by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (Jn. 12:24)
As we find ourselves in August, with summer wrapping up and shifting into fall and harvest right around the corner, these words from the Beloved Disciple are worth pondering.
“I Must Betray You”
By Sepetys Ruta. Philomel Books, New York, 2022, 314 pages, Grades 7 and higher.
By Sr. Mary Guadalupe, C.K.
St. James School, Crete
Six hundred thirteen. Growing up, I would have told you that that number would be zero. In 17 years, I’ve taught 613 children, but I never wanted to be a teacher.
When I was initially discerning religious life, I knew that the School Sisters of Christ the King were teachers, but I still wasn’t drawn to the apostolate of teaching. I believed that God was calling me to religious life, and I wanted to be completely dedicated to Jesus and live my life for Him; I just wasn’t so sure about teaching. Growing up, I aspired to be in the Olympics some day, and maybe after that, a career in sports medicine, but not in a classroom. Now, however, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
By Katie Patrick
If you’ve recently experienced the intense heat and storms sweeping through southern and eastern Nebraska, you might be reflecting on the transient nature of our lives and the importance of planning for the future – or more likely, you’re dealing with tree limbs and spoiled food having gone too long without electricity. In any case, last week, as I navigated through the strong winds and a downpour on my way to our office in Hastings, my own thoughts turned to the need for preparedness. The chaotic weather was a reminder of how life can change in an instant and underscored the importance of planning for the future.
“Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of the Iliad”
By Rosemary Sutcliff, illustrated by Alan Lee.
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, London, 1993, 128 pages, Grades 6-8.
by Tom Venzor
The Nebraska Catholic Conference (NCC) is typically busiest during the Nebraska legislative session. Many hours are worked to advance transformative legislation and defend against problematic legislation. Once the legislative session is over, life returns to normal as we work on a variety of “off-season” matters, such as our pro-life banquet and conference (which, by the way, will be Nov. 22-23).
But in the last two years, the NCC has remained particularly busy outside of the legislative session with ballot referendum and ballot initiative efforts.
by Summer Utrup,
North American Martyrs School, Lincoln
“I loved meeting you and I love your smile. It makes me smile!” said one of my second-graders to her pen pal. For the last three years, my second-grade class at North American Martyrs School in Lincoln has been pen pals with residents at Pemberly Place Senior Living Community.
by Jeff Schinstock
As summer reaches its midway point, the time is coming where parishes and schools are beginning to prepare for the coming year.
Catechesis plays a major component in this preparation. I believe that it is always a good principle for us to look at why we Catholics do what we do. Whether it be religion classes in school, CCD, Godteens or OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), what is the point of the catechesis being done in your parish or school setting?
by Bob Sullivan
You may have heard about some petitions being circulated around Nebraska. I am hopeful that by now you have signed the two Christian petitions regarding abortion and that you have had nice, long talks with those who were trying to circulate the dangerous, deceptive, and demeaning petition which could declare abortion a constitutional right in Nebraska. Imagine that – abortion being declared a fundamental right! Satan cannot love. But if he could, he would love that.
“The Three Billy Goats Buenos”
By Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Miguel Ordonez.
G.P Putnam’s and Sons, New York, 2020, 32 pages, K-3.
By Fr. Scott Nemec,
Assistant pastor, St. Cecilia Parish, Hastings
It was the morning of Jan. 29. A call came in from the emergency room, “There is a 12-year-old boy in the ER, he is coding. Please come right away.”
by Katie Patrick
As a nonprofit organization, it can be tempting to gauge our success solely by quantitative measures—how many diapers are distributed, how much rental assistance given, how many pounds of food provided—especially given the requirements of our funders and grants.
However, at CSS, we strive to balance these metrics with a commitment to quality over quantity, ensuring that each individual we serve receives the attention and care he or she deserves.
“Goldilocks and the Three Bears,”
a retelling by Lorinda Bryan Cauley.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1981, 32 pages, K-2.
