Podcasts about catholic social services

Of all the places in America they could continue their medical careers, two men from Nigeria found themselves building new lives in Imperial—a small town in southwestern Nebraska, surrounded by farmland and prairie, and a world away from home. Discover how Francis Oleru and Aloysius Aleke came to embrace this rural community as their own, and how Catholic Social Services helped weave their two journeys into one shared new beginning.

"Welcoming the Stranger" is a call to offer hospitality, shelter, and a sense of belonging to those who may be displaced, unfamiliar, or in need of assistance. It's also a Work of Mercy and thus an important component of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska's mission. In this podcast, CSS team member and attorney Brad Brestel shares how the CSS Immigration Legal Services staff helps provide hope for a new life in America with affordable legal aid.

The Diocese of Lincoln's new Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA) focuses on bringing Christ's love to incarcerated individuals and supporting their journey back into society. The apostolate is directed by Levi Baus, who is also the Volunteer Coordinator for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS). Hear Levi talk about this Work of Mercy and how it's bringing Hope in the Good Life.

Tom McDonald covers Gold and Greed, Angela Hickey on Catholic Social Services support of 2B, and Fr. Andrew Jones has our Sunday Gospel Reflection.

Bill and Stacie Hooks have always believed in the importance of giving back as a way to show gratitude for the blessings in their lives. As the owners of Slim Chickens restaurants in Lincoln, they have been dedicated supporters of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska for years. This year, their generosity continues as they proudly serve as the silent auction sponsor (https://events.handbid.com/lp/celebration-of-hope-auction) for the Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction on March 15. Tune in to hear their inspiring story and the impact they're making in the community!

Send us a textAlaska State Refugee Coordinator Issa Spatrisano does her work through Catholic Social Services' Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services (RAIS), which is the resettlement agency for the state of Alaska. RAIS connects newly arrived refugees with housing, jobs, and other services that weave them into the Alaska community. A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her home because of war, violence or persecution, often without warning. They are unable to return home due to unsafe conditions in their native land.Those who obtain refugee status are given protections under both international and US federal law. An asylum seeker is someone who is also seeking international protection from dangers in his or her home country, but whose claim for refugee status hasn't yet been determined legally. Asylum seekers apply for protection in the country of destination. Until an asylum seeker has attained the correct status they may not be able to access refugee services.In most cases to qualify for help from RAIS a person must have federal refugee status.There are many more folks (immigrants, migrants, & others) who need assistance than qualify for it.Today we are primarily talking about folks with refugee status. But as you will hear the terminology is challenging because Alaska has had a recent influx of Afghan and Ukrainian refugees who have a different status (humanitarian parole). What will happen to them during the Trump administration is up in the air.To listen to the recent podcast episode with Alaska Literacy Program's outgoing and incoming executive directors Lori Pickett and Deepika Ramesh Perumal, click here. This is an edited version of the original episode. Please email Rep.Andrew.Gray@akleg.gov or call 907-269-0123 for a link to the complete version.

In 1983, Matt's mother delivered him in a metro Detroit hospital. Within a week hewas relinquished to Catholic Social Services, and moved into foster care to spendthe first three months of his life.A married couple, unable to have a natural child themselves, adopted and raisedhim lovingly as their first child. While growing up, Matt always knew he wasadopted, but besides this knowledge, his family rarely discussed the topic ofadoption.Matt has been in reunion since 2009 with members of his biological family on hismaternal and paternal side, including his first mother. Only since 2022, though,has ‘The Fog' over his eyes begun to lift - that of the dominant narrativesurrounding the American adoption system.Today, Matt lives in northwest lower Michigan with his girlfriend, their two cats,and his two biological sons. He is writing a memoir about his life as an adoptee.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.JOIN US on March 8th in California!- Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered with Liz DeBetta + Jeff Forney & More! Leave your email for more info!Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawJoe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementHiraeth Hope & HealingMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Unraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaThank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom with the ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is December January 4th Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Catholic Social Services, in partnership with Southcentral Foundation, works to provide healthcare, especially preventative medicine, to people experiencing homelessness in Anchorage through multiple clinics and shelters. This work provides better outcomes for patients, and lowers community costs as medical issues are caught before they can become larger problems with more involved treatment. Host Dr. Justin Clark and his guests discuss the details of providing medical care to people experiencing homelessness on this Line One.

