by Bob Sullivan
In the past few years, some Catholics have noticed that there are fewer and fewer men involved in an active life of faith in parishes across the country. Catholic men such as Bishop Emeritus Thomas Olmsted, Matthew Christoff, Father John Hollowell, and others, have written and spoken about this as a crisis in the Church.
by Sr. Fiat Marie, C.K.
A school year is an interesting thing: It begins, and then we begin counting down to the end, only to end and then begin another school year.
by Tom Venzor
In a press conference Aug. 30, opponents of school choice (so-called “Support Our Schools”) announced the outcome of their 90-day effort to gather signatures in an attempt to repeal the Opportunity Scholarships Act. This is a good chance to tell you what opponents announced at that press conference, what it means, and what’s next.
“Yukie’s Island: My Family’s World War II Story”
by Kodo Kimura and others. Illustrated by Kodo Kimura. Roaring Brook Press,
New York, 2023, 48 pages, Grades 2-4
by Amy Reisen,
Coordinator of Youth Evangelization and Discipleship
What a whirlwind the last four months have been. The warm and sunny summer days seem to just fly by each year. In my time as a teacher, I remember always thinking summer would be the time to rest, relax, and refresh. Instead, those months came with seeing everyone I hadn’t seen, resetting all the areas of my classroom I had neglected during the school year, and ultimately trying to fit a whole year’s worth of catching up into two and a half months.
by Tom Venzor
Last week, my beautiful wife, Makayla, and I looked upon the angelic face of our precious daughter, Julia Rose Venzor, for the first time.
I’ve sat staring at my computer for a good 20 minutes trying to figure out what else I should say besides this. I’ve developed several different openings or themes for my column, but nothing has taken root. So, instead, you’re getting my scattered and selected thoughts about the gift of human life… and a cute picture of my beautiful little girl!
by Rachael Tvrdy,
Director of the Office of Family Life and Discipleship
In 1988, Pope John Paul II wrote an apostolic exhortation “Christifidelis Laici” (Christ’s Faithful Laity) calling the laity “to be the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” This document is as relevant today as it was 30 years ago.
“Eyes that Kiss in the Corners” by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho.
Harper/Collins Children’s Press, 2021, 40 pages, Grades 1-3.
by Fr. Ryan Kaup
In June, at age 35, I moved back to college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).
When I moved to UNL this time, instead of wearing a Blink 182 T-shirt and ill-fitting jeans like I did at 18, I donned a Roman collar. Instead of a damp dorm room in Smith Hall, my accommodations are a comfortable rectory (big upgrade). And instead of a soul searching for meaning, I’ve arrived with a heart burning with a mission to find the lost souls on campus.
by Katie Patrick
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) in Auburn operates not only as a place where those in need can secure food for their families, or where an individual living on a fixed income can access emergency cash assistance when their only vehicle needs repair, nor is it only a place for local folks to shop at the St. Francis Gift & Thrift. It is, in fact, much more than this. Catholic Social Services in Auburn provides essential services that go beyond the surface, touching hearts and uplifting spirits.
by Tom Venzor
A hodgepodge of thoughts, Tom… is that the best you have for us this week? And the answer is “Yes! That’s the best I have!” I now invite you into my stream of consciousness and hear what I have to say about some important, slightly related topics. Unlike the Grateful Dead, it won’t be a long, strange trip, it’ll be a short, informative, out and back.
By Fr. Bernard Lorenz
St. Patrick Parish in McCook
Hispanic Ministry
Mom is calling us home to the family.
Mom who? The Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), Mom of Jesus and all humanity. (John 19:26-27) In the 38 years of priesthood that the good and gracious God has allowed me to celebrate, I have come to know and love my mom Mary, mother of Jesus, more and more.
“A Gift for Nana” by Lane Smith.
Random House, New York, 2022, 40 pages, Grades K-3.
by Katie Patrick
For the past 27 years, Catholic Social Services has hosted the CSS Memorial Golf Classic and Auction in memory of one of our own. We have recognized former volunteers, donors, staff and community members who have impacted our mission by performing the Works of Mercy in response to the call of God.
by Tom Venzor
The misplaced effort to repeal historic school choice legislation in Nebraska is now, thank God, in countdown mode. There are fewer than 30 days for opponents of school choice to collect signatures in the effort to repeal LB753, the Opportunity Scholarships Act.
by Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great Seminary; Director of Seminarians
“Lord, where are you staying? Jesus replied, Come and you will see” (Jn 1: 38-39).