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
Two Sundays ago during the 11th Week of Ordinary Time, the Communion Antiphon stated: “Holy Father, keep in your name those you have given me, that they may be one as we are one.” (Jn. 17:11)
In light of this, I’m reminded of a story that I recently heard:
by Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great Seminary;
Director of Seminarians
Special pilgrims arrived at St. Gregory the Great Seminary last week. I received a phone call when they were about 10 miles away, asking if we were ready for their arrival. This is not very unusual, except that these pilgrims were carrying Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in a specially equipped van. As they pulled up to the seminary and got out of the van, each pilgrim genuflected and waited for the chaplain to carry the Blessed Sacrament into the seminary Chapel to be reserved in the tabernacle during the visit. The pilgrims are part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage crossing the U.S., headed to the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis next month.
by Katie Patrick
In June, my family traveled to Stromsburg to attend the Swedish Midsommer Festival, a tradition that started the first summer Ryan and I met. While Ryan and I both have Swedish roots, Stromsburg is where my husband grew up and spent his middle school and high school years so it’s a particularly meaningful trip back home for him. We look forward to this festival each summer: a celebration of heritage, yes, but it’s also Ryan’s chance to share his past with our daughters.
“Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence”
By Russell Freedman.
Holiday House, New York, 2000, 90 pages, Grades 6 and higher
By Sr. Janelle Buettner, M.S.
Marian Sisters, Diocese of Lincoln
“As we have shared much in the sufferings of Christ, so through Christ do we share abundantly in His consolation” 2 Cor. 1:5.
This Scripture passage is one of my favorites.
Several years ago, I was praying and talking to Jesus about many of my struggles in life. I was thinking I had reached a dead end. I had been asking Jesus to help me, but I was working hard to control the situation. I wanted to be free of the trials I was facing, but I didn’t know what to do. I kept reading 2 Cor. 1:5 and thinking, if I am sharing in the suffering of Christ through my suffering, then why am I not sharing in His consolation? I was not sure how to get out of the pit of struggle.
By Fr. Thomas Brouillette
Vicar General
The priests’ convocation that our presbyterate (body of priests of the diocese) recently attended in Kearney was directed by Father John Riccardo, who is a priest of the archdiocese of Detroit and founder of Acts XXIX. There are only 28 chapters in the Acts of the Apostles, a record of the Church in apostolic times and written by St. Luke. We are the next chapter in the life of the Church.
“Stubby: The War Dog” by Ann Basum.
National Geographic for Kids, Washington D.C., 72 pages, 2014, Grades 4-6.
By Sr. Mary Alma, C.K.
School Sisters of Christ the King
In A. A. Milne’s “The House on Pooh Corner,” Christopher Robin tells Winnie-the-Pooh that what he likes doing best of all is … “doing nothing.” I so agree!
By Katie Patrick
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the invaluable presence of fathers in our lives, to cherish the memories we’ve shared, and to reflect on the profound impact they have on shaping who we are. As a Catholic community, we hold a special reverence for the role of fathers, recognizing them as pillars of strength, wisdom, and love within our families.
“Courage Under Fire: Father Willie Doyle S.J. Priest and Hero of World War I”
By Fiorella De Maria, illustrated by Christopher J. Pelicano.
Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 2024, 181 pages, Grades 3-6.
by Bob Sullivan
My friend Scott Watts has been traveling back and forth between Mexico City and Nebraska for many years now as a lay missionary for Hope of the Poor. It started as a mission to the poor in Mexico City’s poorest neighborhood, the city landfill. The mission trips also included visits to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The visits to the shrine turned into a deep devotion to and a lot of knowledge about Our Lady of Guadalupe. Now, that has turned into a call to go to Ireland on mission with a most remarkable travel companion: Our Lady herself. Scott’s idea, which inspired him to found Guadalupe Missions, is to bring the new back to the old. Not old people, but to an old bastion of the Catholic faith: Ireland. And it is sorely needed.
