By Denise Seibert Townsend
Catholic Charities
Recently, I heard two comments in the same day that resonated deeply with me: “Asking for help is hard, but people want to help,” followed shortly after by, “People want to help, but they are just unsure what to do.”
Reflecting on these remarks, I see them mirrored in our daily work at Catholic Charities. Every day, we receive inquiries from individuals seeking assistance, as well as from people asking how they can support our ministry. I believe that people who are struggling genuinely want to improve their situations — they are just not always sure how to do so. Likewise, people want to love and help their neighbors — they just need a path forward.
Reaching out for assistance is often a difficult journey. By the time someone contacts Catholic Charities, they may have faced numerous setbacks, felt overwhelmed or struggled with the feeling that asking for help is a sign of weakness. However, I am reminded that Jesus himself was not afraid to ask for help. Throughout scripture, we see examples such as Jesus asking the disciples to help feed the crowd, or asking the Samaritan woman for a drink of water. Opening ourselves to support from others can unlock opportunities we might never have discovered on our own. As Matthew 7:7 reminds us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
We also must remember to also turn to God and prayer when we need help. Last year during his weekly general audience on Sept. 3, Pope Leo said, “The Gospel shows us that the measure of our humanity is not given by what we can achieve, but by our ability to let ourselves be loved and, when necessary, even helped. He added that by admitting the need for help, “our fragility is a bridge toward heaven.”
Many in our community face the darkness of poverty, homelessness, mental illness, financial strain or isolation. Catholic Charities strives to shine a light of hope in these moments. Our programs accompany individuals through their trials, providing them with tools to thrive while building hope and confidence. Even when we do not have an immediate solution or resource, we listen, offer support and walk alongside them. We are here to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, dignity and hope, addressing immediate needs while empowering long-term stability.
If you are wondering how you can help, I encourage you to consider how you can put your faith into action. Each of us has a unique gift to serve others. You might reach out to those who are alone or isolated, donate to organizations supporting those in need, volunteer your time, perform random acts of kindness, or simply pray for those facing hardships. As 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Denise Seibert Townsend is director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Evansville.