By Fr. Brian Wirth
Director of Rural Life
Whether growing crops on the farm, or flowers and vegetables in gardens, one of the biggest challenges of raising plants revolves around weeds. With or without moisture, weeds still find a way to make their presence known.
“I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906”
by Lauren Tarshis.
Scholastic, Inc., New York, 2012, 94 pages, Grades 4-5.
by Tom Venzor
We’ve been talking a lot about school choice lately, but it’s hard not to. Our recently passed law, to get more scholarships to low-income families, has the power to transform generations of children by offering them more and better educational opportunities. But that legislation is being threatened by opponents who seek to repeal the law. So, what can you do to protect school choice for Nebraska families? I’m glad you asked, because these future scholarship families need your help today!
By Sr. Melissa Moxely, M.S.
Marian Sisters
I had the privilege of going on a Marian pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes, and Medjugorje in May 2023, with the help of many generous benefactors and the support of my community, the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln. I experienced Mary calling me to her heart as my spiritual mother to these holy apparition sites.
by Katie Ostgren
Director of Development & Stewardship, Diocese of Lincoln
Around this time every year, I feel like the Ostgrens need to catch our pastor at the end of Mass and clarify something. Usually it’s me, with a bit of nervous laughter, saying something like, “Hey, Father! Long time no see—just wanted to let you know that we didn’t move, or ghost you, or anything like that—haha! We still belong to the parish, and we’re definitely still Catholic! OK—see you in August!”
by Rachel Tvrdy
Community Engagement Coordinator, Marketing & Development
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Do you recognize the quote, “no man is an island?” It’s the opening line of John Donne’s poem of the same name: “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”
by Jeremy Ekeler,
Associate Director of Education Policy
In honor of the recent anniversary of his birthday, I’d like to tell you what the first Archbishop of New York, “Dagger” John Hughes, can teach the Nebraska faithful.
Hughes was born in English-ruled Ireland June 24, 1797. When he was 15 years old, his sister died. Because the British would not permit a Catholic burial, John smuggled in a handful of blessed dirt and sprinkled it on her grave. Historians point to this moment as an indication of Hughes’ rebellious streak. I would argue that was not a “streak,” that was his Catholic ethos.
by Jeff Schinstock,
Director of Religious Education
Growing up on a farm in southwestern Kansas, I always watched my dad, my grandfather and my uncle, and marveled at all the things they knew.
My favorite days usually involved a major mechanical job; we had lots of equipment that needed regular maintenance. On those days we were all four together and I would marvel at the conversations. There was always baseball talk, but they knew history and politics. There was also some religious discussion, often involving our own local parish.
by Carm Fiala
Lincoln Diocesan Schools have so many great things happening. We can celebrate this, year in and year out, because our community, our tradition and our commitment to the Catholic faith and to the students are clearly established.
When I was a student at Aquinas High School in David City, I wrote an essay on the importance of Catholic education and won first prize. That event was over 50 years ago, and I am not sure that I, as a 17-year-old, knew the true importance of Catholic schools.
“Beatrice’s Goat” by Page McBrier, illustrated by Lori Lohstoeter.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 2001, 32 pages, K-2.
By Bill Sullivan, St. Isidore Gift & Thrift Manager
and
Tonya Olsen, Family Support Specialist
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Are there any Father Mike Schmitz fans out there? We at Catholic Social Services’ Imperial outreach office and St. Isidore Gift & Thrift are huge fans. We frequently use his work to guide us as we serve our neighbors in the southwest corner of Nebraska, creating Hope in the Good Life.
When our executive director Katie Patrick asked us to write an article for the Southern Nebraska Register and share more about our work in Imperial, the first thing that came to mind was Love. Father Mike has talked about how Love can be summed up in three words: Here I am.
by Tom Venzor
No sooner than the ink was dry from the Governor signing the Opportunity Scholarships Act (LB753) into law, the Nebraska State Education Association (otherwise known as the public teachers’ union) filed a petition with the Nebraska Secretary of State to place LB753 on the ballot as a referendum in 2024. In short, the teachers’ union wants to repeal our historic school choice win. This effort would strip parents of their right and ability to access the best education possible for their children.