Lisa Aquino is the CEO of the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC). Before taking over that organization in 2021, she was the Executive Director of Catholic Social Services for seven years. She has a Masters in Health Sciences degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center is a federally qualified health center that provides primary health care services to everyone in our community with a special focus on those who face extra barriers to care.  Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center is accepting new patients for primary care servicesand has behavioral health services available to all its established patients. To learn more or establish care visit ANHC.org or call 907-743-7200.

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) has greatly benefited from its longstanding partnership with Sandhills Global. Jim Hansen, Outreach Coordinator for Sandhills Global, emphasizes how their mission aligns with CSS in providing "Hope in the Good Life” for many across Nebraska.

Kelli Whartman from Catholic Social Services offers practical advice on how parents can break though communication barriers between them and their children.

Whenever you put an ‘e' in front of something, it usually means ‘electronic.' When it comes to Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) and our e-commerce offerings, the ‘e' could also mean evangelize, extra, and environmental. CSS Director of E-commerce Mario Racicot talks about how his work fits in with the CSS core value of Sustainability.

Catholic Social Services executive director Katie Patrick and development officer John Soukup are Pastor Stu Kerns' guests on this edition of Friendly Fire

Discover the Vincentians and their collaboration with Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) to instill Hope in the Good Life. Larry Ellerbeck, both a Vincentian and the president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society's Lincoln Chapter, shares insights into how his team engages with individuals in their homes. Collaborating with CSS, they offer assistance with utilities, rent payments, food, furniture, gas, and beds. To learn more about joining the Vincentians, reach out to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at contact@lincolnsvdpcouncil.org or connect with your local parish. Individuals in need can contact 402-HELP YOU (402-435-7968) for assistance.

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - The unveiling process for the newly rebuilt spire of Paris' legendary Notre Dame Cathedral began this week, with the process expected to be completed in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics in July. The cathedral has been closed ever since a devastating fire April 15, 2019, saw the spire crash through the centuries-old timber roof. Deconstruction of the scaffolding surrounding the spire — which reaches 330 feet in height — will take several months. The spire's new cross was mounted on December 6, 2023, and on December 16 a golden rooster — a symbol of France — was blessed and added, replacing one that was destroyed in the fire. The spire was not original to the 800-year-old structure, having been added during a 19th-century renovation. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256836/notre-dame-cathedral-spire-to-be-unveiled-nearly-five-years-after-devastating-fire Nearly three dozen Christians have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last October, a Christian aid group in the region said this week. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256828/nearly-3-dozen-christians-have-died-in-gaza-strip-amid-israel-hamas-war-aid-group-says Pope Francis will become the first pope to visit the prestigious Venice Biennale art exhibition when he travels to the “city of canals” this spring. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256826/pope-francis-to-visit-prestigious-venice-biennale-art-exhibition A local police investigation into the vandalization of a Blessed Virgin Mary statue outside a Catholic charitable group's headquarters in Nebraska is currently listed as “inactive” after police were unable to identify the perpetrator, even though one of the building's security cameras caught the vandal on video. Katie Patrick, executive director of Catholic Social Services, told CNA that this was the first time an incident such as this had occurred on their campus. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256834/police-drop-investigation-into-vandalization-of-nebraska-blessed-mother-statue Today, the Church celebrates Saint Claude de la Colombière, the 17th century French Jesuit who authenticated and wrote about Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque's visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-claude-de-la-colombiere-148

He's been a "bean counter" for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) for 24 years, and he's still amazed at what those beans have done for CSS. Bill Meduna talks about his time with CSS as Vice President of Operations, and why this agency is such a great place to work.

