By Andrew Winter
1.
Charles and John Carroll were distant cousins and prominent Catholics crucial to the founding era of the United States. Charles, born in 1737, became the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence; John, born 1735, was the first bishop of the United States.
By Fr. Kenneth Hoesing
Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Harvard, Hispanic Ministry
A few weeks after I arrived at my current assignment almost two years ago, I had the opportunity to perform a baptism—a triple baptism nonetheless—for a family in my parish. This family’s roots are in Mexico. The parents were born in Mexico, but came to the United States when they were young children.
After the baptisms were done, there was a celebration at the home of the paternal grandparents of the baptized. This was a big celebration. The great-grandmother of the baptized came in from Mexico. Many generations of the family were present. Needless to say, there were a lot of people there. Tables were set up in the garage, and outside the garage to accommodate the crowd.
by Veronica Pino
St. Gianna Program Director
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
I recently had the joy of attending Mass with one of our St. Gianna Women Home (SGWH) residents and her son. It was the woman’s first time attending Mass in 16 years. It was a very special occasion, and one I’m incredibly thankful to have been a part of. While I’ve often had the opportunity to pray with residents or guide Bible studies at St. Gianna’s, being able to join them for Mass in the community is an opportunity that is not often presented to me.
By Marion Miner
In his column two weeks ago, Tom Venzor addressed the central question at the heart of Magnifica Humanitas: “What is man, that God is mindful of him?” (Psalm 8.) And the answer: “God said, let us make man in our own image, after our likeness, and let him have dominion. … So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.” (Genesis 1:26-27.)
By Sr. Jeanette Rerucha,
Principal, Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children
When I was first asked to write this column, I had no idea that I would no longer be the principal of Villa Marie School at the time of this writing. But God’s plans are not always our plans, and I am grateful for an opportunity to share some parting thoughts about my time at Villa Marie with God’s most precious children.
By Andrew Winter
1.
Born in 1478, Sir Thomas More led a respectable career as a statesman and judge. He served as speaker of the House of Commons as well as Lord Chancellor of England. He was also an excellent husband and father.
By Sr. Mary Ruth
School Sisters of Christ the King
Priests and lay faithful from across the Diocese of Lincoln and beyond often express their desire to me, and to my fellow School Sisters of Christ the King, that our Sisters could serve in their parishes and schools. Religious do maintain a relatively strong presence in the apostolates of our diocese as compared to elsewhere in the United States. However, we are still only able to say “yes” to a small fraction of the requests we receive. We simply do not have enough Sisters to bring in the abundant harvest.
By Jeff Schinstock
Director of evangelization and catechesis
The summer of 2000 changed my life.
At the time, I had just finished college. God had stirred my heart to a return home in the Church. I was considering law schools and discerning my future when an invitation to something more arrived. Friends, seeing the Lord’s work in my heart, asked me to considering doing Totus Tuus in the summer. I had never heard of it.
The Church was celebrating the Great Jubilee Year. I was being asked to catechize youth across Kansas. I could not have known then that a simple “yes” to six weeks of missionary work would become one of the defining moments of my life.
By Katie Patrick
The Monday after we left the hospital without our daughter, my husband Ryan and I went to evening Mass at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. When Mass ended, Father Wylie came straight to our pew. He sat quietly beside us and began to pray.
Imogen’s unexpected death never caused me to question my faith, but it was one of the darkest moments of my life. Father Wylie’s presence that evening—his prayers, his quiet hope, his reminder of our enduring love for Imogen—shaped how I learned to carry both grief and motherhood in the days that followed. “She made you parents, and you will be her parents forever,” he said. It was in those moments that I understood something deeper about spiritual fatherhood.
By Tom Venzor
One of my favorite passages in Sacred Scripture comes from Psalm 8: “What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, put all things at his feet.”
This evidence of Divine Revelation affirms the supreme dignity of the human person. We are made “in the image and likeness of God.” God looks on us and says we are “very good.” God has a particular love for the human person. The human person cannot be stripped of this dignity. Our infinite and invaluable worth, in the eyes of God, cannot be reduced to anything less than this magnificent reality.
By Andrew Winter
1.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus began as early as the second century. Saints Gregory the Great, Bernard of Clairvaux, and Anselm all supported it. Likewise, devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary dates back at least to the 15th century, but St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and St. John Eudes definitively popularized these two devotions in the 17th century.
By Natalie Bender
Photojournalist serving the Register
Since my first photo assignment for the Southern Nebraska Register, I’ve covered hundreds of events. But one ongoing assignment is becoming my favorite: the “Sunday at” feature. It’s sent me to 14 parishes so far, and I look forward to visiting more.
By Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
For priests and laity alike, April and May are full of constant activity, yet full of life, excitement, and hope. God’s Providence continually marks the times and seasons.
