take more than we could chew”? Well, I recall many an evening that I lingered at the dinner table long after my brothers had been excused to finish food taken with “eyes bigger than my stomach”!
I share all this because of that unassuming, hand-written sign on the highway. Its author decided to do something, however small it may have seemed. And that modest action inspired me to do my part with this column and hopefully, I’ve encouraged you. The process reminds us that solutions to many of our world’s problems lie within us and can be revealed if we each exercise personal responsibility and accountability. Just like most of the trash on that highway was the negative result of individuals, so too can it be its positive cure.
We can be easily overwhelmed by the magnitude of social ills and resign ourselves to doing nothing. In fact, scientists tell us we are less likely to act when we look at too big a picture. So try not to worry about things you can’t control and everyone simply do what he or she can. Remember, most of history’s greatest achievements are just the sum of the collective goodwill and actions of many.
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A Nutty Fire Drill
Here at Catholic Charities, we regularly host orientation sessions for our new employees. As one of the region’s largest nonprofits with more than 600 staff members, the fun, half day gatherings at our Hicksville headquarters are an important way for new team members to discover what makes us tick. As they learn about service goals and guidelines, they also come to better appreciate our mission and values. And I personally value these orientation days because they give us the chance to welcome and get to know our new employees. These one-on-one interactions are the building blocks to the family-like culture that is the springboard for all of our efforts.
Recently this orientation was held on a beautiful summer day and it was clear from the get-go that the sun’s brilliant rays were warming our hearts and spirits. So, when the fire alarm rang, we welcomed the chance to take a break alfresco on the lawn. Upon our return from the drill, we received quite the surprise. It seems a most adorable squirrel so wanted to be part of the Catholic Charities team that he scurried in alongside those filing back into the building and took his place at the table in our boardroom!
You can imagine the scene as the shrieks of delight and surprise eventually gave way to the sobering reality that we had to somehow get this little creature out of the building and back into his tree. The facilities manager was immediately paged and a few seconds later he materialized with a few of his stunned associates who seemed just as puzzled as the rest of us. After getting past our initial bewilderment and the obligatory round of one-liners, what ensued was one of the best team-building exercises I have ever witnessed in my 29 years with Catholic Charities.
Right from the start there was unanimous agreement that, no matter the approach, our fuzzy friend was to remain unharmed. Thus, with limited zoological experience and no tools to speak of, we began brainstorming. Would we throw a bag over him? Heavens no, that would be too traumatic. When attempts were made to shoo him through the maze of different rooms towards the front door, that clever critter simply made camp high on a shelf in another room. When we tried to compel him into a garbage can so we could safely transport him outside, he nimbly danced around the can as if he enjoyed the game. What about peanut butter and trail mix as a lure?? Well, we were stunned to discover that we had in our presence possibly the only squirrel in God’s creation who didn’t like nuts! Eventually someone went outside, removed the screens from the boardroom windows and opened them wide, so he’d feel the breeze on his whiskers. And that, my friends, did the trick. Just like us, our new little friend could not resist the siren song of a warm sunny day.
This excitement was so much more than a pleasant distraction – it was a showcase for the caring compassion of the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities. This new group of employees shared a bond of loving concern for that squirrel that mirrors the spirit of loving welcome that is extended to those who turn to us in their heartache… Yes, sometimes God communicates with us in unexpected ways if only we’re listening for it. That day, He revealed the merciful spirit of our employees and their determination and perseverance in resolving unusual problems. If they go that extra mile for a squirrel, imagine how much more they’re prepared to do to serve their neighbors in need! Rest assured, whatever the need, the team at Catholic Charities doesn’t quit until we help navigate the way back to your tree.
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Lent and the Laser
As children, most of us probably wanted everything we laid eyes on and sharing was likely not high on our to-do lists either. But I recall a vivid memory from my childhood that captures what I believe to be the instinctual generosity that resides deep in the heart of children and remains with us as we grow older.
Inspired by James Bond films and television’s Maxwell Smart, my brothers and I were infatuated with “secret agent” games. In addition to the coveted reversible ski jacket (which had the power to transform one’s identity and render them utterly unrecognizable!), we all bickered over a particular “hi-tech” weapon that was easily concealable. My brother Roger and I competed relentlessly to possess this plastic laser pistol that helped one instantly win the secret agent games. Once, after an especially crushing loss to him, I sobbed uncontrollably. When I declined his invitation to play another round the next day, Roger presented me with a clumsily wrapped box. Confused, I asked “what’s this for?” and he simply said, “It’s for you.” You guessed it. Inside was the treasured toy – with a note explaining it was mine for keeps! I was so elated with the undeserved prize that I could not stop hugging him, but what was more remarkable was how gratified Roger seemed to present it to me. I never forgot that selfless gift from the heart because I realize that even as children we are capable of moving beyond our own needs to seek the fulfillment that comes from sharing our gifts.
This lesson always comes back to me most plainly at Lent. The season of preparation finds so many of us earnestly trying to develop our inner spiritual lives, but I’m struck by how many feel they fail and somehow come away disappointed. They long to be closer to God and aspire to more fervent prayer and self-reflection, but find that they lack the clarity of mind, the discipline or simply the time to achieve it. To those who feel this frustration, I offer words from Pope Emeritus Benedict’s encyclical, Deus Caritas Est: “love of neighbor is a path that leads to the encounter with God.” His Holiness reminded us that our Lord is not found exclusively in the pews of a church or the pages of a book. He is also found in the faces and hearts of our least fortunate neighbors! Indeed, Jesus Himself confirmed this in the Gospel of Matthew when He said, “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
The sad truth is my friends, that there is no lack of heartbroken or vulnerable neighbors in our world. But that also means there’s no lack of opportunity for us to discover Christ in them. In fact, the poor and suffering may actually be a gift to us, an occasion to encounter Christ, one on one. And like my brother Roger and the secret agent laser, that encounter transforms not only the receiver but the giver as well.
