DODGE CITY — For half a century, Catholic Social Service in the Diocese of Dodge City has served people in need in southwest Kansas regardless of religious, ethnic, cultural or racial background or age.
To celebrate this golden milestone, Catholic Social Service is beginning this year of reflection, celebration and thanksgiving by hosting a 50th Anniversary Mass and Luncheon at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 3231 N. 14th Street in Dodge City on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 at 11 a.m. Bishop John B. Brungardt will be the principal celebrant.
“Everyone is invited,” said Rebecca Ford,  at CHS in Great Bend. “This is an opportunity for everyone in the Catholic Social Service family to come together. Regardless of whether you have adopted a child or received other services through our agency, or you donate, volunteer and support our mission in other ways, we invite you to join us in celebrating and giving thanks for the accomplishments of the past 50 years.” Guests may attend the Mass and lunch, or just the lunch. RSVP at www.catholicsocialservice.org by Nov. 26. Guests may also RSVP by calling 620-792-1393, or by emailing rford@catholicsocialservice.org.
The ministry began when Father Walter Weiss investigated the need for a Catholic Social Service agency in the Dodge City Diocese as part of his Masters program at Catholic University of America. After finishing his social work degree, Fr. Weiss returned to the Diocese, and with Bishop Forst’s blessing, he began to invite a group of people to organize a Board of Directors for a possible agency. On March 15, 1965, Catholic Social Service formally opened its doors at 1012 Washington in Great Bend.
“Over the past 50 years, thousands of lives have been positively impacted here in southwest Kansas as a result of the agency and its staff, board members, volunteers and donors,” said Debbie Snapp, executive director of Catholic Social Service. “Because of the work and foresight of those who helped to initiate this agency and its activities half a century ago, children have grown up in loving adoptive ‘forever’ homes, the hungry have been fed, the homeless have found shelter, individuals and families caught in the grip of addictions have found healing, and those facing a lifetime of poverty have achieved goals and self-sufficiency.”
To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, Catholic Social Service will be holding festivities throughout the year in Dodge City, Garden City and Great Bend.
More information about these events will be available at www.catholicsocialservice.org.