By Molly Keene Smith
As Director of the Office of Mission Advancement for the Archdiocese of Louisville, I attend a meeting each quarter where directors from all the different agencies in the Archdiocese meet as a group with Archbishop Shelton. We share with him, and with each other, the things that we and our staff have been working on, including recent and upcoming events, new/ongoing initiatives, our outreach and assistance to parishes, etc. I always find myself listening with a real sense of amazement as each director talks about the work their agency is doing to advance the mission of the Archdiocese: to proclaim and live the good news of Jesus Christ.
As you may know, funding for all of these ministries and services comes primarily from the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). People sometimes tell me they don’t give to the CSA because they don’t know what the money is used for or they don’t think it helps their parish, so I often think to myself at these meetings, I wish every parishioner in the Archdiocese could be seated at this table and listen to these incredible accounts of service and love of neighbor that are happening each day all across Central Kentucky and in every parish.
There is no doubt in my mind that hearing the reports shared by each agency director at our meetings about all the GOOD being done in this Archdiocese would change minds and hearts and result in a record breaking 2024 Catholic Services Appeal!
So, after discussion with my team, an idea began to take root. What if we videotaped the various agency directors one by one and asked them to share in their own words what they and their team members do on a daily basis? The videos would be brief, but would provide insight and specifics regarding all the good works being done and all the lives being impacted, about which many people are simply unaware.
When I asked my fellow agency directors to participate in this video project, they were gracious (despite some being a bit camera shy) and generously gave of their time to show up in our makeshift video “studio” to talk on camera about the work their agencies do. These leaders are truly passionate about the mission. They work for the Church because they find joy and great fulfillment in doing so. They are also very proud of their staff members and were overflowing with praise for the impactful ministry their teams accomplish every day with limited resources.
We decided to call these short videos “CSA Spotlights.” Our hope is that they will shine a spotlight on the many ministries and services funded by the appeal. Those of us who work alongside these directors see the difference being made in so many lives on a daily basis. We want to share what we see with you!
Over the next several weeks, you will see these CSA Spotlight videos being shared on the Archdiocese’s social media channels. I hope you will watch them and that they will inspire you as I am daily inspired in my role here at the Archdiocese of Louisville. After you watch, please hit the “Share” button and spread the good news! After all, isn’t that what we are called to do by Jesus Himself? As this year’s CSA theme echoes, Jesus said: As the Father has sent Me, so I send you. When you make a gift to the Catholic Services Appeal, at whatever level you are able, you are answering this call and furthering our shared mission. As Archbishop Shelton says, “We are all in this TOGETHER.” Thank you for your great generosity and your faithful support!
Below is Deacon Denny Nash’s CSA Spotlight video. Deacon Nash is the Director of the Diaconate Office.
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