By Andrew Winter
1. Joan of Arc, called in France “la Pucelle,” or “the Maid,” was born in 1412. As one of five peasant children, she received little education, but at age 13, she began hearing “voices,” and was visited by St. Michael, St. Margaret, and St. Catherine of Alexandria. They were calling her to save France from the English invasions of the Hundred Years’ War.
By Levi Baus,
Director, Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA)
During this academic year, the Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA) received several batches of letters from the fifth and sixth grade CCD classes at St. Mary Church in Sutton. Thanks go out to Mrs. Tracy Galusha for spearheading this effort.
By Sr. Bernadette Radek, M.S.
Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln
Yes, we are all guilty of it: reminiscing. I have some beautiful memories of the month of May: The month of our Blessed Mother, May crowning, my parents both had birthdays in May, and I could go on and on. My most fond memory is that of receiving my first Holy Communion in the month of May at the hands of our pastor, Rev. James Gilroy in Geneva.
By Andrew Winter
1.
There are currently five U.S. bishops who were born in the Diocese of Lincoln and/or have served as priests for the diocese*. They are: Bishop John Folda, Bishop Emeritus Michael Jackels, Bishop Emeritus Thomas Olmsted, Bishop Emeritus Kenneth Steiner, and Bishop Robert Vasa.
By Rachael Tvrdy
Director of Family Life and Discipleship
Summertime is around the bend, and it’s the ideal season for families to slow down and relax into longer and slower days. Yet for many families, summer is anything but relaxing. In fact, it can become more hectic than the school year as parents scramble to find activities to fill days that are no longer structured in a classroom. Kids can no longer be bored, and constantly are looking to parents to keep them entertained. Parents feel that strain more than ever, and often turn to devices to take the edge off.
Whatever happened to those “lazy, hazy days of summer?”
By April Boellstorff
Regional Director in Auburn, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
I often find myself reflecting on the profound words of our executive director, Katie Patrick: “One of the most powerful moments is when someone who once came to us in need becomes the one giving back. That transformation from receiving to becoming help is at the heart of everything we do.”
By Andrew Winter
1. Before its official establishment as a diocese, the Nebraska Territory had three bishops who presided over it as a vicariate: Bishop John Baptist Miege, S.J., Bishop James O’Gorman, O.C.S.O., and Bishop James O’Connor. It has also had many apostolic administrators who have managed the bishopric while the office of bishop was absent. Apostolic administrators of Lincoln include: Father Michael A. Shine, Msgr. Albert Petrasch, Msgr. Alois J. Klein, Msgr. Francis A. O’Brien, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, and Archbishop George Lucas.
By Marilu Cazares
Family Support Services
Program Manager, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
“What does it feel like to be a mother?”
“What does it truly mean to be a mother?”
“How does a mother come to love her child so deeply?”
These were the questions that I asked myself for 13 years, before motherhood became part of my story.
By Andrew Winter
1.
The first deacons of the Catholic Church were ordained by the Apostles shortly after Pentecost. Their names were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas.
By Miranda Schumacher
Development Officer at CSS Hastings
One of my favorite days of the year is just around the corner—Give Hastings Day. It is a day that showcases our community’s generosity as neighbors come together to support local nonprofits and strengthen the place we all call home. Each year, I am amazed at what Hastings can accomplish in just 24 hours.
Catholic Social Services is excited to participate again this year on May 7, with all proceeds benefiting our Open Table Sack Lunch Program.
Open Table provides free sack lunches to an average of 100 people every day. With a “no questions asked” approach, we serve everyone with dignity, compassion, and care.
By Cathy Blankenau Bender
Editor-in-Chief
I participated in a Catholic Media Association webinar last week about evangelizing through media. Gretchen Crowe, editor-in-chief of OSV News, began the webinar saying we live in a noisy and polarized landscape, and Catholic journalists, therefore, can play a vital role: to inform and to inspire.
The average homily in America’s Catholic churches lasts about eight minutes, she pointed out. Compared to all one could learn about the Catholic Faith, and all the questions that arise about how to apply the faith and live it out today? “Eight minutes a week is not enough.”
by Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great Seminary;
Director of Seminarians
Last week, one of our seniors spoke at a gathering of seminary supporters and family members about his experience at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, over his last four years of formation here. He noted that, although he could speak about the various important parts of seminary formation, including academics and pastoral formation, he wanted to focus on one thing. He said, “I have learned how to love at St. Gregory’s.”
By Andrew Winter
Catherine of Siena’s feast day is April 29.
By Veronica Barreto Rosa
St. Gianna Program Specialist
I encountered this verse while reading the Second Epistle of St. Peter, and it has stayed with me as I have tried to understand what it truly means to trust in God’s timing: “With the Lord a day can mean a thousand years, and a year can be like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8.
It is a simple idea to express, yet far more difficult to live out in daily life.
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
As farmers find themselves back in the fields, laboring with Christ the Eternal Sower, sowing good seed during this planting season, Saturday (April 25) is a special date within the Church’s annual liturgical calendar.
