Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) recently held a "Sustainability Open House" on April 24, during Earth Week, at their site in Lincoln. The event drew participation from families, educators, and community members who engaged in various activities aimed at promoting care for the environment in line with Catholic social teaching.

The open house featured interactive activities such as a coloring contest, nature exhibits, and bee-keeping demonstrations. Attendees enjoyed local food from food trucks and explored the CSS Community Garden, which exemplifies the organization’s sustainability practices.

A notable moment was the visit from Bishop James Conley who, along with Poe Dee, CSS director of refugee resettlement, blessed the community garden. This garden is designed as a space where refugee families resettled by CSS can cultivate crops.

“This initiative not only supports sustainable living but also fosters healing, empowerment, and belonging for newly arrived families,” said Dee.

Bishop Conley's blessing coincided with a light rain, noted by attendee Brenda Roerty as a significant and symbolic occurrence.

In addition to the garden blessing, the event included consultations with science teachers from Lincoln Catholic schools. Jamie Carson, CSS sustainability director, highlighted the collaborative efforts, saying, “We worked as a team to engage youth creatively, including in experiential learning at the open house.”

Participants were also invited to review and comment on CSS’s Sustainability Plan, providing a platform for community input on the organization’s future sustainability efforts.

“Commitment to sustainability has existed for a long time at CSS,” Carson stated, pointing to the operations of their thrift stores as an example of their sustainable practices.

The event in Lincoln marks the start of a larger initiative by CSS to promote sustainability in southern Nebraska. Plans include additional outreach efforts in Auburn, Hastings, and Imperial.

“We were honored to share this space with so many passionate individuals,” Carson added. “From the bishop’s blessing to community feedback on our sustainability plan, this event was a beautiful example of how faith, stewardship, and community come together to build a better future.”