Director of Catholic Social Services in Rapid City, SD, speaking about their upcoming annual gathering where they will honor various community figures

Bill Murphy fervently advocates for volunteering with Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, extending his recommendation to everyone he encounters. He cherishes his volunteering experiences because, in the face of his faltering eyesight, he can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who require assistance. This dedication has earned Bill the prestigious Life of Christ Award, which will be presented to him at this year's Bountiful Harvest Dinner in Hastings on October 8. In this podcast, Bill shares his story of how he discovered CSS, and how he's helping others "see" hope as a volunteer.

"I felt called many, many years before I expressed a desire to be a deacon ... I put it off until I was in my mid-50s and decided it was either get in or get out." Deacon Chuck Rausch, St. Therese the Little Flower in Rapid City, talks about his journey to the diaconate and his work with Catholic Social Services.

We find Hope in the Good Life in southcentral Nebraska, and in the art being produced by Sondra Jonson. She owns SL Jonson Studios in Cambridge, Nebraska, and has donated much of her art to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, and other charities. Like CSS, her art provides Hope to those who may be inspired by her creations. As a supporter of CSS, she talks about the importance of giving back, and in doing so, providing the hope so many need. (See her work at www.sljonsonstudios.com.)

Kennedy TaliKennedy is 39 years old and was born in Santa Ana California, but now resides in Anchorage, Alaska.Kennedy is a shelter based caseworker for Catholic Social Services. Kennedy has been in recovery for 3 years. On this episode Kennedy courageously shares his story for those that are still struggling.Support the show

Discover the transformative work of The Hernando/Nesbit Interfaith Council on Poverty in this episode of The Real Hernando. President Roxanne McIngvale and Race Director Kim Scott shed light on the organization's mission, events, and how the community can lend their support.The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios.Learn how they bring together people of different faiths to tackle poverty, fostering interfaith collaboration for a greater impact. From fundraisers to awareness campaigns, they discuss the array of events held throughout the year that engage the community and raise funds. Discover inspiring stories of volunteers and donors who have made a lasting difference in the lives of those in need, and find out how you can get involved, whether by volunteering or making a donation. Join us on this captivating journey of compassion and community transformation.This episode is also sponsored in part by Gustafson Properties, LLC, 5M Services, and Team Couch of Burch Realty Group.The Real Hernando is currently seeking new business sponsors to partner with, which will support the growth of this platform and, in doing so, will create a brighter spotlight for the Hernando community as a whole. LEARN HOW TO SPONSOR THIS SERIES: https://bit.ly/4610FY6 For all channels and socials, go to TheRealHerando.comThe Real Hernando Podcast is produced by SRP Studios. www.shelbyrowproductions.com To get the latest from The Interfaith Council on Poverty, follow them below!Website - https://www.interfaithcouncilonpoverty.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/interfaithcouncilonpoverty Volunteer Contact: 662-863-7385Contact info for families in need: Catholic Social Services, 499 E. Commerce St., Hernando, 662-429-5789

Dr. Don Foote needed to get out of the house. His wife had died a few years ago and he needed to keep busy in order to stave off loneliness. Working in the CSS workshop, which he calls St. Joseph's Workshop, provided the hope he needed to use his talents and benefit others. Now he provides Hope in the Good Life as a volunteer at Catholic Social Services in Hastings.

In case you missed Trumpet Fest 2023 on February 19, here are a few selections recorded at this annual event to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Special thanks to Kevin Murray who both organizes and performs at this event for nearly two decades, bringing talented guests to perform each year.

In case you missed Trumpet Fest 2023 on February 19, here are a few selections recorded at this annual event to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Special thanks to Kevin Murray who both organizes and performs at this event for nearly two decades, bringing talented guests to perform with him every year.

In case you missed Trumpet Fest 2023 on February 19, here are a few selections recorded at this annual event to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Special thanks to Kevin Murray who both organizes and performs at this event for nearly two decades, bringing talented guests to perform with him every year.