April 25 is not only the feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, but also another important liturgical celebration. Tomorrow marks the Major Rogation day. Relatedly, Minor Rogation days occur on the three days before Ascension Thursday. (The Major Rogation date has no connection with the feast of St. Mark, whose feast was subsequently assigned to this date; the feast may be transferred to a different day.)
By Sr. Edith Marie
School Sisters of Christ the King
During these Easter days the Church proclaims: Christ is Risen. Our King is victorious. One of my favorite Easter hymns is “Ye Sons and Daughters.” In nine fairly short verses it tells the Easter story, with the first verse proclaiming, “Ye sons and daughters let us sing! The King of heaven the glorious King, O’er death today rose triumphing, Alleluia.”
As I ponder this season of joy, mystery and love, I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that throughout my vocation, Christ as King, the one who said yes to death on the cross and rose victorious, has also been the one who has searched me and called me as a School Sister of Christ the King.
By Andrew Winter
1.
Boys Town today serves millions of children every year at eight locations all over the U.S. Its founding site in Omaha houses more than 400 impoverished boys and girls, and provides shelter and love for many more children in family-style houses. It is a veritable village inside Omaha, with its own post office. It is the only National Historic Landmark District in all of Nebraska. The Boys Town Research Hospital is a global leader in the study of deafness and behavioral health.
By Fr. Bernard Lorenz
Western Diocesan Hispanic Ministry and Spiritual Advisor of the Lincoln Diocese Cursillo Movement,
in residence in McCook
The horses ran
Last December, 23 cowboys and girls rode their horses into Wellfleet to celebrate the feast of the Blessed Mother Mary, Our Virgin of Guadalupe (Dec. 12). This was the third year of this beautiful tradition of joy. It incorporates the blessing of the riders’ horses into the prayer of thanksgiving to God for the gift of His mother Mary to all of us.
These men and women, almost all Mexicans, love their hard work and their horses and their Catholic faith. They love to love it all together in a sincere act of devotion. Many of the English-speaking parishioners attended with great joy. All are welcomed.
After the blessings of the men and women and their horses—who ran to love Jesus in the church with His Mother Mary—all enjoyed the Holy Mass and a great potluck meal afterward.
By Julie Perry,
St. Francis Gift and Thrift Store Manager
By definition, a volunteer is a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. At Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS), it is so much more. It is showing up with heart and compassion, and serving with CSS’s core values of Dignity, Integrity, Empathy, Trust, and Sustainability.
By Fr. Matthew Vandewalle
St. John Nepomucene, Weston
In this Happy Easter Season, we Christians do not have some abstract Faith. We can point to an empty tomb and Jesus, who has Risen both body and soul! We all have tangible, or ‘concrete’ realities – persons, places, and things – that helped us in our faith journey... you might call them ‘stepping stones.’
These stepping stones help us to be built up, as St. Paul says, into ‘living stones’ that make up the mystical Body of Christ. Since we each have a body and soul, some of these stepping stones are material things of ‘brick and mortar’ that have been there on our journey. While they are not the most important things, they play an important role. These edifices were planned and built with time, talent, and treasure. I took them for granted in my youth, but now I appreciate them more. While they are things ‘in the concrete,’ they became places of spiritual grace. In fact, some of them are literally... concrete.
By Jeff Schinstock
Director of evangelization and catechesis,
Director for pro-life activities
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:12). These ancient words of King David echo through the ages as a cry for interior renewal. Renewal is always necessary in the Church, and renewal must be local. Worrying about fixing far-away problems doesn’t change our reality for the good. The Church is universal, but she is also local with our diocese, our parish and ultimately, me.
As Catholics in the Diocese of Lincoln embark on the implementation of the One Heart in Christ pastoral plan, the question before each of us needs to become deeply personal: How do I, as an individual disciple in a local parish, respond to this call to renewal and mission?
By Katie Patrick
Two weeks ago, I shared the story of a young woman who was living in an unsafe situation. Her mom reached out to me on Christmas Eve begging for local resources that could help her daughter. The parents lived in another state, and with a little more information, I gathered that the daughter was a drug user and the parents forbade drug use in the home.
While there may have been other reasons that the daughter chose to live in a city a thousand miles away, the reality of her being so far from her family—her natural safety net—caused deep physical and emotional distress. In other words, due to distance and previously severed relationships, the crisis displaced the family as the primary responder. When this happens, neighbors and the local community become the next line of support—followed by organizations.
By Andrew Winter
1. Made in 2004, “The Passion of the Christ” is a full-length film depicting Jesus’ torment and death on the Cross on Good Friday. It was directed by a Catholic, Mel Gibson, and starred a Catholic, Jim Caviezel, as Jesus.
By Bob Sullivan
A friend recently confided, “I really struggle with drifting into thoughts about irrelevant things during Mass.”
“So do I,” I thought.