Let’s use a Q&A to talk about why this petition and repeal effort is flawed, and why—when you are approached to sign the petition—you should DECLINE TO SIGN!
by Katie Patrick
If any of you has ever seen the video of the professor who walks into the classroom with a Mason jar and a bag of golf balls, you know what I’m talking about. For those of you who haven’t, imagine this.
By Victoria Fassett
Campus Minister
UNL Newman Center
The Newman Center’s mission statement is “Forging college students into saints, fully alive in Christ”—throughout the year there are so many amazing stories of how students encounter the Lord, but as the summer begins, and I think back on the year, Clair’s story stands out for the continued effect that it’s had on Newman and the people in her life, namely Isabella. Here’s how Clair tells it:
by Fr. Douglas Daro,
Assistant pastor, St. Cecilia Church, Hastings
Hispanic Ministry
According to Google Maps, the distance from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Chihuahua, Mexico, is 1,225 miles. Driving non-stop, the trip would be a little less than 20 hours. Quite a distance to travel, to say the least; a road trip worthy of Spotify playlists, good conversation, and many energy drinks.
This distance, as well as distances much longer, is the long road traveled by many of the Catholics living and working in the Diocese of Lincoln. This long journey has been made by many who are sitting in the pews as we worship together the Living God.
“My Fourth of July” by Jerry Spinelli, illustrated by Larry Day
Holiday House, New York, 2019, 40 pages, Grades 1-3
By John Soukup
Development Officer, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Many of us might feel pressure in our non-church settings to come across as religiously neutral. During conversations among work colleagues about the weekend, for instance, we might sidestep mentioning activities such as Mass attendance, catechism classes, or being at a first Communion. However, when “Catholic” is in the name of the place where you work, sometimes you just have to be bold.
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
We just celebrated National Beef Month, which recognizes the dedicated work of cattle farmers and ranchers across the country and particularly throughout the Midwest. This annual celebration is fitting as we too celebrate the feast day of St. Isidore the Farmer May 15.
Personally, I want to thank everyone who participated in the Novena for St. Isidore the Farmer, as well as for rain this year. I humbly request that we continue to pray such prayers.
“The Little Island” by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Leonard Weisgard.
Doubleday Book for Young Readers, New York, 1946, 32 pages, K-2.
Everyone needs comforting books at times. Famed author Margaret Wise Brown has written any number of these books. “Goodnight Moon” and “The Runaway Bunny” are two of her important titles.
by Jeremy Ekeler
Associate Director of Education Policy
At 11:19 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, I stood with our executive director, Tom Venzor, outside the chambers of the Nebraska Unicameral with other lobbyists. The final vote for LB753 Opportunity Scholarships was taking place and all eyes were on the lightbulbs next to the names of senators: 33 green “yes” votes meant history – school choice had finally arrived in Nebraska.
By Deacon Matthew Hecker, Ph.D.
Faithful Catholic identity. Outstanding academics. Mission-driven faculty and staff. Tremendous parental involvement. Heroic, sacrificial, parish support. Surprising affordability.
These phrases come to mind as I conclude my time as Chief Administrative Officer of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Lincoln. Each phrase might fill volumes, but I have about 800 words. I will simply argue that when you put it all together, our Catholic schools are unmatched in America. Bold words, to be sure, but true.
by Katie Patrick
“The earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship.”
Inspiring words from St. John Paul II during his visit to the United States in 1987 and a message that has recently become a theme for us at CSS.
Our sustainability project is the last of four initiatives that we are raising funds for in lieu of Give to Lincoln Day. This initiative will be the primary focus for several of us at Catholic Social Services in the coming year.
by Tom Venzor
On Day 81 of the 90-day session, after months of filibustering, daily attempts by opposition to run the session into the ground, countless hours of debate, and numerous attempts to kill or delay the bill, the Nebraska Legislature voted for the passage of the Let Them Grow Act by a vote of 33 to 15.
“The Big Book of Birds” by Yuval Zommer.
Thames and Hudson, New York, 2019, 64 pages, Grades 2-4.
By Sr. Teresa Marie, C.K. and Sr. John Marion, C.K.
“Sister! Guess what!” “What, Joe?” “Did you know that pterodactyls are the largest flying animals and that the humans were 100th the size of a megalodon?”
“Sister! Guess, what!” “What, Joe?” Did you know that the Anchiornis huxleyi was a chicken-sized dinosaur?”
