Southern Nebraska Register
The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln’s “One Book + One Diocese” program is returning for the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025.
Instead of one book, though, the program will feature four short books by Father Jacques Philippe. One book will be read each quarter, followed by an evening of discussion, featuring a reflection on the books by a priest. The events will be held in different parts of the diocese.
The program is being coordinated by Jeff Schinstock, director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, and Dennis Kellogg, the director of the Office of Communications for the diocese. Schinstock and Kellogg will be a part of the local presentations and lead the discussions, which will be livestreamed or recorded for those who cannot attend in person.
Schinstock said this is the time for all to focus on prayer and relationships.
“The jubilee year is a time for us to re-establish relationships with each other and with God,” he said. “It’s a great time to come together as a diocese and work together on deepening our prayer lives.”
In addition to the jubilee year, Kellogg said an ongoing program in the diocese encourages all to learn more about the Catholic faith in order to take more away from Mass. He said the “One Book + One Diocese” initiative is another way to do that.
“Our ‘Prepare and Proclaim: Enriching our Mass Experience’ program calls us to draw even closer to God before, during and after Mass,” Kellogg said. The books chosen for “One Book + One Diocese” are “classics that will enrich our spiritual life and prepare us to ‘go and announce the Gospel.’”
Father Jacques Philippe is a member of the Community of the Beatitudes in France. His books have sold more than a million copies in 24 languages.
The first Father Philippe book the diocese will read this year is “Time for God,” in which Father Philippe explains the foundational principles for a healthy prayer life and gives advice for overcoming the various obstacles that can arise.
The book discussion will feature a reflection by Father Jay Buhman, pastor of All Saints Parish in Holdrege. It will be held at All Saints Thursday, April 3* at 6 p.m.
Subsequent books in this year’s “One Book + One Diocese” program will be “Searching for and Maintaining Peace,” with a book discussion by Father Benjamin Holdren of St. Gregory the Great Seminary June 10* in Seward; “Fire and Light: Learning to Receive the Gift of God” with reflections by Father Adam Sughroue of Presentation Parish in Bellwood Aug. 16 at a site to be determined; and “Interior Freedom” with the book discussion led by Father Ryan Kaup, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center in Lincoln Nov. 21 in Lincoln.
Bishop James Conley selected the books that will be read this year. Schinstock said there is so much to learn from the writings of Father Philippe.
“Jacques Philippe is a master in the spiritual life and when we want to learn something we go to somebody who has real expertise. He’s guided so many to deeper relationships with our Lord it was a natural place for us to go,” Schinstock said.
All of Father Philippe’s books being featured in the “One Book + One Diocese” program this year are available for purchase through Gloria Deo Bookstore. Books can be purchased at the store in Lincoln in person, or ordered online through a dedicated link: bit.ly/DioceseLincolnOBOD. The books can be purchased individually for a total price of $52.80, or as a bundle of all four books at a discounted price of $45.00.
Editors Note: Click here for more Diocese of Lincoln Jubilee 2025 Resources. The livestream for each talk will be available at the Diocese of Lincoln YouTube page, subscribe to be notified.
* Date changes from the original schedule.