Distraction during prayer is a universal problem. It happens in churches and chapels, monasteries and convents, during the rosary, and all other prayers as well. Rare is the event when a prayer is so intense that one cannot look back and recall a distraction. Distraction is so common that the Catechism of the Catholic Church even mentions it:
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
As Holy Week culminates into the busiest time of year for pastors, parish staffs, and parish communities, it is nevertheless the greatest time of the liturgical year.
Just as farmers excitedly await spring planting and fall harvest after extensive labor and preparations, so too the laborers of the Church excitedly await the spiritual harvest of the Triduum and the Easter Vigil after extensive planting of seeds, labor, and preparations (Mt. 9:37).
By Katie Patrick
Neighbors helping neighbors.
Over the past few weeks, this phrase has been heard frequently alongside victims and state leaders alike, as they talked about the largest wildfire in our state’s history. More than 800,000 acres burned in the Nebraska wildfires, affecting fields and displacing cattle at all stages of operations— disrupting herd management, altering breeding and nutritional patterns, rotational grazing and much more.
Yet, it seems that at every stage, help came from neighbors—whether those in close proximity to the fires, whose land was spared, or those in neighboring states who stepped up to help. This is what Nebraska is all about—resilience and compassion.
By Daniel Stara
Seminarian of the Diocese of Lincoln, Propaedeutic Stage
at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward
The summer before my propaedeutic year, a friend recommended that I spend it volunteering with the poor. I declined. I knew it was a good thing, but I couldn’t see how volunteering somewhere would develop my spiritual life and prepare me for seminary. Looking back on my propaedeutic year, I realized I couldn’t have been more wrong.
By Andrew Winter
1.
“They are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” (Matthew 19:6). The Catholic Church has always taught that the consummate bond of marriage between a Christian man and woman cannot be broken by any power on earth except death.
By Katie Patrick
My daughters and I were four dozen deep in our cookie-making tradition when my work phone rang on Christmas Eve. I often don’t answer outside of working hours, but something told me that I needed to answer that call.
When I did, a woman was on the other line crying. I asked her what happened and if there was anything I could do to help. She explained to me that she was calling on behalf of her daughter, who was living with an ex-boyfriend and his family. The environment was toxic, abusive, and escalating—and she had nowhere to go.
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
Along with Bishop James Conley and the Nebraska bishops, I want to personally express my loving concern and prayers regarding the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the precious many farms, acres, and pastures across Nebraska which have affected so many farmers/ranchers and devastated rural communities.
In this penitential Lenten season, please know you are not alone. With every cross, in trusting faith and confident hope, God has in store for us particular Resurrection blessings. We may not know them now or for some time, but within God’s Providence, he makes all things new.
By Andrew Winter
1. The origins of Camp Kateri in McCool Junction lie with Craig and Marge Buescher, John and Pat Miller, John and Debi Crotty, and Mike and Chere Kane. These four couples sent their children to a Christian summer camp for several years, but then decided it would be better for their children to experience a Catholic camp of their own. This Catholic camp began at the Manna Resort in Fairfield, and the diocese bought the current land in 1998. The Diocese of Lincoln now administrates Camp Kateri.
By Fr. Michael Morin and
Sr. Marie Caritas, CK
Blessed Sacrament School in Lincoln
Blessed Sacrament School in Lincoln is blessed in so many ways, not least of which is the way we look.
If you were to see a picture of our student body, you would see the beauty and recognize great diversity. Many of our students’ parents are first generation immigrants from countries like Sudan, Mexico, Nigeria, Guatemala, Myanmar and others. Our school families add so much to what it means to be a disciple here in Lincoln. Not many schools in our diocese have this depth of diversity, and we love it!
By Teresa Kiehl,
Client Relations Specialist at Hastings,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
I recently came across a quote and felt sick to my stomach:
“I am done with the monster of ‘We,’ the word of serfdom, of plunder, of misery, falsehood and shame. And now I see the face of god, and I raise this god over the earth . . . , this god who will grant them joy and peace and pride. This god, this one word: ‘I.’”
- Ayn Rand, “Anthem”
I was not nauseated because of the quote itself. It is easy for me to read something and disregard it if it blatantly contradicts my beliefs and convictions. What made me sick was knowing that the author of this quote has been openly admired by powerful politicians in this country. Ayn Rand (1905-1983) was known for her beliefs in radical and extreme individualism, wherein any given individual should only make decisions based on their own self-interest, disregarding the needs of others.
By Jonathan Kiehl
“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19)
Starting over is always challenging and exciting. There are new landscapes, new possibilities, and new blessings; but it can also cause fear. There are so many unknowns, possible failures, and perceived dangers.
By Andrew Winter
1. At a typical Mass in the Roman Catholic Church, the priest wears an amice—a rectangular white cloth covering his collar and shoulders, an alb—a white robe reaching to his ankles, a cincture, or rope belt, a stole, and a chasuble. Only the stole and the chasuble match the liturgical color of the day.
By Katie Patrick
The first Friday of Lent marked a retreat day for the staff at Catholic Social Services. Our St. Teresa of Calcutta Committee, composed of CSS staff from across our different offices and programs, organized the day for us.