By Jeremy Ekeler
Associate Director of Education Policy
My previous column in February, “Live from the Capitol, It’s School Choice,” was a real-time commentary from the hearing of LB753 (“Opportunity Scholarships”). In the weeks since, Tom Venzor has communicated brief updates on this bill as the session has plodded through an insufferable filibuster. Today, however, I present an in-depth look at history in the making as Opportunity Scholarships nears anticipated final passage.
What’s occurred? What’s about to happen? What’s next? Let’s dig into it!
By Cindy Schilmoeller
The good news about Catholic schools is that we have something special going on here in the Diocese of Lincoln!
Emigrating from Iowa in 1986, and sending our first child off to kindergarten at St. Mary School in downtown Lincoln in 1993, my husband Mark and I knew we wanted for our children what we had growing up—a Catholic education that would nurture their faith, be rooted in and aware of the richness of the sacraments, and journey with Christ every day. We wanted prayer, the history of the saints, the celebration of Mass, and the presence of religious to be integrated into their educational routine.
by Rachael Tvrdy,
Director of the Office of Family Life and Discipleship
Our parishes are families of families, an extension that offers support, fellowship, and stability to our lives. Recently I learned of a program called Faith Partners, an interfaith, evidence-based project with 30 years of experience, that offers a team approach to churches that are dealing with substance abuse, mental health, and addictions. I was able to attend a local training and was encouraged by the program’s desire to break stigmas to serve families who are hurting in isolation.
by Katie Patrick
Last week, I introduced the four initiatives that we at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska are fundraising for in lieu of Give to Lincoln, including the Lincoln Community Garden, the Lincoln Food Market, two recently purchased maternity and refugee transition homes, and our sustainability project, which includes launching our Gift & Thrift Online Shop.
“Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea”
by Lynne Rae Perkins. HarperCollins Children’s Books, New York, 2018, 232 pages, Grades 3-5.
by Fr. Ryan Kaup,
Pastor, St. Benedict Church, Nebraska City
Hispanic Ministry
In February 2008, as a scraggly 20-year-old, I anxiously boarded a plane to Valparaiso, Chile. I had just finished the first semester of my sophomore year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and was heading to study abroad for the second semester.
At UNL, I was studying advertising and Spanish, and I signed up for the abroad program to satiate my thirst for adventure and improve my language skills. At the time, I had no idea how pivotal those six months would prove to be in my life.
By Victoria Fassett
Campus Minister
UNL Newman Center
Happy Easter! He is Risen! These past few weeks as we’ve been celebrating the Easter season, I’ve been drawn to the accounts of the early Christians from the Acts of the Apostles.
For much of my life, I’ve heard these stories and have thought of them as just that, stories. They easily become something that happened a long time ago or something that only happens to saints. But this Easter, I’ve been challenged to really consider what it would mean if the Holy Spirit wanted to work these miracles in my life and the lives of the people around me.
by Tom Venzor
If you’ve had a kid in Catholic school, there is a very good chance you’ve filled out paperwork for the textbook loan program. Maybe you knew it, maybe you didn’t. And if you didn’t have a kid in Catholic school, you might be asking: what on earth is the textbook loan program?
Great question. Thanks for asking! Let’s answer it, because the textbook loan program (“TLP”) is on its way to having a makeover. Sen. Mike McDonnell of South Omaha (LD5) has introduced LB647, which would make critical updates to the TLP that will ultimately benefit parents of non-public school students.
By Katie Patrick
It is the vision of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) to inspire hope and love in every encounter, and that includes serving every client who comes to us in need with dignity and respect. For nearly 100 years, CSS has been giving food to those in need, helping families with rent and utilities, welcoming refugees and immigrants, sheltering women and children fleeing domestic violence, and providing love and support to women in crisis pregnancies – and we will continue to do so.
by Bob Sullivan
Recently, I received an email from Robert, who took issue with my claim that Catholics do not believe that we can earn our way to Heaven by performing “good works.” Robert claims that Catholics do not know this, citing that he has talked to many Catholics who profess that they can earn their way to Heaven by performing good works.
The heresy of Pelagianism taught that one could merit or earn Heaven by a natural faith, without grace. It would be impossible for the Catholic Church to teach Pelagianism since the Church itself declared this a heresy in 418 A.D. at the Council of Carthage. The findings of the Council of Carthage are still available today, including Canon 113 which states that, “without the grace of God we can do no good thing.”
“See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog”
by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2020, 64 pages, K-2
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
After Mass this past Sunday, a parishioner and I greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries. Following our exchange, he offered a humble request: “Father, can we please include praying for rain/moisture in the weekly Sunday petitions?”