In case you missed Trumpet Fest 2023 on February 19, here are a few selections recorded at this annual event to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Special thanks to Kevin Murray who both organizes and performs at this event for nearly two decades, bringing talented guests to perform with him every year.

For almost 20 years, Kevin Murray has been raising money for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska with his trumpet. He heads up "Trumpet Fest," taking place on February 19th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lincoln. Kevin tells us how this event not only inspires but also gives back in so many different ways through the gift of music.

Audio of Fulton v. City of Philadelphia (2021) Majority Opinion (Foster Care, Same-sex Couples, Catholic Social Services) Because Philadelphia Catholic Social Services (CSS) had a policy against licensing same-sex couples to be foster parents, the City of Philadelphia pulled the organization's license to place children in foster homes in March 2018. So, CSS sued the City of Philadelphia. In asking the court to order Philadelphia to renew their contract, CSS argued that its right to free exercise of religion and free speech entitled it to reject qualified same-sex couples based solely on the fact the couples were gay. Three questions before the Court in this case were: 1. To succeed on their free exercise claim, must plaintiffs prove that the government would allow the same conduct by someone who held different religious views, or only provide sufficient evidence that a law is not neutral and generally applicable? 2. Should the Court revisit its decision in Employment Division v. Smith? 3. Does the government violate the First Amendment by conditioning a religious agency's ability to participate in the foster care system on taking actions and making statements that directly contradict the agency's religious beliefs? In a unanimous decision, the Court sided with Fulton, holding that the refusal of Philadelphia to contract with CSS unless CSS agrees to certify same-sex couples as foster parents violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.   Access this SCOTUS opinion and other essential case information here: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/19-123

Stop us if you've heard this one - a very rich man knows he's about to die and is worried about leaving behind his wealth. So, he converts a large amount of his fortune into gold bars and has the executor of his will make sure that he has the gold bars inside two briefcases handcuffed to his body when he dies. The rich man dies, complete with cuffed briefcases of gold, and ascends to Heaven to meet St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. Since most Heaven bound entrants don't come with luggage, St. Peter had to ask the rich man what was in cases. The rich man opens them up and shows off the gold bars. St. Peter peers at them, smiles and says "Well, isn't that nice? You brought road pavement. I'll let the Highway Department know."   You Can't Take It With You - a motto about how material possession and wealth don't come with us in death and a delightful comedy play/film from George Kaufman and Moss Hart you really ought to see some time. On this week's The Overlap Podcast, our boys Sid and Keith are granting you the gift of their thought on generosity and giving. Staying stingy may put pennies in your pocket in the short-term but altruistic alms-giving can be a smart strategy that helps your business and helps make you a better all-around human being.   So, don't be a Scrooge - tune in to this week's episode and find out about what giving can do for you.   Give to Catholic Social Services

subscribe today at cannatalknd.com! "Per South Dakota law, government officials may speak their opinion on candidates or ballot measures in their personal capacity but may not influence the election of a candidate or ballot initiative in their official capacity, and doing so is a felony. New Approach SD Deputy Director Ned Horsted told Dakota News that the group sent information requests to Sioux Falls Mayor Paul Ten Haken, Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead, Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender, and others. The trio was among the speakers at a press conference in Sioux Falls last week. New Approach's information requests are seeking to see whether those officials were “on the clock” and speaking in their official capacity or using government social media pages while speaking against the ballot measure. They also had sent requests to the Pennington County Sheriff's Department; the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department; the Box Elder Police Department; Rapid City Mayor Steven Allender; Protecting South Dakota Kids; the South Dakota Police Chiefs Association; Jim Kinyon, executive director of Catholic Social Services; the South Dakota Catholic Association; Next Generation Leadership PAC Administrators; State Rep. Fred Deutsch; Sen. John Thune and his staff; Gov. Kristi Noem, her staff, and her Communications Director Ian Fury; State Rep. Scott Odenbach; State Rep. Doug Barthel; State Rep. Carl Perry; State Sen. Al Novstrup; Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden and his staff; State Sen. Helene Duhamel; Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom; Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead; Pennington County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Mueller; Meade County Sheriff-Elect Pat West; and Rapid City Assistant Police Chief Scott Sitz." - ganjapreneur https://www.ganjapreneur.com/south-dakota-cannabis-advocates-seek-to-determine-whether-state-officials-broke-law-by-speaking-out-against-legalization-measure/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cannatalknd/message