Father Timothy Danek, newly appointed clergy for the incarcerated, celebrated Holy Mass and gave one of three talks. Staff signed up to bring homemade soups and bread, and we had Eucharistic adoration continuously that day.
By Jeff Schinstock
Director of evangelization and catechesis,
Director for pro-life activities
When the Church remembers St. Lawrence, we usually think about his funny quip during his martyrdom over a fire: “turn me over, I’m done on this side.”
But there is more than a clever story, or even a dramatic martyrdom. We remember a man placed under extraordinary pressure. Lawrence was a servant of the Church who was forced to choose, in a moment of fear and uncertainty, what he truly believed about the Gospel.
Lawrence served as one of the seven deacons of Rome in the third century, entrusted with the care of the Church’s poor and the stewardship of her material goods. He served directly under Pope St. Sixtus II, at a time when being a Christian—let alone a leader in the Church—was dangerous. During the persecution under Emperor Valerian, Sixtus II was arrested and executed. Lawrence watched his spiritual father, his bishop, his pope, led away to death. It was a life changing moment.
By Mother Ann Marie Zierke
Marian Sisters
“Kids say the darndest things.” Right? That’s what we say. But often the cute or off-handed comment can pierce through our adult world and make a profound impact.
Such was the case for me on a recent home visit. I was blessed to meet my newest niece—seven weeks old, pink and soft and cuddly. Who doesn’t love a good snuggle and a reminder of the preciousness of life? And this baby was born into a full life, already gifted with four older siblings, cousins, grandparents, and a convent full of “aunts” willing to hold a baby.
By Andrew Winter
1. The story of the early Roman heroines Perpetua and Felicity is recorded in the Passio Sanctarum Perpetuae et Felicitatis, a Latin document from A.D. 203, written in part by Perpetua herself. It tells the story not just of the two women, but also of several others martyred alongside them.
By John McDermott
Vice President, Marketing & Development
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
One of the first things we do when we are planning for our annual Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction is to come up with a theme for the event. The theme sets to the tone for the evening and conveys the message we want to share for that year’s event. The process usually begins with suggestions being tossed around, and then tossed out because they just don’t “feel right.” Then, right on cue, the Holy Spirit inspires one of the committee members to say, “What do you think of this for a theme?” followed by a suggestion that is the perfect message for the evening.
By Henry Stuhr
Seminarian of the Diocese of Lincoln, Propaedeutic Stage at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward
“I Thirst.”
Next to every crucifix in the Missionaries of Charity convents or shelters, there are two words, “I thirst.” These two words, first uttered by Jesus on His cross, became the most important words of Mother Teresa, now St. Teresa of Calcutta, during her many years of Ministry to the poorest of the poor. These words continue to serve as the framework for the thousands of Missionaries of Charity sisters throughout the world.
By Caroline Nebel,
Sustainability Associate
I started working as a case manager in the Refugee Resettlement Program at CSS in 2023. Before long I was immersed in the work, finding it fulfilling and exciting. Throughout my day I might be shopping for house supplies, taking the city bus with a client, or teaching a family how to budget.
During my time in the Refugee Resettlement Program, we had an extraordinary team that became very close-knit. There were about 10 of us, some born in America and some immigrants from places like Ukraine, Syria and Burma. Within our team 13 different languages were spoken, so we often could get by without hiring outside translators. We each had our own case assignments, but everyone would help each other—perhaps translating at short notice, or driving a second vehicle to an airport pickup. We solved countless difficult situations as a team, sharing together in both joys and trials.
By Andrew Winter
1.
An incorruptible is any saint whose body has resisted the natural decay of normal corpses. Often today, these saints are preserved on public display in churches across the world. They stand as a testament to God’s love of the entire human person, and the coming resurrection of the body.
By Sister Regina Marie, C.K.
One of our community practices is to pray the stations of the cross daily. As a postulant nearly 20 years ago, I vividly remember learning more about this tradition and that the purpose of it is to help us deepen in our relationship and compassion for Jesus, our Crucified Spouse. The day I began praying them on my own happened to be the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.
I remember being excited to begin praying the stations myself after seeing my Sisters walk the way of the cross with Jesus, day after day. At first, there was a lot of energy and desire in my heart to walk alongside Jesus as He was falsely accused and beaten, as He fell multiple times and was helped by Simon and Veronica along the way and as He was nailed to the cross and died.
However, like many things in life, praying the stations eventually started to become part of my routine and therefore sometimes was done more out of habit, rather than prayerfully and out of love.
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
I pray everyone’s Lent is off to a blessed start and that we’re blessedly miserable together.
By Janet Bohaty
Principal, St. Vincent de Paul School in Seward
There are moments in the life of a parish when bricks and mortar become more than materials — they become a reflection of mission. At St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and Church in Seward, we are living in such a moment. Guided by the theme “Gather and Grow,” our parish is embarking on a two-fold goal to add classrooms and renovate our current building. This building addition and renovation project reflects our growth in faith, fellowship, and purpose.