To be honest, I was taken aback. Generally speaking, the desire to pray for rain primarily comes from rural parishes and farming/ranching communities. At the same time, I was thrilled to hear his request because it relates to exactly what I wanted to share in this month’s column: Praying for rain as a diocese and offering it as a daily intention.
by Katie Patrick
Lincoln is a big small city. We are still a small town—we have small town values, small town culture, and some small town city planning that has made it feel like a very big city for those without a working vehicle.
by Tom Venzor
“We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until every unborn child is protected in law and welcomed in life. We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until all the elderly who have run life’s course are protected against despair and abandonment, protected by the rule of law and the bonds of love. We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until every young woman is given the help she needs to recognize the problem of pregnancy as the gift of life. We shall not weary, we shall not rest, as we stand guard at the entrance gates and the exit gates of life, and at every step along the way of life, bearing witness in word and deed to the dignity of the human person—of every human person.”
by Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great
Seminary; Director of Seminarians
This June will be the one-year anniversary of the hail storm that caused considerable damage at St. Gregory the Great seminary. We are grateful to so many friends who have helped us recover, both with gifts as well as with their time. The violence of the storm and the ongoing repairs have been a source of meditation for me this spring as we approach the end of the seminary’s academic year and prepare for graduation and ordinations to the diaconate and priesthood in May.
“Hot Dog” by Doug Salati,
Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2022, 32 pages, K-3.
By Sr. Benedicta Hawkins, M.S.
Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln
Everyone has a “go-to” bible passage, the one that, no matter what, stirs inside of you. A place where Jesus always shows up, always invites you deeper, always lets you experience His love.
For me, this passage is John 10: 10-18, which is always read in some length on the 4th Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday. The day the church prays in a special way for vocations.
by Katie Ostgren
Family life comes with a lot of joys and special moments, especially this time of year. Graduations, vacations, first Communions, final days of school. These special moments create lasting memories and strong impressions.
by John McDonald
Hastings Regional Director, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Everyone is called to love. Everyone is called to give time, talent and treasure to benefit others. On May 4, Hastings is celebrating and encouraging this call to charity through its annual “Give Hastings Day,” a community event sponsored by the Hastings Community Foundation to encourage financial support of local nonprofits to enhance the quality of life in Adams County.
by Tom Venzor
Before I dive into this week’s column, it’s one of those moments where I’m writing before an event takes place, but by the time you read this column the event will have already occurred. This time the event is second round debate on LB626, the Nebraska Heartbeat Act. Legislative debate on this life-saving legislation will have occurred on Thursday, April 27, shortly before this column hits your mailbox. Lord willing, we are another step closer to protecting preborn babies with heartbeats—and I will, of course, write more about this at a later date. Thank you to all those who joined Bishop Conley on Wednesday in making a special act of prayer or fasting for the advancement and passage of LB626. It is these acts of sacrificial love that “move mountains” and bring about the culture of life we desire for Nebraska.
“Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen”
by Hans Christian Andersen, compiled by Neil Philip, illustrated by Isabelle Brent
Viking, N.Y., 1995, 140 pages, elementary school through adult.
Fairy tales are stories that instruct and entertain readers. In these stories, we meet kind and brave people, as well as evil beings such as witches and heartless individuals.
By Jeff Schinstock
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Being a parent is not an easy task. My marriage has been greatly blessed by the gift of our beautiful children, but the responsibility of parenthood is a tall order. The Church recognizes this difficulty. Pope Saint John Paul II speaks about parents and their relationship with children 70 times in his famous exhortation Familiaris Consortio (“the fellowship of the family”).
In my own work, in particular the work of preparing families for the sacrament of Confirmation, I have found that parents need to be accompanied by the Catholic community. It is a great time to do a spiritual checkup. Like all relationships and friendships, our relationship with God needs to be tended. We need the accountability of a community, but also the encouragement of our neighbors. Did I mention that parenting can be hard?
by Tom Venzor
A little factoid about me: I’m a night owl. I usually stay up until midnight or 1 a.m. It’s always been the time when I do my best work. The house is silent, the world is calm, and my phone is typically quiet. It’s a great time, if you ask me—and I’ll be happy to go toe-to-toe with any early birds out there who think otherwise.
by Katie Patrick
There are things in life that we sometimes take for granted, like when we’re asked for our photo ID. Whether it’s when we are visiting a restricted, family-only room at the hospital, ordering a beer, or checking in for a flight, for most of us, without thinking much of it, we reach into our purse or wallet and pull out our ID.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible for some of our clients. Being homeless presents a number of obstacles. There are the obvious struggles of not always having a roof over your head at night or not knowing where breakfast, lunch, and dinner will come from. Being homeless, you weather the elements and the noise on the streets where you are sleeping, resting, or sitting.
