“Brothers and sisters:

I know how to live in humble circumstances;

I know also how to live with abundance.

In every circumstance and in all things

I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry,

of living in abundance and of being in need. 

I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 

Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

My God will fully supply whatever you need,

in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.”

After my parents’ divorce, mom moved us back to Louisville and got a job as a teller at a local savings and loan. We lived in a two bedroom apartment in Shively until my grandfather co-signed on a mortgage and we moved into a 950 square foot three bedroom house in PRP. We hung a sheet in the hallway so that the small window unit air conditioner in my moms bedroom could keep both of our rooms somewhat cool in the summer. We didn’t have cable for years, the washing machine would overflow regularly (causing an all hands on deck cleanup), and we received the gift of a microwave when I was a junior in high school (remarkably, it’s the same microwave my mom still uses 32 years later). I never lacked, or knew I lacked, for anything. In my mom’s love, I felt secure. In the generosity of families from St. Polycarp, I was able to go to school there from 4th through 8th grade and had another family watch me after school each day. Because of a partial academic scholarship, my mom could (barely) afford to send me to Holy Cross High School. The volunteers at Boy Scout Troop 148 gave me a place to grow, develop good friendships, and encounter adults who were both role models and mentors. Amazing teachers invested in me and my talents, drawing out my potential. 

It took a few years, but I began to recognize and appreciate the sacrifice of so many on my behalf. There were thousands of acts of kindness, generosity, and love that provided opportunities I would have otherwise never had. I am who I am and am where I am because of the goodness of others. They were good stewards, supporting the work of church, school, and scouts from their financial resources, their own talents and abilities, and their significant dedication of time. They were generous. From their own limitations, they gave sacrificially in every way. From their blessings, they blessed me. I am profoundly grateful. The world, or at least my world, is better because of them. They made a concrete difference in my life. God’s providence worked through them and, way before I was aware of it, their generosity planted the seeds of my own relationship with God and my vocation as a priest. They demonstrated in tangible ways that we are not simply blessed for ourselves. God blesses us so that we may be a blessing for others. Looking back at my life gives me gratitude and gratitude is the beginning of generosity. 

Each year, the Catholic Services Appeal asks for free will financial offerings to support the wider ministry, beyond our parish family, of the Archdiocese of Louisville. I encourage you to take this opportunity to make a concrete difference in the lives of others. Freely you have received, so freely give. Begin with gratitude. Look back and see where others have made a difference in your own life. Then ask God, “What do you want to do through me to support this year’s CSA?” Your generosity will change lives, create opportunities, and have a tangible impact. We are blessed in order to be a blessing and we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us. I am already grateful for your response! God bless you!