by Fr. Mark Cyza
Education Specialist, Diocesan Education Office
The Opperman family had always dreamed of sending their children to a Catholic school. As devout Catholics, they valued the integration of faith and education that Catholic schools offer. However, like many families, financial constraints made this dream seem unattainable. That was until they discovered the Opportunity Scholarship, a tax credit scholarship program that opened the doors to the education they had always hoped for Emily.
by Katie Patrick
Because the majority of my time is spent at our main office in Lincoln, I rarely have the opportunity to visit the many small towns that we serve across the 24,000 square miles of the Lincoln Diocese. However, a couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to travel west, with stops in Hastings, Holdredge, Cambridge, McCook, Trenton and Imperial.
It was this trip in particular that got me thinking about how diverse our diocese is—and yet how similar is the suffering.
By Tom Venzor
We need your help to make a tangible impact against the pro-abortion ballot initiative in Nebraska. So, how can you do this? Join our recently launched “5 for Life Club”!
Together, we can defeat the dangerous, deceptive, and demeaning pro-abortion ballot initiative. This can be done through meaningful conversations that matter and expose the extreme nature of the ballot measure.
By Katie Patrick
By the time you read this article, Mothers Day will have already passed, yet the joys and demands of motherhood continue. In addition to the dishes, cleaning, and cooking, as a relatively new mom of three little girls, I’m also discovering that event planning falls into this list of responsibilities, making sure birthday parties and activities are well planned and prepared for.
“Hidden Hope”
By Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Amy June Bates.
Abrams Books for Young Readers, New York, Grades 3-4, 48 pages, 2023
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
This past Wednesday, the National Catholic Rural Life Conference officially celebrated its centennial anniversary in St. Paul, Minn.
Viewing the 136 parishes which comprise the diocese, as well as the many immigrant families who came to Nebraska to tirelessly labor and build up our particular Church both physically and spiritually in ardent faith, this is a historic milestone we should celebrate.
“Jerome Lejeune: The Saintly Geneticist”
by Ana Braga-Henebry, illustrated by Anita Barghigiani.
Spark: Word on Fire, Elk Grove Village, Ill., 2024, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
By Sr. Mary Cecilia, C.K.
School Sisters of Christ the King
“To be a Christian is to be Marian, and to encounter the sacramental worldview means that we need to move away from a purely pragmatic and action-oriented attitude and develop the attitude of Mary.”
These words made me pause as I read “Mysterion” by Father Harrison Ayre. He went on to say that “a Church that acts but doesn’t pray, and plans but doesn’t ponder is a Church more in the image of ourselves than the body of Christ.”
“Getting To Know the World’s Greatest Artists: Mary Cassatt”
by Mike Venezia.
Children’s Press, New York, 2015, 32 pages, Grades 1-3.
By Katie Patrick
Last week, as my “Messages of Hope” article for the week came due, I sent an email to our team in Hastings, and to the marketing and development team, asking them to share some reflections on the “Give Hastings Day” that took place Thursday, May 2.
By Angela Miller
Principal, Cathedral of the Risen Christ School in Lincoln
I am often asked, “What does a principal do all day?” While it seems like an easy question, the answer is very complicated.
The only certainty in the answer is that there is never a repeat of the previous day. I never know what to expect because, when working with children, they are just unpredictable. As an administrator, I focus on supporting all students wherever they are—emotionally, physically, and academically.
“Tales From Shakespeare”
by Charles and Mary Lamb, illustrated by Arthur Rackham.
Pook Press, First edition, 1807, reprint in 2013, 322 pages, Grades 6-10.
by Jeff Schinstock
The spring is a time when the sacrament of confirmation is often celebrated. Of course we have the many people entering the Church on the Easter Vigil who have received the sacrament. We also have many parishes throughout the diocese having their young people confirmed. In fact, I was blessed again this year to witness another of my children experiencing the special grace of confirmation.
by Tom Venzor
In dramatic fashion, on the last day of the 108th Legislature, Second Regular Session, the Nebraska Unicameral repeated history by passing another critical school choice program.