Elaine Wagener has been a "greedy" volunteer at Catholic Social Services for more than a dozen years. Greedy, in the sense that she loves doing things that make her happy. Elaine tells us why she gets more out of volunteering than what she puts in.

Despite facing terminal cancer, Mary is not afraid of dying. She's not afraid because she's found hope in her faith and the love she and her young daughter feel from the people around them, including those at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska.

A nurse for over 35 years, Sherry was used to helping people. However, her generosity got her into financial trouble in retirement, and she could not pay her rent and other bills. Hear how Sherry got back on her feet by asking for help from Catholic Social Services and the Emergency Services program.

Steve Sousek is on a mission to fuse his love of running with his passion for the pro-life movement, supporting both unborn children and women in crisis. It's why he formed “Runborn,” and he is raising money for Catholic Social Services' St. Gianna Women's Homes(SGWH)and the Lincoln's Women's Care Center by “running for their lives” July 22-23, 2022. In this podcast, Steve talks about how he's helping to bring hope in the good life to these women and their unborn babies.

Are we in a mental health crisis?

Gun violence has surged throughout the U.S. in recent years, becoming the largest cause of death for the nation's children in 2020. L.A. and Omar, two youths served by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, joined their care worker Gary Hill to speak in detail with Gina Christian of CatholicPhilly.com about the real causes of gun violence on the streets of Philadelphia.

Recognized as a nationwide leader in the integration of contemporary scientific psychology and the Christian vision of the human person, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center (IHMCC) is another avenue through which Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska provides "hope in the good life". Vice President of Clinical Services and licensed psychologist Dr. Courtney Miller talks about the wide array of services IHMCC provides.

Faheem Rashidi and his family came to this country from Afghanistan in 2000 and were resettled in Lincoln by Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Today, he is a successful businessman who shares his story of how he found hope in the good life.

Once again, Catholic Social Services is participating in Give Hastings Day (a 24-hour fundraising event scheduled for 5/5/22). In this podcast, hear Hastings CSS Regional Director, John McDonald, talk about the many services CSS Hastings provides, and why we're excited to be a part of this event.

Today's episode is the weekly news roundup for Saturday April 16, 2022. Today's show features news stories about Dayton's Link bikeshare program, new medical marijuana dispensaries coming to Ohio, a recent court victory for a local abortion provider, and more news in addition to upcoming events and things to do, including some things that are happening today, so be sure to listen today!   Organizations mentioned in this episode include: Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley Dayton Human Relations Council Link Dayton City of Dayton Ohio Board of Pharmacy Women's Med Dayton Wright State University University of Dayton Sinclair Community College Dayton Police Department Aullwood Audobon Save Knoop Prairie Montgomery County Board of Elections Ohio Statehouse Ohio Supreme Court Oregon District 2nd Street Market Dayton Mediation Center Victoria Theater Carillon Historical Park Dayton Polish Club Yellow Cab Tavern Woodland Cemetery Schuster Center American Czechoslovakian Club Dayton Metro Library   There's also now Discover Dayton Podcast merch! You can find the Teespring store linked on the podcast website, and if you'd like to submit a guest request to be on the show, visit our website at www.discoverdaytonpodcast.com and select the "Be a Guest" option under the pages tab. You can also reach out at discoverdaytonpodcast@gmail.com. Please follow us on Facebook as well, and be sure to share this episode with a friend!

