Where I Stand — Brian Greenspun: Helping hand at home

Thursday, April 10, 2003 | 9:05 a.m.

IT WAS the best of times, it was the worst of times ...

With those words, Charles Dickens created a masterpiece called "A Tale of Two Cities." It has been a best seller and a literary obligation ever since.

With those same words, Monsignor Patrick Leary created a picture Wednesday night of the state of welfare services in Clark County that cried out for community support in a way that focused everyone present to pay heed to the work done by Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. And the work yet to be done.

While it has not necessarily been easy to watch the war in Iraq, with its real-time battles and its real-life stories of heroism, depravity, selfishness and selflessness, the fact of the matter is that the armed forces of the United States of America have proven themselves worthy, once again, of battle and of winning ... the war and the peace. Americans and most other peace and freedom-loving people across the globe have cheered on the coalition troops as they have steadfastly moved throughout Iraq toward the ultimate prize -- Baghdad and the change of regimes from Saddam Hussein to something much better.

It has been easy to focus on the war and nothing else simply because nothing else has caused so much concern worldwide and so much intensity of opinion from all parts of the globe. The thought of our young men and women halfway around the world in the middle of harm's way has been enough to cause television sets to run nonstop in homes and workplaces across the land. All manner of conversations have taken place since the war started and none have failed to mention the war, its prosecution and its purpose. We are, as a nation, consumed.

But, as the Most Reverend Joseph Pepe, bishop of Nevada, told the assembled group of Nevadans at the home of Vicki and Frank Fertitta, there are many here at home who need our help and who need the hope that only our charitable side can provide. That is why Jeanne Kilduff has worked so hard on behalf of Catholic Charities to make sure that the resources are available to provide not only the worldly help but also the spiritual hope that all human beings need, especially during the worst of times.

Catholic Charities has been helping people of all faiths and all beliefs for the past 60 years. Msgr. Leary was quick to point out for all of us who care about such things, that long before there was ever something known as a faith-based system of communuity care, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada was acting in concert with local valley entities to provide essential services that government was either unwilling or unable to provide.

So whether it is a belief in the commands of the scriptures, which dictate help to those more needy and less fortunate among us, or whether it is simply a belief in that which makes man more human, the simple truth is that organizations like Catholic Charities have not only a place in this world but an exalted and enviable one at that.

You don't have to be too much of a softy to be taken in by the kind of figures that Msgr. Leary described as successes. We all want to believe that life can be better, not only for ourselves and our families but also for those whose lives can be touched in an indelibly positive way.

Think about the impact on tomorrow we will have because over 50 young children were placed into loving adoptive homes. Not only will the kids grow up with the comfort and security of being loved and cared for, but also the parents will know family for perhaps the first time. That is what you call a win-win, and in the world of adoptions each one is a grand slam.

And what about the work of the various dining facilities operated by the Catholic Charities? Over 1 million meals will be served to homeless men, women and children as well as those families who have sought shelter and the protective care that most likely means the difference between life and death.

Elderly women, alone for the first time in their lives and many unexpectedly so, are given the kind of loving care that they not only deserve but also that probably makes the difference between whether they care or not about their lives. Homeless men who need shelter, a job and a place to get themselves back on their feet are also given aid and shelter where none is available because of government cutbacks or neglect.

Simply put, organizations like Catholic Charities provide the ways and means for the rest of us to give meaning and purpose to our own lives. It matters not what religious denomination of the giving agency is. It matters only that it gives at a time when people need the help.

If we are embarking on a century of the best of times, it is imperative that we don't forget those who are still trying to deal with the worst of times in their own lives. War abroad is one thing, to be sure. Survival at home is something entirely different.

The Department of Defense appears more than capable of handling the war part. The work at home is another story. Just ask the bishop and all the rest of the people who toil for the benefit of others.

We may be on the verge of proclaiming that we live in the best of times. Who knows? But what we do know is that for so many people the worst of times are not yet over. That was the bishop's message. We will all be better people if we take heed.