When the Nebraska Legislature passed the Opportunity Scholarships Act in 2023, we became the 49th state in the nation to adopt a school choice program. In just under a year later, we have made another major stride on the school choice front. This new school choice legislation is another major step forward for Nebraska’s children and parents, to ensure they have more opportunities to choose an education that best fits their needs.
By CSS staff
At Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, we are blessed with generous contributions of time, talent, and treasure. This past week, from April 21-27, CSS celebrated those who donate their time and talent as volunteers in Auburn, Hastings, Imperial, and Lincoln during National Volunteer Week.
Incredibly, CSS notched 24,000 volunteer hours across southern Nebraska in 2023, and there’s room for more volunteers in 2024 as we endeavor to respond to our community’s needs. This includes families in need of food and financial support, women experiencing domestic violence, refugees and immigrants building a new life in our communities, and more.
By Fr. Alec Sasse
Vocations Director
Things don’t always go as we plan them, and, if God is entrusted with our “ruined” plans, it always ends up for the best.
By Deacon Santiago Izquierdo
On behalf of Hispanic Ministry
“The priesthood of Christ was different from that of all pagan priests and from the Levitical priesthood of the family of Aaron. In the Old Testament and in pagan religions, the priest and the victim were distinct and separate. In Our Lord, they were united inseparably.”
With these words, Venerable Fulton Sheen opened his wonderful book, “The Priest Is Not His Own,” in which he examines the priesthood. One of his main points that has stuck with me after reading the book is the importance of the sacrificial nature of the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
By Jan Schultz,
Volunteer at St. Isidore Gift & Thrift in Imperial
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says to his disciples in chapter 9, “The harvest is good but laborers are scarce.”
We have all heard that passage in the past, but have we taken it to heart? It’s something to consider as we celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 21-27 across this country.
by Bob Sullivan
Catholics grow up with confession as a part of the faith. Converts come to appreciate it. But for most non-Catholic Christians, confession to a priest is either something to be ignored, or something to be declared a heresy. This is an annoyance for some Catholics, but it is a potentially deadly game played by such Protestants.
“Bombs Over Bikini: The World’s First Nuclear Disaster”
By Connie Goldsmith.
Twenty First Century Books, 88 pages, 2014, Grades 6-High School
by Katie Patrick
Have you ever called our main line at the Catholic Social Services Lincoln office? The number is (402) 474-1600. If you have called, perhaps it was to connect with a member of our team, or to make a donation, or schedule a furniture pick up, or to request help from one of our programs such as food assistance or financial assistance.
Well, whatever the case may have been, did you get what you needed? I hope so! But if you didn’t, and you were frustrated by our phone tree, and it took you multiple tries to get the person you needed, I get that, too.
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
He said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here.” (Mark 16:6)
These words from the angel to Mary Magdalene and the women never cease to amaze. I pray that you are having a hope-filled and joyous Easter season. Truly, He is Risen! Alleluia!
For priests, religious, and laity alike, one of the best Masses to attend every year is the Chrism Mass, which takes place annually at the Cathedral on the Monday of Holy Week.
by Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great
Seminary; Director of Seminarians
About this time each year, parishioners across the Diocese of Lincoln scour the Southern Nebraska Register or the diocesan website, looking to see whether any of the priests at their parishes are being transferred. It can be a difficult day for some who have come to appreciate the presence of the pastor or his assistant. It can also be a difficult time for priests as they say goodbye to the people who have been their parishioners and with whom they have shared much.
“The Night Walk”
by Marie Dorleans.
Floris Books, Paris, 2020, 32 pages, K-2.
By Sr. Clare Sullivan, M.S.
The Easter season is a season of joy! Celebrating the Easter season is an invitation to us from the Lord to live joyfully. Jesus has won the victory over sin and death for us, so we have every reason to be joyful.