By Jonathan Kiehl
“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19)
Starting over is always challenging and exciting. There are new landscapes, new possibilities, and new blessings; but it can also cause fear. There are so many unknowns, possible failures, and perceived dangers.
By Tom Venzor
I usually use this column to provide you “news” updates on what’s going on in politics, with a focus on the Nebraska Legislature, and some of the big issues that matter to us as Catholics. But today, I’m really going to urge you to not just read but also take action immediately after reading my rant.
By Rachael Tvrdy
Director of Family Life and Discipleship
In recent years, we’ve seen an increased focus on mental health awareness, wellness, and emotional regulation. Parents are rediscovering the power of nature as a replacement for screens to help their children stay calm and engaged. Deep breathing is no longer a fringe fad, but a practical, research-backed tool to downshift the body out of anxiety. The nervous system, once rarely discussed outside of medical settings, is now widely recognized for its central role in both emotional health and physical well-being.
It’s easy to see why. We are, in many ways, tired and wired – stuck in fight or flight, living in a constant cycle of stress and release.
By Katie Patrick
Last Friday, we had our first open holy hour at Catholic Social Services’ St. Joseph Chapel in Lincoln. This holy hour was organized so that staff, volunteers and the public could spend intentional time together praying for our clients and their intentions. In a way, we wanted to transform our daily works of mercy that occur in the front lobby, in our food market, on the streets, and in meeting rooms into moments of silence, gratitude, and trust in God’s presence.
By Tom Venzor
The Nebraska Legislature is just over a third of the way through its 60-day (“short”) session. Calling it a whirlwind of a last month would be an understatement. There were 10 days of bill introductions, immediate floor debate on legislative bills, committee hearings on legislative bills every afternoon, among all the normal politicking.
In the midst of this fanfare, one of our major pro-life bills (LB669) recently failed to advance from first round of legislative debate. LB669 would protect women experiencing domestic abuse or human trafficking and who are being coerced into abortion.
By Andrew Winter
1.
Cyril and Methodius were blood brothers who both dedicated their lives to preaching the Gospel to the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe. Cyril was born in 827, while Methodius was 12 years older. Methodius also outlived his brother by 16 years.
By Andrew Winter
1. Msgr. James Dawson was born June 26, 1929, the day before his mother’s birthday. He lived in Fairmont, Neb., and because his father was often away due to his occupation as a trucker, a family friend would drive Jim and his siblings every Sunday to Mass in McCool Junction. He graduated second in his class at Fairmont Public School at the age of 16, behind his childhood friend, Mary Frances Tous. Fifty-seven years later, Msgr. Dawson gave the homily at her funeral.
By Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great Seminary;
Director of Seminarians
“Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks Compassion on this world, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world." - St. Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
A priest friend reminded me one evening that we often use the phrase “brother priest” when referring to each other. That gift of brotherhood extends to our parents, in a sense: the mother and father of one priest is the mother and father of their brother priests, too. At times, it becomes real when priest-friends stop by a priest’s parents’ home, or when a pastor cares for his parishioners who are the parents of a brother priest.
By Katie Patrick
The sound of trumpets will once again fill St. Joseph Church in Lincoln Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m., as musicians and community members gather for Trumpet Fest 2026, an annual charity concert benefiting Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS).
By Andrew Winter
1.
Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children is a special needs education establishment in Waverly, Nebraska, administrated by the Lincoln Diocese. It is situated on the Marian center property, the site of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat Center and the Motherhouse of the Marian Sisters.
By Sarah Leon,
Client Relations Specialist at Lincoln
“Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15: 23-24
My name is Sarah Leon, and I am the new Client Relations Specialist here at the Lincoln office. What St. Mother Teresa teaches about how we should treat each human person as if it were Christ Himself whom you were encountering, is the essence of how I can do my job well. I love working at the front desk and having the opportunity to first encounter people and show them the merciful face of Jesus. Whether we’re assisting clients with paperwork or providing hygiene bags to those experiencing homelessness, each interaction is a chance to offer a listening ear and a joyful smile. For me, this embodies “hope in the Good Life”—paying attention to small details and trusting that no small act goes unnoticed by God.
by Marion Miner
By the time of publication, many readers of the Southern Nebraska Register will have made plans to attend the Nebraska Walk for Life in Lincoln, and some will have already participated in the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. Both events have been held annually since the year after Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973.
Roe has been overturned—thanks be to God! But we continue to walk, and we must.
By Sr. Paula Watts, M.S.
Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln
As I reflect back on how I was called to religious life, I can see how much my parents’ deep faith had a great deal of influence over me. I witnessed daily how their faith was part of their lives. Growing up in an Irish settlement also helped me notice God in the simple things around me.
