Feast of Saint Stephen

Readings of the Day 

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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