Seeing service in a new light

by Mike Sheehy | December 19, 2024

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, serves with a mission to empower individuals and strengthen families.

I am pleased to now serve as executive director of this mission-centered organization.

As a parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Urbandale, I have always known about Catholic Charities and the work they do in the community. Now, I get to see first-hand the impact every one of our programs has on our neighbors in need.

I was given the opportunity to volunteer at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry shortly after I started. It was a great experience serving clients alongside our dedicated volunteers, some of whom are my fellow parishioners.

I was surprised to learn that 600-700 bags of food are given out every day and even more individuals are impacted through the monthly program. The food pantry is a lively place that brings us the opportunity to serve those in need as Christ did.

Recently, I visited the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program in Council Bluffs. I was blown away by the dedication of the team and everything they do to serve survivors across nine counties in southwest Iowa.

I gained a new perspective on just how vital programs like this are for those who are hurting.

Before starting at Catholic Charities, I knew the most about the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter because my wife and I provide a monthly meal to those living in the shelter. This is something we are grateful to continue to do, now with an inside look at the difference these meals make.

I am inspired by everything these families are doing to rebuild their lives.

I am also constantly impressed by the work the Catholic Charities Refugee Services team does for our refugee clients who are escaping persecution to start anew in Des Moines. I had the opportunity to welcome a family to Des Moines and it was heartwarming to see a family reunited and excited for their new life here in Iowa.

There is no doubt of the immense good Catholic Charities does for our Diocese. There is a consistent and growing need for programs like the ones we offer. Our clients receive life-changing care that supports them in their time of struggle.

Catholic Charities has a great history of rising to meet the needs of our community. I am pleased to be a part of this great legacy of serving the most vulnerable and looking at ways to address the new needs we are seeing.

I encourage others to get involved with Catholic Charities to see first-hand the great impact we have on the community.

You will be impressed by the nimbleness of the organization and the passion with which the staff and volunteers serve.

An hour of your time as a volunteer, a financial donation during this end-of-year giving season, or a contribution of necessities to our programs are all ways you can serve through Catholic Charities.

More information can be found at catholiccharitiesdm.org/get-involved.