Life on the farm gave me many moments to reflect, even before I understood what reflection really was. When I walked through the timber near the North River, or helped milk the cows early in the morning, I often felt a deep sense of peace. Those times were my first experiences of prayer. The quiet of nature, the sound of the animals, and the familiar routines all helped me feel close to God.
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
Vince Seiker, a former parishioner, died Jan. 4. He was the father of three priests of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln: Father Mark, Msgr. Daniel and Father Leo Seiker. I would like share, as a tribute to Mr. Seiker and for all farmers, the reflection Msgr. Daniel Seiker gave at the rosary vigil.
“Pater meus agricula est.”
St. Jerome, the cantankerous saint, was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 to translate the Scriptures from the original languages. The saint who famously said: “Nothing pleases God as much as obedience,” translated John’s Gospel and the words of Jesus at the Last Supper.
By Katie Patrick
As the wind howls outside my home late in the evening, I can’t help but think of those less fortunate living on the streets, managing piles of dirty, damp blankets and coats weathered by previous nights’ storms and loaded onto push carts with shabby wheels that squeak as they are pushed. The backpacks they wear are weathered too, yet they hold the only belongings they have.
By Fr. Steven Mills
Chief Administrative Officer, Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
The routine of the liturgy can be numbing, or it can renew us with the phrases that have become etched in our hearts. The numbness will want us to move on and avoid the present grace-filled moment. But, a renewed heart will want to savor the closeness of God precisely in that moment.
By Andrew Winter
1.
One hundred fifty psalms make up the Bible’s third-longest book. Most translators break up the psalms into five sections, each ending with a concluding doxology: 1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, and 107-150.
By Andrew Winter
1.
Before answering the objections brought against the reliability of the Gospels, it is first helpful to know what the Gospels are not. They are not transcriptions of Jesus’ sayings, nor are they history textbooks. They are books about God, Who will always escape our full understanding. Nevertheless, we have very good evidence that the Gospels tell us the story of Jesus accurately.
By Fr. Ryan Kaup
A reporter once asked Mother Teresa why she didn’t recoil in protest when someone called her a “living saint.” Shouldn’t a woman as holy as her have humility and stop people from giving her the heavenly label. Mother Teresa replied, “Why not? Sainthood is a duty and you should desire it, too.”
By Jeff Schinstock
The turning of the calendar has a way of capturing our attention. There is something about a New Year that invites reflection, even for those of us who resist it. We take stock of where we have been, what we have carried, and what we hope the coming months might hold. In the spiritual life, this natural moment of reflection can become a grace, if we allow it to be more than a reset of habits and instead a renewal of the heart.
By Katie Patrick
During the Advent season, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska witnessed—more than ever before—the humbling generosity of our donor community. Your response to the urgent needs of the poor and vulnerable across all of southern Nebraska came in many forms: financial gifts, gift cards, donated items, and prayer. These truly sacrificial offerings are held close to our hearts and are never forgotten.
By Fr. Evan Winter
Hispanic Ministry
Pastor, St. John in Minden and Holy Family in Heartwell
When something really important happens, we celebrate! Birthdays, baptisms and marriages aren’t just chances to have fun, but times to show what’s important by having a fiesta! But … when your friends with Spanish as their first language invite you to something, it can be intimidating. Never fear! Here’s your guide to Surviving Hispanic Parties!
By Andrew Winter
1. Pius X High School is the largest Catholic high school in all of Nebraska, with approximately 1,100 students and a 21.7-acre campus.
By Tom Venzor
The 109th Nebraska Legislature, Second Session, is off to the races—and, at the time of publication of this column, the lawmakers are already on Day 3 of their 60-day (“short”) session which will run until early April.
What can we expect in this upcoming legislative session?
By Levi Baus
“I was in prison and you came to me.” - Matthew 25:36
There was a beautiful tension between the bitter cold afternoon of Dec. 14 and the warmth of singing and piano music inside the Nebraska State Penitentiary Religious Center. Bishop James Conley celebrated Mass on the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, which was also the occasion for the worldwide celebration of the Jubilee of Prisoners. While there was no heat in the building, everyone at Mass came together around the brilliant light of our Lord’s joy and mercy.
By Bob Sullivan
In my last column, we looked at why we still use Latin during Mass, by looking primarily at documents from Vatican II. Those documents explicitly state that at least some Latin is to be preserved in the New Mass. Today, we’ll look at some additional reasons.
By Andrew Winter
1.
Peter Canisius (kuh-NIH-see-us) was born in 1521 in Holland, on the heels of the outbreak of the Protestant Revolt. He showed promise as a young student, earning his master’s degree at Cologne at 19 years of age. His feast is celebrated Dec. 21.
By Tom Venzor
A major problem in politics is failing to see the human person behind the politics. When engaging in politics, we tend to depersonalize or dehumanize. Rather than seeing a human person, made in the image and likeness of God, we reduce others to political positions, labels, or parties. Our faith, however, calls us to see in every person his or her inestimable dignity and value, that God is living within each of us—that we are called to see Christ living within every person we encounter.