In that light I encourage you to make service a part of your daily life, not just during Lent but throughout the year and please think of Catholic Charities as one more tool to help you grow in fulfillment, ever closer to God.
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The Thanks Belong to You
Dear Friends,
2017 is indeed a banner year as we mark the 60th anniversary of Catholic Charities here on Long Island! Now I’ve worked here for 26 years with 18 of them as Chief Executive Officer and during that time, without fail, one particular task has remained the most daunting:
to convey to YOU what a real difference your kindness makes.
In that light, here’s a letter I received from Gina, an average working mom, born and raised on Long Island, who through a series of heartbreaking events actually found herself homeless. Her comeback is one of the thousands that you make possible every year.
I remain gratefully yours,
Laura A. Cassell, CEO Catholic Charities of Rockville Centre
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The wheels on the bus go round and round...
For members of the Catholic Charities Franklin Square Senior Community Center, the wheels on the bus have gone round and round for many years, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of Josefina “Josie” Rosas. Having celebrated her 26th anniversary as a bus driver for the center, she’s played a central role in the lives of literally thousands of seniors.
The first to greet them in the morning and the last to bid them farewell each evening, Josie knows getting them to the center each day means they can continue living independently and safely at home while taking advantage of the many activities that maintain their physical and emotional well-being. She explains, “They built these communities but so many of them can’t drive anymore. Staying home alone all day is not good for them. We have to get them out, so they stay healthy and happy and a part of our community.”
Her love for them is matched only by the love her seniors have for her. “I think the world of her,” says Marie Sanseverino. She’s not just a bus driver, she’s like a daughter to me.” Mary Lou Ratto adds, “She looks out for us, and she’s always ready to jump in and help. I can depend on her and I trust her with my life.” The words bring tears to Josie’s eyes. “I love my seniors, and we have so many laughs together. We made so many beautiful memories these 26 years.” With any luck, Josie will stick around to make many more. “
…even when your hair is gray I will carry you; I have done this, and I will lift you up, I will carry you to safety.” Isaiah 46:3-4
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The Advent Vacation
For the first time in a long time, my husband and I took a real vacation earlier this year. By real I mean a legitimate “relax” vacation that wasn’t somehow tied to my work here at Catholic Charities. We told the post office to hold our mail, left the alarm clock, and dumped our to-do lists as we packed our bags for a quiet Caribbean island. It was the three B’s for us – beach, books, and bathing suits. I think we actually felt the weight fall from our shoulders as the plane rose into the air. There’s nothing quite like leaving frigid, damp weather and arriving in a balmy, sunny paradise!
After settling into the hotel room, we walked to a nearby restaurant to enjoy our first meal. As we sipped cocktails at a lovely table on the outside balcony, we were awed by the truly spectacular sunset that was before us. Then we spied a family of four nearby and were astonished to see them all staring down at their phones. The teenagers were oblivious to the sun’s glorious farewell and mom and dad seemed more concerned about capturing a family photo. In the meantime, they were all missing it!
Each morning, we walked to the hotel coffee shop which also served as the Concierge and Activity Center. As we sat sipping coffee, we observed the steady flow of guests determined to squeeze in a full day. They booked snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, fishing, yoga ‘sun salutations’, water aerobics, jeep/kayak rentals, remote island tours, organized hikes, paddle boarding, and more. Every morning the shop clerk greeted us warmly and asked about our plans. Each time our answer was the same: We’re going to relax, walk around the beautiful island, read a bit and enjoy a fabulous dinner.
By day three, the clerk proclaimed that we were a rarity, saying most people loaded as much as possible into their vacation and checked out of the resort exhausted. What a shame! The island in all its simplicity is the perfect remedy for the toll that life takes on each and every one of us. To overbook it is to miss out on its healing power.
As the week unfolded, we started to pick up on a pattern. When folks regaled their stories from the day before, there was often reference to posting photos and video on social media. It made us wonder what actually mattered more – the experience itself or trumpeting about it on online?
That got me thinking about the Advent season which is now upon us. Let’s face it: we hadn’t even given out the Halloween candy and the store aisles were already full of Christmas regalia. And by the time you read this, you may already be overwhelmed by holiday parties, decorating, and endless rounds of shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Like the family vacation, the Christmas season can too easily become a gigantic to-do list, made more complicated by the compulsive need to record every step of it for social media. Trying to pack in so much simply makes it a chore and sadly, we run the risk of missing the extraordinary healing power of the season by not living in the moment. How many times have we run hastily into the “end-zone” of Christmas, only to wake up the next day feeling empty, that we’ve somehow missed something?
In that light let us remember that “Advent” comes to us from the Latin adventus, which means “coming.” Something big is indeed coming, the birth of our Savior. It is a time of anticipation, of prayerful watching and quiet waiting. Advent is like a vacation for our busy inner lives, but one we won’t benefit from unless we leave behind the phones, the to-do lists, and the pressure. And in that quiet stillness that we ourselves carve out, we will most certainly discover the restorative healing that we crave.
I wish you a peace-filled Advent and a joyful Christmas.
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