Many parishioners grab a bulletin when Sunday Mass ends to learn about upcoming parish celebrations and activities. It turns out that thumbing through the bulletin can also lead to a job opportunity.
That’s the experience of some recently hired Catholic Charities of Long Island employees. And Kim Parbst, director of Senior Services, thought the trend could be a good blog topic.
She thinks the mission of Catholic Charities can be an extension of their lives as active parishioners. “Are they coming to us looking to fulfill the mission we have, Care with Dignity, Life with Hope? Are they able to meet people where they are and help them in some way?
“This is what we do at Catholic Charities.”
Sally Hopkins, of Holy Spirit parish in New Hyde Park, had been looking for a part-time position to “keep herself busy with something she could feel good about” after her second daughter entered college.
She found that and more at the Charities’ Senior Center in Franklin Square, where she has worked daily since September 2022 as a recreation aide. She sets up trivia contests, bingo, cornhole and other games, serves meals and spends time with a group of seniors that number from 30 to 50.
“We care about them, and they know it,” she said. “We like to make them feel special.”
Walter Tully wasn’t looking for a job when he saw the bulletin listing at Our Lady of Peace parish in Lynbrook. He already had a position with a Fortune 500 company as a senior account manager. He began as a volunteer driver with Catholic Charities’ Nassau Meals on Wheels program.
When another driver retired in early summer 2023, Tully began to consider five-day-a-week part-time employment. He had been attending Mass very regularly and moving closer to God. His impending retirement on Aug. 1 caused him to reflect on his legacy. “None of us can change the world,” he said. “I wanted to change my own corner of it.”
He began working for Catholic Charities on Aug. 7. Loading up meals at the Freeport office, his rounds take him to Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Merrick as well as Freeport, depending on the day.
The role involves much more than delivering food. An elderly female client told him his impending arrival causes her to get out of bed and into her chair to await his arrival.
His tasks can extend to pulling in empty garbage cans from the curb. “I love the contact and the conversation with people,” Tully said.