By Fr. Santiago Izquierdo
As a priest only in his second year of priesthood, I am frequently experiencing new things, like unique situations when administering the sacraments and different pastoral encounters. But as 2025 comes to a close, I have realized that it was a distinctive liturgical year that priests ordained after 2014 have also not experienced.
By Kathi Mercure
Head teacher, St. Andrew School in Tecumseh
St. Andrew School in Tecumseh has been providing quality Catholic education in southeast Nebraska for 62 years. St. Andrew School strives to help students and families encounter Jesus with the excitement and enthusiasm which characterized St. Andrew’s first proclamation to his brother, “We have found the Messiah!” We are providing our students with a great education as well as helping them become people who make a positive impact on their communities.
By Andrew Winter
1. The Aztec Empire was only about 100 years old when Spaniard Hernan Cortez arrived. The empire consisted of three ruling tribes and dozens of tributary cities and peoples. It was a loose federation, with its capital at Tenochtitlan, modern-day Mexico City. The Aztecs practiced an extremely violent form of paganism involving thousands of human sacrifices.
By Katie Patrick
For the second year in a row, Catholic Social Services has chosen a patron saint of the year. The CSS team offered thoughtful and inspiring nominations, each reflecting how the saints have embodied the works of mercy throughout history (Who did we pick? More on that another time!). As their leader, I was moved to see how deeply our team identifies with the mission of serving the poor and vulnerable — striving, in its own way, toward sainthood. Shouldn’t we all?
By Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
As I was praying last week, I was drawn to the beauty of the sanctuary and its adornment, as we have begun the new liturgical year, highlighted by the Advent wreath and nativity scene.
By Bob Sullivan
Many Catholics think the Church suppressed or discouraged the use of Latin in the “New Mass,” which is the Mass the vast majority of us have experienced in our parishes in the Lincoln Diocese since 1964. This simply is not true.
By Andrew Winter
1. The first Catholic church in Lincoln was built in 1867, and at first was simply called “The Catholic Church in Lincoln.” In 1877, it was named St. Theresa, the forerunner of the present St. Mary Church in downtown Lincoln.
By Fr. Thomas Brouillette
Vicar General
Last Sunday we celebrated the beginning of the new Church Year with the first Sunday of Advent. We lit the first candle of the Advent wreath, symbolic of the building anticipation to welcome the light of Christ as he comes into the world. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival”; “appearance.”
By April Boellstorff
Regional Director in Auburn, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Auburn CSS had originally planned to distribute 40 Thanksgiving meal kits, complete with a turkey and all the trimmings, to local families in need. When the Thanksgiving request line opened, all 40 meals were claimed within five minutes!
By Tom Venzor
In these early days of Advent, I think a lot more about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But I also ponder more deeply those early days of His life. One event that always stands out, for me, is the slaughter of the Holy Innocents, when King Herod jealously sought to kill the Infant King through an untargeted, indiscriminate campaign of violence against all male infants and toddlers 2 years of age and under. Anticipating this horrific act, Saint Joseph was instructed by an angel, in a dream, to protect the Holy Family by fleeing Israel for Egypt, which he obediently and courageously did.
By Fr. Gary Coulter
Director, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House;
Website Editor, Catholic Diocese of Lincoln
On pilgrimage to Italy last month, I had the opportunity in Assisi to visit the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis—the first millennial canonized a saint. Praying there, a line from St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Sun spoke out to me: “Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.” Lord, how can I, and my use of technology, be like these two saints: useful, humble, precious, and chaste?
Guest column by Teresa Lewandowski,
Head Teacher, St. John the Baptist School, Plattsmouth
I’m sure you would not be surprised to hear it, but being a school leader is hard. Even at a wonderful little school like mine, where children are sweet (mostly) and parents are supportive (mostly), thoughts of school regularly keep me awake in the middle of the night. Worry, fear, and responsibility can be a heavy burden, but I have found that the psalms bring a sense of strength and hope for our Catholic school, and a peace in the mission to serve it. These verses help me focus my prayer for the school and serve as a guidebook for school leadership.
By Sr. Fiat Marie, C.K.
School Sisters of Christ the King
Branding is an interesting thing to observe. Since the Lincoln Diocese is in the Midwest, I do need to clarify that I don’t mean cattle branding. I am speaking of the process of capturing the identity and uniqueness of a group or event, so that it can be expressed in a way that can be shared. We see a plethora of logos, catch phrases and titles every day. Some have one word. Some have many words. Some just have pictures. Some have backward letters or intentionally misspelled words (a terror for teachers of elementary children). It seems at least one major goal of these efforts is to present something attractive.
For me, the brand “School Sisters of Christ the King” failed the test. I was not attracted by school or king. It seemed to be blunt and unpoetic. So why was I drawn to the Community? I saw the joy of the Sisters who were living out the charism of the Community: joyful fidelity to Christ the King.