Kathy Florence has a love of art, and of the mission of Catholic Social Services. Hear how she uses her artistic gift to bring more hope to the good life.

WATCH VIDEO: https://youtu.be/m5-hY2JFxF4Meet Phyllis Beam. Director of Catholic Social Services branch in Robertsdale. Hear how she got involved in this ministry and how she has seen the Lord work through it. Also hear how she helped Austin discern a first step in responding to his sense of call to serve the poor. Dig In Further:Have you ever visited your local Catholic Social Service branch? If not, take some time to drop by, tour their facility and learn about the ways you can support them in their ministries.Is there a way you or your parish might be able to partner with the mission of Catholic Social Services in your area? Take this to prayer and study.Have you ever been prompted to do something for the poor? What was the circumstance? How did you know the Lord was getting your attention? What can you learn from this experience about being more available to his promptings moving forward?

WATCH VIDEO: https://youtu.be/jf3Xkn9Gxrc“Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). See this verse lived out in a special way today in Austin Gontarski. Grew up in Loxley. Attends St. Patrick's Parish in Robertsdale. Went to St. Patrick's School all the way through and now attends St. Michael's in Fairhope. Learning about the poor from Sr. Margaret, Fr. Jim Morrison and company at St. Patrick's, Austin felt called to do something. Listen in and see where this call took him…Dig in Further:Have you ever felt called to serve the poor but thought to yourself, “What's the use? I really won't make that much of a difference!” How can you overcome that attitude and step forward nonetheless?How might the Lord want you to use your creativity to serve the poor? Is there a local branch of Catholic Social Services, the Good Will, Salvation Army or other ministry were you could inquire about volunteering?Do you feel like there is a void in your life? Like something is missing? Maybe the Lord is calling you to make a gift of yourself. Many times when we give ourselves away, it makes room for God to fill us with his peace and grace. 

Renee Cunningham is a volunteer for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. In this interview with CSS Development Officer John Soukup, Renee shares her experience of organizing a drive to provide household items for over 100 Afghan refugees arriving around the same time in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Trivia Afraid of Lightning-Craddock is Mnicoujou Lakota an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, she graduated in 2016 with her master's in Leadership and Management from Oglala Lakota College. While attending Oglala Lakota College, Trivia volunteered as a community advocate as well as a working as a Uplifting Parent Mentor for Catholic Social Services. Trivia was able to use her training and life experiences helping native and non native single parents achieve their higher education academic goals while receiving mentorship and support.Trivia has been a community advocate in the area of Lakota language preservation, suicide prevention, and mentor.  In 2021 Trivia volunteered as a Connecting With Our Youth -Community Response Team Volunteer and now is currently the Program Manager of the Connecting With Our Youth suicide prevention intervention Program at the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board.

A historic Papal trip to Iraq, restrictions on Traditional Latin Mass, a multi-million dollar financial scandal involving a high-ranking Vatican official and a landmark Supreme Court decision in favor of Catholic Social Services. This episode features the major stories impacting the Catholic Church and the faithful worldwide.

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel with guest Pastor Wes Reimnitz. Today's rumination topic is the recent Supreme Court ruling on a Catholic social service agency in Philadelphia. 

