Supplements

archive ISSUE

Catholic Social Services in Carbondale Plants Seeds of Hope with Annual Charity Breakfast

Story and photo by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

Knights of Columbus in Murphysboro cooked for a full house — more than 350 people — April 18 as the fifth annual charity breakfast for the Carbondale regional office of Catholic Social Services began.

The Rev. Philip Nordstrom of Christ Community Church in Murphysboro handled master of ceremonies duties.
In his opening remarks, he captured everyone’s attention with: …(C)ompassion has no denomination, and need has no religious preference.”

While the breakfast is free, participants are asked to make a donation after the breakfast is served and information is given about the various services available through the regional office.

A local couple who were unable to have children of their own contacted Catholic Social Services, went through parenting training, filed adoption papers and now Josiah Michael McKinnies has joined their family as their adopted son.

Speaking for himself and his wife, the Rev. Joey McKinnies said “we can each do our part.”
Rev. McKinnies referred to the Gospel passage — “whatever you do to the least of these, you do unto me,” when he spoke of the love and joy he shares because of his adopted son.

His wife, Pat McKinnies said the couple had hoped to adopt a child for 26 years, but it had never worked out.
CSS staffer Reta Kendall told Pat McKinnies this time it would work. And it did.
“It wouldn’t have happened without CSS,” Pat McKinnies said.

A year ago, she said, the couple bought a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
“We sold the motorcycle,” she added. “It’s not safe, and we have to take care of our health now. We’re eating fruits and whole grains.”

Lisa Crane spoke about foster care — the joys and sorrows of extending shelter to a child and then letting that child go to return to his or her biological family.

“I’m just an everyday person,” said the mother of six.
The Cranes have adopted some of their foster children, and she said CSS has been a constant support whether she called them for advice or to complain.

“You have to be willing to open your heart,” she said, “because it’s not going to be perfect. You’ll make mistakes, but there are a lot of hugs out there.”

Crane said she’s not sure why she agreed to become a foster parent, but she does not regret her decision.
“It’s just so rewarding,” she said.

Other Catholic Social Services programs include counseling for Hispanics and Catholic school students.
The Awakenings Program for offenders, those on parole and juveniles in detention centers, was introduced into the diocese by Sister Barbara Lux sscm, has been successful at all levels, Cheryl James said.
James is a probation officer in Jackson County.

“It is a remarkable program,” James said, adding that she has not had one repeat offender that went through the program.

Victims have also participated, she said, “and it has been wonderful for them.”

Another program, added by Catholic Social Services was counseling for military families.
Counselor and veteran Jennifer Rose said Catholic Social Services saw a need and decided to help.

Military members and veterans are “struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression,” Rose said.
“We have seen the positive difference counseling can make,” she said. “It replaces helplessness and hopelessness with empowerment and hope.”

Those attending the breakfast were asked to give to the Catholic Social Services regional office, and they did.
According Carbondale’s regional director, Mary Lou Loos, donations totaled $18,125, the most collected at any of the breakfasts.

Catholic Social Services “carries out the practical side of the ministry of Jesus,” Rev. Nordstrom said. “Ministry is not just about saving souls, it’s about showing God’s love in practical ways, no strings attached.”
The regional office in Carbondale received $20,086 from the diocesan Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal for their 2008-09 budget. Please consider making a contribution by calling 277-8181, ext. 114.