The Diocese of Lexington Kentucky is nestled among the Appalachian mountains, a region of extremes, both in its striking beauty and its poverty. In fact, rates of poverty are among the highest in the U.S.
Grimly, life has only become more difficult in the pandemic, especially for the growing Hispanic community where language barriers and immigration status create additional stress.
Though Catholics account for just 3 percent of the population, Catholic churches have a big presence here as beacons of faith and service to others.
Sister Clara Fehringer, OSU, works with families at one such parish—Historic St. Paul, a welcoming Catholic parish located in the heart of Lexington.
A member of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, she ministers to those who often go unseen. She learns their struggles, their hopes and their dreams.
“I had heard many requests for assistance for food, rent, payment for utility bills, and school supplies,” she said.
She was grateful to receive $1,000 through Sisters on the Frontlines. The initiative aims to give $1,000 to 1,000 Catholic sisters to help families hurt by the pandemic.
She found seven families who would most benefit from this gift. Each differs in how they are struggling, so Sister Fehringer found unique ways to bring them hope, comfort and smiles.
Here are the families she helped:
José is a single dad raising his 3-year-old daughter, Adelina. He is an undocumented immigrant, and works hard to give his daughter a loving home. Due to the pandemic, he lost his job as a dishwasher for several months. He returned to work for two weeks, then was laid off once again after a worker tested positive for COVID-19.
Sister Fehringer knew of his struggles, and used Sisters on the Frontlines funding to help him pay his rent.
Maria and her son, Jonathan received help to pay for their utility bill as well as school clothes and drumsticks. When Sister Fehringer thanked them for sending the picture, Jonathan responded:
No, thank you and the people who made it possible to help my mom.”
Flor is raising three children—two teenagers and a 4-year-old. A gift card assisted her with food and other necessities.
Digna not only lost her job in a restaurant when everything closed; she was also recently diagnosed with cancer. She received gift certificates to purchase food and household supplies for her and her 15-year-old daughter.
Magdalena has not been able to work outside the home because she has children who are homebound at this time. Sister Fehringer used the funding to give her a gift card for groceries.
Roberto’s mother, who works as a residential cleaner, has been experiencing very limited employment during the pandemic. She is doing all she can to keep Roberto in the Catholic school he loves so much. With Sister Fehringer’s help, she was able to pay his school fees. He has been continuing his education virtually.
Bernardo lost income when his work on a horse farm became limited during the pandemic. A gift certificate for food gave his family some support.
Writing to Catholic Extension Society, Sister Fehringer said,
“It is with humble gratitude that I say ‘thank you’ for the opportunity to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need. Each of them was so grateful for the assistance. Through my encounters with them I learned a wonderful lesson on what it means to walk by faith, trusting that God will provide.”
I continue to pray for those who gave of their stewardship so that others might find a reason to hope. Truly, we are the Body of Christ.”
As the pandemic continues, so does the Sisters on the Frontlines initiative. Contributions to this program bring relief, joy and renewed faith to those among us who are so adversely affected.
Find out more about this program on the Sisters on the Frontlines webpage.
Give today to help Catholic sisters provide emergency assistance to families in need.