And another one bites the dust!  That is, another so called Christian, Evangelical organization caves in, gives up and surrenders to LGBTQ. And that would be:          BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES (BCS).  This once strong, proud fully Christian organization was one of the nation's largest Evangelical agencies involved in adoption and foster care. It held strong to Christian principles, including especially the biblical admonition that marriage as sanctioned by God and the real Christian Church was a union between ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN. That definition further extended to the definition of family where there were biblical guidelines for husband and wife, father and mother, family structure, children discipline and behavior from that one man and that one woman. In an incredible act of spiritual compromise, BCS announced they would no longer strictly abide by that biblical admonition. In fact, BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES recently announced that it would now place children in same sex households and with other families identified as LGBTQ, contrary to the direct admonitions of scripture. BCS capitulated, COMPROMISED, and caved in to the angry demands of the NEW NORMAL, the new sexual revolution and its new morality. What a tragedy and what a shame.  It should be clear to every real Christian and conservative that this new sexual orthodoxy, which champions gender identity and sexual orientation in all new ways will never be content until every facet of orthodox Christianity is excised, eradicated, ELIMINATED from the public square. These champions of radical, anti–Christian change will use every means possible to make that happen. The affect on those children, once in the tender loving Christian care of Bethany Christian Services will be life long, dramatic and entirely anti–Christian and anti–biblical requirements for child – parent.  WHY, the real question is, why did BCS compromise and capitulate. WHY! I can only wonder who on the Board of Directors of BCS were responsible and how before God and man that decision could be justified and explained. If in fact BCS continues to represent themselves as a strong Christian, evangelical organization, that decision is:          DEAD WRONG. This new sexual revolution, this new sexual orthodoxy is the heart and soul of the now and once great Democratic Party. Democrats for years have never referred to God whether in party platforms, dialogue, expressed views or political philosophy. In fact, they have not only ignored Christianity but the spiritual in general. Witness the example of House of Representatives Greg Steube, Republican from Florida who stood on the floor of the House of Representatives in late February and read from the bible book of Deuteronomy concerning the difference between male and female. This good man, brave and courageous, withstood a horrendous attack by his Democratic colleagues and in response to the alleged attack on LGBTQ, representative Jerrold Nadler, Democrat from New York, a radical, progressive, anti–Christian man in my view, said the following: “What any religious tradition describes as God's will is no concern of this Congress.” Or, especially the Democrats. It is just simply amazing to me how many Christians vote Democrat when this party and its representatives are as anti–Christian as any in the entire world. Unbelievable. Shame on Bethany Christian Services. But now stands up:          CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES (CSS). In 2018, the city of Philadelphia (where I was raised and born) issued an urgent call for help. The city announced and pleaded for 300 additional foster families to adopt what Philadelphia regarded as the “rising crisis of orphaned children.” Up stepped Catholic Social Services to meet the need. Good for them. And of course, one would think that the city would wish to partner with CSS in the hunt to find loving homes for these needy and homeless orphaned children. But, not so said Philadelphia. Only days after pleading for help in the adoption process, the city of Philadelphia and its Mayor James Kenney (a radical, progressive Democrat) froze all referrals of such orphaned children and refused to extend any especially to CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES. This good organization was stunned, as were tens of thousands of Catholics, and Protestants, and people of goodwill regardless of religious belief. STUNNED! Why, Philadelphia, why. The answer was easy. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES is, said Philadelphia, a bible – bigoted organization. CSS dares to believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Such a belief flies in the face of the new sexual revolution and morality, and of course raises the anger and hostility of LGBTQ.  And more. Catholic Social Services dares to believe that children are best served in homes with a:          MARRIED FATHER AND MOTHER, ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN. United in holy biblical matrimony. More of a response from LGBTQ and the radical – progressive haters of Christianity and in this case especially Catholic Christianity and like Bethany Christian Services, Philadelphia caved, capitulated and banned the referral of orphaned children to Catholic institutions and especially CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES. Absolutely unbelievable especially when there are so many Catholic believers and worshippers in the city of Philadelphia itself. Some even thought the Mayor himself was Catholic, even if in name only, much like Joe Biden, partaking of the blessings and the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church on the one hand, and then living the life of a politician where almost every move, decision and executive order defies, contradicts and compromises not only Catholic but all real Christian doctrine and belief. Would that men like these would be excommunicated and that real Christian and real Christian organizations would: COME YE APART AND BE SEPARATE FROM THEM FOR THEY ARE WOLVES IN SHEEPS CLOTHING.  