“North American Cranes” by Lesley A. DuTemple,
Carolrhoda Books, Inc., Minneapolis, 1999, 47 pages, Grades 4-6
By Fr. Denton Morris
Pastor, St. Joseph Parish in Harvard
Hispanic Ministry
Two beliefs of the Catholic faith combine in a special way in Antigua Guatemala (“Old Guatemala”) with the tomb of Santo Hermano Pedro: the belief in the communion of the saints, and the reality of the tomb. I thought of this practice upon reflection of the tomb of Christ this Easter.
In Guatemala, studying Spanish, I saw many visitors and pilgrims visit St. Francis Church and its ruins. Pilgrims especially came to visit the resting place of Santo Hermano Pedro. Some take the journey and make their petitions to him by knocking on his tomb. It is a testament to the knowledge of the communion of saints’ real intercession, as well as testament to the place of the tomb.
By Victoria Fassett
Campus Minister
UNL Newman Center
At dusk on Holy Saturday, 30 candidates and six catechumens gathered around the fire as Father Alec Sasse lit the Easter candle from the fire outside of the UNL Newman Center.
There is something so beautiful about this night of vigil when we await and then celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and the specific and real impact that has in our lives as Catholics. On a recent pilgrimage to Rome, I was reminded of the fact that when the earliest Christians committed their lives to Christ they knew that choice would likely cost them their lives. And yet, they saw something in the Gospel that made them believe that it was worth it. It was better to die a Christian than to live as a pagan.
by Katie Patrick
We never know when disaster will strike. Watching the news it can seem like it’s one tragedy after another: earthquakes, floods, and fires. We see families whose possessions were destroyed, left behind, washed away, or gone up in flames. It’s impossible to replace family heirlooms, but it is also frustrating to be stranded without a clean pair of clothes and a pillow to rest your head on.
“Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sun in the Year 1889”
by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, illustrated by Christopher Bing. Handprint Books, Brooklyn N.Y., 1888, (reprint, 2000) 32 pages, any age
“The Worlds of Tomie dePaola: The Art and Stories of the Legendary Artist and Author”
by Barbara Ellerman, Simon and Shuster Books for Young Readers, N.Y., 2021, 202 pages, Grades 8-10.
by Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great
Seminary; Director of Seminarians
“Come and See” took on a new meaning at St. Gregory the Great Seminary last month as we welcomed 52 young men to listen more deeply to Jesus’ voice.
by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
On Saturday, Feb. 25, I had the privilege of concelebrating the lector/acolyte installation Mass along with Bishop James Conley and 13 of my brother priests at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ.
by Katie Patrick
I have never known of a person making it through life without bearing a cross of some kind. The cross on the outside looks different for each of us. But on the inside, God never gives any one person more than he or she can bear – alone. Through the pain and suffering, God is with us, begging us to let Him in, to accompany us as we bear our crosses.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
Vicar General
Christ Speaks: “My mother sees me whipped. She sees me kicked and driven like a beast. She counts my every wound. But though her soul cries out in agony, no protest or complaint escapes her lips or even enters her thoughts. She shares my martyrdom. And I share hers. We hide no pain, no sorrow, from each other’s eyes. This is my Father’s will.”
by Sr. Regina Marie,
School Sisters of Christ the King
“Is there anything we can help you with?” This is a question I am often asked by my fifth-grade students. Recently, my class had an indoor recess and two girls came over asking this question.
What I really needed done was to have 75 new pencils sharpened! Honestly, I thought the girls might take back their offer when they heard of this potential job, but instead the girls took the bucket of pencils, asked if they could get another pencil sharpener from another classroom, and set about sharpening every one of those pencils during their recess time.
by Marion Miner
Associate Director of Pro-Life & Family Policy
On March 23, the Nebraska Legislature voted to advance Senator Kathleen Kauth’s LB574, the “Let Them Grow” Act, to the second round of debate. LB574 would prohibit subjecting children (anyone under 19) to puberty blocking drugs, cross-sex hormones, and mutilating surgeries for the purpose of attempting to change the child’s sex.
by Katie Patrick
Welcome to Nebraska! Since the early ‘90s, Catholic Social Services has welcomed refugee communities from all over the world as they make their home here in Nebraska.
