Why I Lead

In the Gospel of Matthew*, Jesus calls us directly to serve those in need by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger and more. This Gospel message is near to the heart of Fr. Larry Hoffmann, Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors member, who strives to live this out every day.

Fr. Hoffmann was introduced to Catholic Charities shortly after his ordination. As a priest, he expressed one of his favorite things is getting to be with people as they experience God, particularly through the sacraments. He enjoys helping people and serving those in need. He explained this type of ministry shares strong similarities to the work Catholic Charities does.

“There is an important connection with the people in need and the mission of the Church to provide care and compassion for people,” said Fr. Hoffmann. “The mission of Catholic Charities to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families is to meet the needs of others in a direct way.”

After being assigned to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines in 1993, Father’s involvement with the organization grew.

“Two days after I was assigned to St. Anthony’s we had a big flood,” said Fr. Hoffmann. “I got involved with helping distribute financial support to people affected by the flood through Catholic Charities.”

After this, Fr. Hoffmann continued his involvement by joining the Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors. He has served multiple terms, giving of his leadership and guidance and helping direct and grow the organization. He is a current board member and assists on the Catholic Charities’ Program Committee. He is grateful to be involved in this and enjoys helping the organization grow.

In addition to his board involvement, Fr. Hoffmann also gives of his time to the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry, by volunteering every Wednesday.

“When I retired I thought about Matthew’s Gospel and looked at how I could get involved,” said Fr. Hoffmann. “I decided I needed to be doing something more hands-on that would let that Gospel be directly a part of my life.”

Father explained he enjoys going to the food pantry to work alongside other volunteers and interact with clients. He is also impressed at the amount of food rescue the program is able to do to help combat food insecurity in our community.

He encourages others to get involved with Catholic Charities and hopes more people will join this ministry to serve others who are in need of help.

“Catholic Charities provides a direct ministry to people who are struggling,” said Fr. Hoffmann. “The organization has many opportunities for people to get involved, whether through donations or volunteering.”

For more information on how you can get involved and support the mission at Catholic Charities, contact Director of Development, Bobbi Jo Smith at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.

*Matthew 25: 35-40: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous* will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’