Faith in Jesus’ love for us is an important first step. I recall the Lent of the year after I graduated from high school, when I was still living at home and working as a receptionist for a doctor in my home town. Coming home from work one day, Mom mentioned that the new community of sisters in Lincoln was having a weekend retreat for young women, and asked if I would be interested. It sounded like a good thing to do during Lent, so I registered for it and went.
by Fr. Thomas Brouillette
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” Luke 24:5-7
Throughout the week we call ‘Holy,’ we celebrated the sacred liturgies and entered into the climax of the Sacred Triduum, in the Easter Vigil of the Resurrection. In Holy Week, we did not simply reenact events that took place in history. Precisely because these faith-anchoring events are historical, they cannot be repeated or reenacted. The Church’s long tradition insists that what happened once in history passes over into the mystery of the assembly’s liturgical, sacramental celebration. We do not celebrate history only, the liturgies remind us, but do not take us back to the upper room, or to the Garden of Gethsemane or to the Golgotha. Their purpose is not to retrace, nor catch sight of Him as did Mary Magdalen, by imagining the tomb with the stone rolled back—even as helpful as this can be to our prayer.
by Katie Patrick
Remember that time you were in a pinch and the Lord answered your prayers? He does that often, doesn’t He? We plan and prepare, then something goes wrong and we worry, and feel anxious. Maybe we hurriedly whisper a few prayers out of concern for the situation at hand, but then He shows up and everything just falls into place.
by Tom Venzor
I have some good news, and I have some bad news. So, let’s start with the good news.
“The Enigma Girls”
by Candace Fleming.
Scholastic Inc, New York, 2024, 371 pages, Grades 6-8.
by Sr. Marie Caritas, C.K.
I never thought of trout as beautiful, until recently. Our fifth-grade classroom at St. James School in Crete began the second semester with a 50-gallon tank and water chiller, ready for a batch of about 150 trout eggs.
by Tom Venzor
“For freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).
I have always found this passage of Scripture simple, yet profound and beautiful. Yet, the words seem redundant. After all, what else are you set free for other than for freedom?
Without attempting a Bible study of this passage, I wanted to use it as a preface for important religious freedom legislation that was recently passed and signed into law. This legislation is a reminder of the freedom that we have in Christ, a freedom to love Him and to love our neighbor as ourselves. But let me explain why this is the case.
by Rachael Tvrdy
According to the Springtide Research Institute, almost 50% of young Catholics between the ages of 13 and 25 have expressed a lack of trust in the Catholic Church. Additionally, many young adult Catholics have reported feeling disconnected from the Church due to frequent relocations and short-lasting friendships, resulting in them leaving the Church at the median age of 23. Lastly, an alarming statistic from the same study reported that only 17% of young Catholics attend Sunday Mass and are in full communion with the Church. Keep in mind: all of these statistics are pre-pandemic, so imagine what they are now. What is going on? And what do we do about this?
by Katie Patrick
At the Heart of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy is the simple message of Divine Mercy: “God loves us – all of us. And, He wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His joy.”
At Catholic Social Services, we embrace our clients in their most vulnerable moments.
The Last Supper and Passion Account of St. Luke. Chapters 22-24.
The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition.
Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 1946, reprinted in 2006. All ages.
by Tom Venzor
Last week, a second abortion-related ballot initiative proposal was released by a group called Protect Women & Children. The proposal provides protections for some preborn babies, and offers Nebraskans an alternative ballot proposal in contrast to the extreme abortion proposal that was released in November by pro-abortion special interest groups.
by Katie Patrick
It seems like just yesterday that I sat down to write my Messages of Hope article about the arrival of my twin daughters, Keira and Saoirse, yet here I am again writing to share with you the birth of another daughter, Nora Colette.
Nora was born on Saturday, Jan. 20. Spending slightly fewer days in the NICU than her older sisters had to a couple of years ago meant that we were soon home cuddling. For weeks, I was able to rest and be present with her and her big sisters while the entire team at Catholic Social Services kept the agency running – at full speed.
“The Easter Egg Farm”
By Mary Jane Auch.