Most recently, we have had the opportunity to welcome hundreds of Ukrainian refugees, though more accurately referred to as “humanitarian parolees.” This term has nothing to do with our justice system, but rather it indicates that an individual has been allowed or invited by the U.S. government to remain here temporarily, due to conflict or natural disaster in his or her home country.
Regardless of one’s specific immigration status, moving to a new country, whether temporarily or permanently, can be an overwhelming experience. During this time, our staff assists families with securing housing, setting up utilities, delivering donated furniture, enrolling children in school, and helping the adults find work.
by Rachael Tvrdy,
Director of the Office of Family Life and Discipleship
On October 13, 1917, the Blessed Mother made her final apparition to the three shepherd children of Fatima, Portugal. She appeared with the entire Holy Family: St. Joseph was holding the infant Jesus, who was blessing the world.
The Holy Family’s appearance was a proclamation in and of itself. It was a call and a reminder to the world of the holiness of the family. This monumental event has shaped so much of the work that I am engaged in today as the Director of Family Life and Discipleship. It informs all my work and I wish to share it with you all as I begin my mission here working with the families of our diocese.
by Ricardo Izquierdo,
Director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry
It does not benefit anyone to pretend that our diocesan schools are perfect. They are not, but they do not have to be.
The famous spiritual writer Father Jacques Philippe wrote in his book “Thirsting for Prayer” that bitterness and disappointment follow whenever we expect too much from anything that is not God. This is not an excuse for any failings in our schools, but we also need to realize that they are staffed, led, and attended by people who are not God. Hopefully, they are people who have strong desires to lead their pupils toward God, and who are open to His grace, but people are also subject to human limitations, concupiscence, and societal pressures.
by Tom Venzor
Before I begin, go and register for Catholics at the Capitol at www.NEcatholic.org.
We are officially beyond the halfway point of the legislative session. We are on the descent, but in a lot of ways we are just beginning the ascent. The Nebraska Legislature will soon begin full-day legislative debate. This will be accompanied by “late-night” sessions (possibly debating bills until midnight). All to say, the second half of the session is set to be a grueling, tense, and intense 45 days.
As we hit the midway point of the legislative session, this milestone brings with it the designation of “priority” bills. But what are priority bills? And what purpose do they serve?
“Calico Bush” by Rachel Field, illustrated by Allen Lewis
Macmillan Press, New York, 224 pages, 1966 (original publication 1931) Grades 4-6.
by Katie Patrick
A few days before the accident, Bob’s daughter adopted three young children.
To anyone who is familiar with the process of adoption, you know and understand how challenging that can be: the paperwork, the home visits, the references, the waiting. It was a joyous time indeed when the adoption was finalized for this family living in central Nebraska!
By Victoria Fassett
Campus Minister
UNL Newman Center
Throughout her life, Mother Teresa – now St. Teresa of Calcutta – would talk about the five-word gospel: “You did it to me.”
This is taken from the 25th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. Talking about it, Mother Teresa would hold up one hand and count off each word on her fingers. For her, it was so clear and simple what the Lord was asking: “Teresa, will you feed me? Teresa, will you hold me? Teresa, will you clothe me? Teresa, will you bathe me? Teresa, will you see me?”
By Fr. Dominic Winter
Hispanic Ministry
Assistant Pastor, Cristo Rey in Lincoln
When people ask me where I’m assigned and I say, “Cristo Rey,” well over half of them respond “where’s that?” And it’s not because they’re new to town or don’t go to church! Unless you live in the neighborhood here, come to Food Net, have seen our famous nativity scene, or are Hispanic yourself, our church could seem pretty much invisible… hidden away a few blocks from St. Teresa Church in Lincoln. And really, I can’t blame you.
by Marion Miner
Associate Director of Pro Life and Family Policy
Before full legislative debate begins on LB626, the Nebraska Heartbeat Act, it would serve us well to recap what LB626 does and to respond head-on to the argument—made time and again by opponents—that this bill will prevent doctors from providing appropriate medical care to women. In fact, if it passes, LB626 will make Nebraska’s pro-life laws the most generous to doctors in the United States. We will examine that below.
