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Feast of Saint Stephen

Readings of the Day 
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I have always been fascinated by the lives of the Saints: Ordinary
people who did extraordinary things with their lives. There's so
much to be learned and assured by their examples.

As a permanent deacon, I am drawn to saints like Stephen, one of the
original seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to distribute food
and charitable aid to the poor. What a powerful example for me and all
of us that have the honor and privilege to serve in various roles
within the Catholic Charities network, and in other wonderful
organizations that support this same life-saving work.

Much like the majority of people we see each day, I never expected to
be at Catholic Charities. Coming from a busy private sector job with a
wife and three children, I always supported the Church's work of
charity through financial support, but I was largely ignorant to the
plight of the poor, disenfranchised and those who live on the margins.
I grew up in a low income neighborhood and lost my father when I was
just three years old. I knew about loss and challenges, but I was
blessed to have a caring mother, five older siblings, and an extended
family to help us deal with our daily issues. It wasn't until I
unexpectedly joined Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada as a
volunteer that I began to better understand the help, hope, dignity
and compassion that our networks provide to so many who often suffer
in silence.

Saint Stephen was a young man when he challenged the Sanhedrin and
spoke up for those without a voice or standing, and he paid the
ultimate price for his faith and actions. While my work pales in
comparison to what Stephen and so many others like St. Vincent DePaul
and Dorothy Day have done in achieving some degree of success for
greater social justice for the poor, all of us contribute in large and
small ways to the betterment of the Kingdom of God right here, and
right now, especially during these extraordinary times. What a
wonderful gift to help us heal our own souls, as we continue to
celebrate Jesus among us during this Octave of Christmas. Perhaps one
day, God willing, we will be greeted at the Gates of Heaven by those
we've served :).

Deacon Thomas A. Roberts is President and CEO of Catholic Charities of
Southern Nevada.

 




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