Holiday House, New York, 1992, 32 pages, Grades K-2
By Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great Seminary; Director of Seminarians
“How can we support you?”
I was asked this question recently by a guest visiting St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward. My first thought was to explain more about what we do at St. Gregory’s in the hope that more people would better understand and appreciate—and therefore support, prayerfully and financially—this important apostolate in the Diocese of Lincoln and in the wider Church.
by Tom Venzor
Every now and then, because so many different things are going on, it’s best to use my column as an opportunity to talk about several things at once. And this is one of those times.
By Mario Racicot
Director of E-commerce
Whenever you put an ‘e’ in front of something, it usually simply means ‘electronic.’ When it comes to our e-commerce here at CSS, I like to think our ‘e’ means so much more: evangelize, extra, and environmental.
“Have You Ever Seen a Flower?”
By Shawn Harris.
Chronicle Books, San Francisco, 2021, 48 pages, Pre-school through Kindergarten
By Sr. Mary Alma, C.K.
School Sisters of Christ the King
One of the most beautiful persons I have ever known received his education – when he was fortunate – in refugee camps. The rest of his instruction took place while trudging through the bushes and jungles of southern Sudan, foraging for food, hiding from marauding soldiers, and desperately seeking a place to call home.
by Tom Venzor
The largest abortion provider in the U.S. is leading and financing an effort to slip a deceptive, dangerous, and demeaning pro-abortion amendment into the Nebraska Constitution.
In November, abortion activists filed paperwork with the Nebraska Secretary of State to begin the signature-gathering process to be on the ballot in November 2024. They have until early July to collect around 120,000 signatures from across Nebraska. Because they will spend the money needed to gather these signatures, it is nearly a foregone conclusion this pro-abortion ballot measure will be voted on in November.
It is critical that Nebraska be informed about why this proposal is deceptive, dangerous, and demeaning, and why Nebraskans—and especially Catholics—should oppose this measure every step of the way to November.
by Elaine Simpson
Jesus said,“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them. (Mark 10:14-16)
“The Beatryce Prophecy”
by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall.
Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2021, 247 pages, Grades 4-6.
By Jennifer Tran
Principal, Blessed Sacrament School, Lincoln
Since its opening in 1926, Blessed Sacrament School in Lincoln has undergone growth, development, and progress, and has weathered challenges and setbacks. Hundreds of staff members and thousands of students later, one constant remains and will continue to remain at Blessed Sacrament: Our commitment and drive to carry out the eternal teachings of our Lord through our philosophy of academic excellence; proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
by Tom Venzor
If you’ve been following the school choice issue in the legislature, you may be wondering, “what’s the latest scoop?” And if you aren’t following it, it’s the right time to catch up. In the remaining 20-ish days of the session, school choice will be a main attraction of legislative debate. For now, put on your seatbelt and let’s go for a Q&A ride.
by Katie Patrick
For nearly a century, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska has been providing “Hope in the Good Life” to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds across 24,000 square miles of southern Nebraska.
“The Gardener”
by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small.
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, New York, 1997, 40 pages, Grades K-2.
by Marion Miner
Associate Director of Pro Life and Family Policy
Visitors at the Nebraska Capitol for committee hearings were present for a wonderful show of solidarity for life and human dignity Feb. 22.
Nebraskans stood up and pushed back hard against LB1109, a bill introduced by Senator Merv Riepe of Omaha that would create a new exception to Nebraska’s 12-week abortion law by permitting the killing of babies who have a life-limiting disability diagnosis.
“Tops and Bottoms” by Janet Stevens.
Harcourt Brace and Company, New York, 1995, 40 pages, 2003, K-2.
by Fr. Ryan Kaup
A few weeks ago, we hosted our annual Forty Hours devotion at the Newman Center (check out the Feb. 2 issue of the Southern Nebraska Register). The Lord is never outdone in generosity, and as we spent 40 continual hours with Him in Eucharistic Adoration, He poured out abundant graces on our community.
by Paige Brown
Statewide Pro-Life Activities Coordinator
Last week, eighth-graders from St. Michael Catholic School in Lincoln could be seen praying in front of Planned Parenthood, for an end to abortion. It’s beautiful to see the youngest generations showing up, taking their place in the pro-life movement, and making an impact. So, what is your impact?