by Katie Patrick
Last Saturday, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska held its 35th Celebration of Hope banquet, formerly known as Celebration of Caring. We honored Shirley Lang with the Heart of Christ award and enjoyed a panel discussion on the Catholic response to the global refugee crisis.
by Bob Sullivan
If you are male and Catholic, you might wonder just what, exactly, is expected of you. If you look around your neighborhood, you will likely notice that most of the other men are less than active in a church. If you look around at the men in your social circle, you might find that some or many of the men seem to be more interested in hunting, work, spectator sports, or other things than they are in Jesus. If you look at your closest friends, you may even have close relationships with men who have no faith at all.
by Fr. Brian Kane
Rector, St. Gregory the Great
Seminary; Director of Seminarians
Periodically, seminarians at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward gather to reflect on their weekly apostolate assignments, seeking what Jesus wants for them as they work with the poor, the homeless, refugees, the sick and elderly.
For most of the seminarians, the apostolate assignments—navigating the world of Catholic Social Services, Matt Talbott Kitchen, People’s City Mission and area nursing homes—are a new experience.
by Tom Venzor
The main event the last two weeks at the Nebraska Legislature has mostly consisted of legislative hearings. We have testified in support and opposition of numerous pieces of legislation on varying topics, which I would like to review with you. But before we jump into that, let me update you on a few other things.
by Katie Patrick
This is the fourth and final article that I will share with you regarding the three issues that John McDonald and I were invited to advocate for as part of our trip to Washington, D.C., for a Catholic conference in late January.
The first issue was the Child Tax Credit, and I shared the stories of Lila and Siena. The second issue that we advocated for was the Afghan Adjustment Act, and I shared the story of Safiullah. The third and final issue that we advocated for was an increase in international assistance or aid given from the United States government to developing countries.
By Fr. Brian Wirth
Director of Rural Life
Last month, I wrote that as “Director of Rural Life,” my mission is to enable our diocese to encounter God’s Face, the Face of Love and Mercy, within Lincoln and our rural parishes through faith and agriculture. I noted that this mission is similar to my vocation story, how God continually revealed His graces to me through faith and agriculture. What follows is a Nebraskan story, in that it is particular to me but one of many that could be told in our diocese.
By Mother Ann Marie Zierke, M.S.
The names Sister Marta and Sister Theresa were always spoken of with reverence when I was a young sister. When we are asked to give a brief history of the community, it is usually summed up to “they escaped communism in the Czech Republic during the 1950s.” But the longer l live in community and the more I learn about their lives, I realized it is a story of courage, trust, and providence.
“Trusting True North”
by Gina Linko,
Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022, 364 pages, Grades 4-6.
by Katie Ostgren
Dr. Arthur C. Brooks is a social scientist, a professor at the Harvard Business School, a podcast host, and a bestselling author. He’s also a devout Roman Catholic. For decades, Brooks has studied the tangible structures, habits, and behaviors that influence whether or not humans attain what we all want most—happiness.
by Katie Patrick
It didn’t take long for my coffee to go cold as I’d forgotten about it while I recently sat across the table from Shirley Lang, listening to her talk about the early days of Nebraska Right to Life.
by Katie Patrick
In the past two publications (Feb. 10 and Feb. 17), I shared with you the positive impact that a child tax credit can have on the families we serve. It was one of three issues we were invited to advocate for as part of our trip to Washington, D.C., for a Catholic conference in late January. The second issue we advocated for was the Afghan Adjustment Act. This issue is particularly dear to us at Catholic Social Services because it affects many of the families we help in different ways every day.
by Tom Venzor
If I told you that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, in 1990, was responsible for watering down religious liberty protections under the U.S. Constitution’s 1st Amendment, and that then-Rep. Chuck Schumer and President Bill Clinton were responsible for later instituting a law that fortified religious liberty — undoing Justice Scalia’s folly — you might think I was reciting some lost manuscript of Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone.”
by Bob Sullivan
I try to avoid the urge to say someone is lying.
Instead of letting myself suspect someone is lying, I try to find a way to consider that he or she is simply mistaken. This approach can help respect the dignity of the other person. It may kick the can down the road a bit, but it helps me remember there is probably a cause for the misinformation one is using.
“Someplace to Call Home” by Sandra Dallas
Sleeping Bear Press, Ann Arbor, Mich., 2019, 222 pages, Grades 4-6.
