By Diane Luetgeb-Munson,
A few years ago I wrote our winter appeal, sharing with you the story of a guest who had left a mark on our houses. After staying with us for extended periods of time on two different occasions, he was moving on. Surprisingly, within the past year, our friend has reappeared and carved himself out a place within the Bethany House once again. In the years that I have known him we have both been through a litany of life’s twists and turns and have found ourselves returning time and again to the Catholic Worker, where our relationship has its roots.
Another friend and former Bethany House guest recently joined Michael and I for dinner at our home. As our afternoon progressed it became clear through his stories that the Bethany House has remained the central pillar in his life, long after he has moved out of the house. Though the outside world would label his life a success- reintegration to society following addiction and imprisonment- there remain big holes in his day to day life that he has only been able to fill within the walls of the Catholic Worker.
Both of these men contribute to the spirit of the Bethany House in such profound ways. I realize that they regularly do the work of hospitality for all those who walk through the door, because they have the ability to not only offer a compassionate ear to others, but also to fully relate to the struggles of poverty, addiction and mental illness in a way that many of us cannot. They have both learned what it is to live at the Catholic Worker as guests, and yet seem to have embraced the work in their own lives in the ways that they are able.
The Catholic Worker, at its best, becomes a place where we can all work to become better at being human. Watching guests wade through the murky times of recovery, only to see them walk with someone else through their dark days is nothing short of miraculous. It is a balancing act of sorts, where we all need one another in different ways and we all have something to give. We all need to be reminded that we are broken and in need and yet have experience and talents to share with others.
We deeply appreciate what you have done to build this place into what it is now. It is your dream and dedication that fuels the work of these houses. It is your generosity that keeps the lights on and the plumbing fixed. It is your talent and innovation that puts dinner on the table and paint on the walls. It is your faith that buoys our guests and live-in community alike. Without you this place is no more. Thank you for the spirit and life that you offer this community. Thank you for making these two houses into something different- something revolutionary and countercultural and yet logical and inviting.
Know that we need you now more than ever. Our bank account has never been this sparse for this long. We are looking ahead to winter heating bills that get larger every year. Monetary donations are not arriving with the regularity that we were once accustomed to. We are humbled, and we are asking for your help. We know how to do with less, and we will, but please help us keep our houses warm and our lights on. With your help and support this work will go on and these houses will continue to be a haven for those who need them most.