Let’s talk about Catholics in politics, and why you need to be at the flagship day of Catholic advocacy, Catholics at the Capitol, on Wednesday, March 6. Catholics at the Capitol is an incredible and easy way to be engaged and equipped to let your voice be heard on legislative issues that matter to us as Catholics. Before we talk about the event, let’s zoom out a bit and look at the Legislature and the Nebraska Catholic Conference.
by Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great Seminary;
Director of Seminarians
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” 1 Peter 3:15
I would like to share an explanation for my hope.
In February, the community of St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward traveled to Milwaukee to attend an invitational basketball tournament sponsored by St. Francis de Sales Seminary.
Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz attended seminary there and also taught at St. Francis, and several of the priests of our diocese have studied there over the years.
by Veronica Pino
St. Gianna Program Manager
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
One of our most recent endeavors at St. Gianna Women’s Home has been guiding three of our mothers as they seek to get their children baptized.
In many ways, it’s been an exciting experience, as we do what we can to help these families so that their little ones can enter the Catholic Church. What heartwarming moments we had as each mother approached one of our staff members expressing her desire to baptize her children. And what joy to think of seven children receiving the sacrament of Baptism!
“Ten Thousand Tries”
By Amy Makechnie.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 2021, 375 pages, Grades 5-7.
By Katie Ostgren
Director of Development & Stewardship,
Diocese of Lincoln
One of my favorite books to read to my young kids is a book by Catholic authors Maura Roan McKeegan and Lindsay Carpenter. It is called, “Where is Jesus Hidden?” The introduction to the book reads like this:
By Bob Sullivan
In my column last week, I provided a few of the many valuable resources we have to help explain, defend, and learn more about our Catholic faith. However, we always have to be on guard, because there are many things out there which are specifically designed to mislead us.
We were warned about such things long ago: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) Later in Matthew, Jesus says, “Take heed that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” (Matthew 24:4-5)
It is one thing when an anti-Catholic spreads misinformation about the Catholic faith. That is unfortunate and annoying. It is also unfortunate when a Catholic says something inaccurate about the Catholic faith, but this can happen quite innocently.
By Sr. Peggy Kucera
Marian Sisters
In the Incarnation, the love story of the New Testament started and God shows forth His great thirst for us. He desires to enter our lives for us to be able “to touch” Him, to see Him in a tangible way. This thirst was manifested throughout the 33 years that He walked on this earth.
by John McDonald
Hastings Regional Director, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
This time of year, I find myself dusting off my suits in preparation for various events, such as weddings, liturgies and banquets. This year is heavy on banquets and professional events, such as the upcoming Catholic Social Services Celebration of Hope banquet (April 25) and Give Hastings Day (April 2). Most recently, the Catholic Social Services team attended the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting in which Hastings CSS received the Business of the Year - Nonprofit Award.
“The Invisible Boy”
by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton.
Alfred Knopf, New York, 2013, 40 pages, K-1.
By Emily Lohr.
Principal, Early Childhood Director
St. Joseph School, Beatrice
As I reflect on the rich history and continuing legacy of St. Joseph Catholic School in Beatrice, my heart swells with pride and gratitude. Having been a part of this institution for the past 13 years, from a first-grade teacher to now serving as the principal, I find it an honor to share the profound impact that St. Joseph’s has had on my life and the lives of countless others in the Beatrice community.
By Bob Sullivan
As Catholics, we live in a day and age in which nearly everywhere we turn, we face criticisms, challenges, and sometimes outright persecution. It may come from an atheist or agnostic acquaintance or coworker. It may come from an activist employer or a woke company with whom we have to do business. It may come from a relative who belongs to a “Bible Church” and who feels that he needs to “save” you from the Catholic Church.
It may come from a government regulator or official who believes that the FBI memo targeting Catholics was justified. It may come from your own spouse, child, or parent, who sees the Catholic faith as outdated, too rule-oriented, or maybe even prejudiced. It might even come from a fellow Catholic who either looks down on you because you are not changing with the modern Church, or maybe just the opposite; you are deceived because you recognize Pope Francis as the legitimately elected pope.
As you can see, the faithful Catholic has many critics these days, and I left out about 245,000 other examples. Many Catholics are confronted by many different critics. Who has the time and energy to stand up to all of this?
By Marilu Cazares
Family Support Services Program Manager,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Are you the type of person who considers giving up your favorite food for Lent every year? If so, you are not alone. I have done that many times. However, Lent is coming, and I have been thinking about what I can do differently this year because I am so grateful for all the blessings that God has given me and my family. What can I do to please our Lord in a different way this year?
“The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic”
by Jennifer Thermes.
Viking Press, New York, 2023, 56 pages, Grades 1-4.
by Brad Brestel
Interim Manager, Immigration Legal Services
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
I have lived my entire life in Lincoln. I went to public schools, the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska Law School, all in Lincoln. I was baptized in a Methodist church when I was born, and I was baptized again at First Baptist Church when my family attended there.
I grew up surrounded by friends from the Baptist church. We all studied the Bible and learned lots of information about our Christian faith. I am thankful for the mountain of Bible knowledge the Baptist culture afforded me.
by Fr. Evan Winter
Hispanic Ministry
Pastor, St. John in Minden and Holy Family in Heartwell
This column is not about immigration.
Over the last few years, I have heard the stories of several illegal immigrants. People don’t just wake up and decide, “I’m going to move to the United States, and I don’t care what the law says.”
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
One of the greatest blessings growing up on the farm was being able to experience the goodness of the four seasons on the farmland.
by Tom Venzor
It seems like just yesterday that senators were returning to the Norris Chamber in the State Capitol for the first day of the legislative session. And here we are now: over one-quarter of the way through the 2024 legislative session. Before you know it, senators will be exiting the Norris Chamber to return home.
In this first quarter, we have completed bill introduction. Just shy of 600 legislative bills were introduced. This is in addition to the 820 bills that were introduced last year. Many of these “carryover” bills from last year are still active for passage this year.
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems.
Hyperion Books for Children, New York, 32 pages, 2003, K-2.
by Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great Seminary; Director of Seminarians
“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk 18:18)
If we are fortunate, each of us has a specific teacher who comes to mind when we think of our best experience in the classroom, or on a playing field, or in a work setting. It is someone who patiently guided us along the way. Father Tom Wells, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., first comes to mind when I think about a teacher who changed my life.
by Katie Patrick
As we enter a new year, filled with hope and opportunities to continue making a difference in the lives of those around us, we are excited to extend to you an invitation to our annual event, Celebration of Hope, taking place Feb. 25 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln.
“Across the Desert” by Dusti Bowling.
Little Brown and Company, New York, 2021, 305 pages, Grades 5-7.
by Tom Venzor
Before I jump into this week’s legislative update, I want to draw your attention to two upcoming events you should attend.
By Mark Main
Store Manager at St. Louise Gift & Thrift in Lincoln,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
One of the biggest lies in modern society is that a person is solely in charge of his or her own destiny. I once believed that statement.
Don’t get me wrong, I became very successful and achieved many of my goals. If someone told me that I couldn’t do something, I did everything I could to prove those people wrong. If I set my mind to it, I could achieve it. The problem was I didn’t realize that God was helping me accomplish these goals all along.
By Fr. Thomas Brouillette
Vicar General
Chief Administrative Officer, Hastings Catholic Schools
National Catholic Schools Week began in 1974 and is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. The 50th anniversary begins Sunday, Jan. 28 through Saturday, Feb. 3 and marks the time for this special week to ‘Celebrate Catholic Schools.’