Bethany Christian Services went the way of all compromisers. But not CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES. This good organization stood up. It refused to capitulate or compromise. But it did not stop there. This ministry challenged the city's action, and challenged Philadelphia big time. Litigation was immediately instituted and there arose the legal case of FULTON V. CITY OF PHILADELPHIA.  The actions of this once great city were discriminatory, prejudiced and anti–Constitutional, flying in the face of the First Amendment to the Constitution and more. The case was so fundamental that it made its way all the way to the United States Supreme Court (Scotus). May I urge all Christians and conservatives to watch for the result, the Supreme Court decision in the FULTON case. For the outcome of this case would affect not only CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES, but more as well. The ruling in Fulton will affect the case of Barronelle Stutzman, the florist who would not participate in homosexual weddings, and others like that courageous Colorado baker who refuses to decorate cakes for homosexual weddings and others as well who stand for their individual, First Amendment and religious rights no matter the persecution or attack.  And angry attack it is everywhere. In Finland, four thousand miles away, the former Interior Minister and leader of the Christian Democrats Paivi Rasanen dared to post a picture of the bible on the internet, opened to Romans 1: 24-27, a scriptural passage hated by LGBTQ as a warning to the EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in Finland for both supporting and joining a gay pride event, reminding this once great Evangelical church (no more) through the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans that to do so was anti–biblical. This good lady was subjected to three police interrogations which resulted in her being charged with the criminal charge of:          HATE SPEECH.  Finland's prosecutor called her actions, free speech only, derogatory and discriminatory. They issued criminal charges against her and she now faces a court hearing and if convicted, a prison sentence. The situation aroused incredible reaction from all of Finland's citizens and it will be interesting to see how free speech is in Finland as a result of this trial. But congratulations to Ms. Rasanen for her stand not only for biblical truth on the one hand, but for free speech on the other.  It is everywhere, is it not my fellow Americans, this new sexual morality and LGBTQ persecution, and attack, and anger and hatred? Have you experienced it anywhere in your life with family, friends, social organizations, church, politically, or perhaps on your local school board. Have you experienced this kind of unbelievable, hateful attack by these new sexual revolutionaries on you and traditional Christian beliefs, have you? But I do hope and pray that you recognize what is happening to all of America, and in fact much of the world. There is open hostility, and a civil warfare like WE THE PEOPLE and much of the world at large have never seen before. May you have the courage, the conviction to stand for your beliefs, to stand for Christian values, and morals, and biblical principles no matter the cost. For the fight of faith is on, and it is time to find out who is a real Christian and ready as scripture demands to lay:          ALL ON THE ALTER. Are you? Pray for Bethany Christian Services and perhaps they will see the light, the Christian light and reverse their horrendous open adoption decision. And pray for Catholic social services, that they may prevail in the Fultoncase for they, like the Little Sisters of the Poor in Pittsburgh, are one strong example of an uncompromising Christian organization. What a world. Thank you, THANK YOU for standing up. Please do it now more than ever. 

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Fulton v. Philadelphia, a crucial religious liberty case whose outcome could determine the ability of faith-based foster care and adoption providers to continue serving consistent with their convictions. The ERLC filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case in support of Catholic Social Services. In this episode, Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow welcome Lori Windham, the Becket attorney who argued before the Court on behalf of foster moms and Catholic Social Services, to discuss the case.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Matthis. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com. Guest BiographyLori Windham is Senior Counsel at Becket Fund, where she has represented clients on cutting-edge religious freedom issues since 2005. She has represented parties before the Supreme Court, including Becket's victories in Hosanna-Tabor, Hobby Lobby, and Little Sisters of the Poor. Lori is a graduate of Harvard Law School and earned her B.A. summa cum laude at Abilene Christian University.Resources from the ConversationConnect with the Lori Windham on Twitter | @LoriWindham1Connect with the Becket Fund on Twitter | @becketlawRead more: Explainer: What you need to know about Fulton v. PhiladelphiaGo deeper: What happened at the SCOTUS case on foster care and religious liberty?Read more: Christians, Let's Pray for President-Elect Joe Biden by Russell MooreCheck out The Good Book CompanySubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter