“Let Liberty Rise! How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty”
by Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Chuck Groenink.
Scholastic Press, New York, 2021, 40 pages, Grades 1-2.
by Tom Venzor
“Patriotism,” says Father Gregory Pine, O.P., “seeks an outlet.” The anniversary of September 11th is perhaps the strongest evidence in our own times of this fundamental fact about patriotism.
Every year on September 11th a genuine outpouring of living memory takes places. Americans across the country recount experiences of that dreadful morning when our country came under attack. They share not only their own personal experiences, but they tap into the shared tradition of others’ experiences.
by Katie Patrick
To an outsider, Ogallala, Nebraska may not seem like a final destination or safe haven but it’s going to be a fresh start for this family. Having fled their home down south due to violence, the family was driving through Nebraska and pulled off at an Ogallala exit for medical reasons. After encountering the kindness and generosity of the people in Ogallala, the family decided to make it home.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
9/11’s first recorded victim was Father Mychal Judge, OFM, a Catholic priest who also served as a chaplain to the FDNY. He came that morning so that others may have Eternal Life.
by Tom Venzor
Last Call. If you haven’t registered for the Bishops’ Pro-Life Banquet & Conference, it’s that time: Last Call! Registration will shut down at 11:59 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 12). So, stop what you’re doing, visit www.necatholic.org, and get yourself (and your family, friends, and parishioners) registered for the banquet and conference. The banquet is on Friday evening, Sept. 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour and banquet dinner to follow—keynote speaker: Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Chairman of Pro-Life Activities for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The conference is on Saturday, Sept. 18, starting at 8:30 a.m. with the Rosary and a day full of excellent conference talks beginning at 9 a.m.
“Hurricane Katrina” by Ellen Rodger
Crabtree Publishing Company, New York, 2007, 32 pages, Grades 4-6.
by Tom Venzor
Before I jump into my column, I want to take a moment to remind you about the Bishops’ Pro-Life Banquet and Conference. I’ll save you the full details as I’ve previously written about them, and you can also find them at www.necatholic.org. But I’ll at least offer a snippet right now.
by Katie Patrick, executive director,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Last Tuesday, I received a phone call from a young man who came as a refugee from Afghanistan in 2000, when he was just 5 years old. Catholic Social Services had resettled his family then, and he had questions regarding the process of how they were admitted and resettled in the Lincoln community.
I asked a few more questions about his family, and as he listed the names of his siblings and his mother, I immediately recognized who I was speaking to.
“Little Cliff’s First Day of School”
by Clifton L. Taulbert, paintings by E.B. Lewis
Dial Books for Young Readers, New York, 32 pages, 2001.
by Katie Patrick
A bowl of Lucky Charms for breakfast. Diet Dr. Pepper in the afternoon. Fries as a side. And ice cream with Hershey’s chocolate syrup before bed. Sounds good, right? I think so! It’s my sweet tooth and salty tooth at their best, not to mention the afternoon caffeine boost. Truth be told, this was my diet until a few years ago when I decided to start eating healthier.
We hopefully make those kinds of decisions the older we get, don’t we? We start paying attention to the consequences of a bad diet because we finally start to feel their effects, like how too much sugar in the morning can leave you hungry a couple hours later; how too much caffeine can keep you from falling asleep at night; and how your blood sugar levels go up if you eat too many carbs.
Did you know that hunger refers not to just the lack of food, but to the lack of nutritious food? More precisely, we call it food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.
by Bob Sullivan
In my last column, I explained that Critical Race Theory (CRT) fosters an identity crisis in which the only solution is to discriminate against yourself as well as those who you deem to be oppressors.
As you can see, that is a vicious cycle, for as soon as someone succeeds in taking down an oppressor, they themselves may find themselves at the top of the power struggle, thereby becoming the target of those who are envious of them. Anyone wishing to avoid the fate of being discriminated against, must do all they can to hold themselves down so they can sustain their identity as a victim. They must continually engage in just enough activism (retaliation and protest) against the perceived oppressors to maintain their status as a victim, but avoid too much success for fear that they will lose their victim status and become an oppressor.
by Tom Venzor
It’s that time of year for you, your family, your friends, your parishioners, your neighbors, your enemies, and anybody else you can think of to register for this year’s Bishops’ Pro-Life Banquet and Conference, which you can do at www.necatholic.org.
“Mount St. Helen’s 1980: Fiery Eruptions”
by Gare Thompson.
B.E.S Press, 2017, 240 pages, Grades 4-6.
“Rosie the Riveter” by Christine Petersen
Cornerstones of Freedom, 2nd Series, Children’s Press, New York, 2005, 48 pages, Grades 4-6.
by Jeremy Ekeler,
Associate Director of Education Policy
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) released their highly anticipated second draft of Health Standards July 29. Of particular interest is the Human Growth and Development portion of these standards. It is in this area that the NDE embedded troubling, ideological, and harmful concepts in the first draft. Let’s begin with some context for how we got here, and then talk about the new draft.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
Hello, all! Peace be with you.
Today I share a picture of my niece Cecilia admiring some beautiful flowers.
by Bob Sullivan
Racism is evil, and it still exists in the United States. Is Critical Race Theory (CRT) a Christian response to racism?
CRT found its start in the 1970s when a group of intellectuals including academics and activists proposed that the civil rights advances of the 1960s had stalled, and the nation was in need of a booster shot. CRT claims that racism is still alive in American hearts and minds, traditions and behaviors, habits and instincts. In fact, racism is sometimes so subtle that everyday phrases, habits and thought patterns are actually unknowingly guided by racism.
“A Voice of Her Own: The Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet”
by Kathryn Lasky. Illustrated by Paul Lee.
Candlewick Press, Cambridge, Mass., 2003, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
by Tom Venzor
In just under two months (Sept. 17 and 18), the Nebraska Catholic Conference will be hosting our annual Bishops’ Pro-Life Banquet & Conference. After hosting last year’s event virtually via Zoom, we are thrilled to host an in-person gathering this year.
As usual, the banquet will be on Friday evening (Sept. 17), starting with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and followed by the dinner banquet at 6:30 p.m. The conference will be on Saturday (Sept. 18), starting with a Rosary at 8:30 a.m. and followed by several excellent talks running from 9 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. All the gatherings will take place at the Embassy Suites in downtown Lincoln. If you are already sold on attending and don’t need to read anything more, visit www.necatholic.org and register to attend!
by Father Justin Fulton
Friends, I share this week a eulogy given by Sister Andrea who cared for Fr. Rudy Oborny. It is beautiful. Rudy passed in May. He loved the poor and some of his estate went to help the poor at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Please pray for your priests living and deceased. Please pray for the people we serve... you. God bless and keep you all.
by Tom Venzor
Before I get rolling with my column, I should say this: if you haven’t read the column by Katie Patrick, the new executive director for Catholic Social Services, you should go do that. I say this because Katie is a wonderful person with a big heart and, more importantly, she’s my sister-in-law. In time, our family will attempt to take over the entire Southern Nebraska Register! Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming:
It’s the year 1776. You’re a priest. And you’ve heard Colonel John Nixon deliver the first public proclamation of the Declaration of Independence outside of the Pennsylvania statehouse. You’re overjoyed by this newfound freedom from British imperialism. You also fear for what’s to come and wonder to yourself, “Can this American project last? Will its foundations, built on the inalienable rights endowed by our Creator, survive the test of time and people?”
by Bob Sullivan
When you were growing up, you may have learned about “the birds and the bees” from your mom or dad, and you may have sat through some “sex education” courses at school. If some people have it their way, this type of education will not happen for your children and grandchildren.
Today, there is an enormous effort to change the way our children learn about their bodies, their desires, and their relationships. One effort is through pornography, and the other is through K-12 schools and “sexual education” programs, which are very different from sex education.
“The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library”
By Linda Bailey, iIllustrated by Victoria Jamieson.
Greenwillow Books, New York, 2017, 324 pages, Grades 3-4.
by Katie Patrick
Malémbe, Malémbe. Slowly, Slowly.
When I moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo in October 2010, these were the words I heard from the local Congolese most frequently. I had just finished graduate school at Seton Hall University in New Jersey where I spent a fair amount of time commuting to internships in Newark and New York City. Life was hectic, complicated, and tiresome. Even when you’re not in a rush, you’re hurrying to catch a train, a taxi or a bus.
By Tom Venzor
We live in an age that misapprehends basic facts about the human person. Unborn babies are treated as non-persons and waste to be discarded. One’s biological sex is considered malleable and changeable at the drop of a hat. Marriage has been eviscerated of its meaning. Countless in poverty live without their most basic needs being met. Technology is a controlling feature of everyday life, alienating us from our very land, families, and communities. The list goes on.
In an age that misconstrues so many basic facts about reality, it is important to return to the ABCs on any given topic. For example, when it comes to evangelization, it can be easy to dive deep into the nuances of moral theology or the personalities of popes. But instead, we often must return to the fundamentals of the Gospel in the faithless age we live in: God became man to free us from the bondage of our sins, that we might have eternal life with Him, if we but accept the gift of His saving grace.
“Because They Marched: The People’s Campaign for Voting Rights That Changed America” by Russell Freedman.
Holiday House, New York, 2014, 83 pages, Grades 5-8.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Recently, I was able to take some time away from the office and visit my mom back in the hometown of Auburn.
It was nice to have a few days experiencing the summer that shaped me for 18 summers of my life. I would go to coffee with the local farmers. I went fishing at a pond. I did some small-town golfing, went to my uncle’s farm, watched some baseball, and re-connected with a lot of good friends and family. It was refreshing to see the stars at night again and live simply. I am grateful for the time to get back to the roots where people know me as “Hacksaw” or “Fult” and not necessarily as “Father Fulton.”
by Tom Venzor
We are now on the summer Southern Nebraska Register publication schedule. You know what that means? It means you only get to use my column for fire kindling every two weeks instead of every week. If you need extra columns to light up in flames, I believe my beautiful bride, Makayla, is collecting a pile of them somewhere.
On a slightly more serious note, in my last column (“A Potpourri of Updates”) I discussed my childhood hatred for the smell of potpourri. I must issue a correction. I stated that my hatred continues and is experienced when my wife compels me go into the craft store, Michael’s, a place that I believe the famous poet, Dante, writes about in the sixth circle of the Inferno. That claim upset her. She wanted the record corrected, lest you all think she’s a Michael’s shopper. She is not. She’s a Hobby Lobby shopper!
Now, in all seriousness, the last time I wrote we were on the cusp of ending the legislative session. I’m happy to report the legislative session has been over for about two weeks. And as I mentioned in my previous column, two legislative bills the Nebraska Catholic Conference sponsored were to be vetoed by Governor Ricketts. He did indeed veto those bills. The Unicameral subsequently overrode his vetoes.
“Paul Writes (a letter)”
By Chris Raschka
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Grand Rapids, Mich., 2018, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
Many times when I pray at the casket of a deceased child of God, I look intently at the hands of the deceased. I meditate deeply about what those hands have done.
This is especially true of deceased who are fathers. Think of all of the miles travelled, lessons given, lessons learned, and lives touched by those hands. A father’s hands fix things. Those hands sacrifice. They feed. They help give hugs. They show love. They show trust, make deals, and build relationships. They mend. They serve. They steady us so we can learn how to ride bikes.
by Tom Venzor
As a kid, and now as an adult, there are few smells that I hate more than potpourri. Why? Well, I can’t give you a good answer. But Grandma—God rest her soul—always had something in her house that smelled like potpourri, and I never liked it. And, now, occasionally when my wife compels me to make a trip into Michael’s craft store, that hatred for potpourri returns.
But as much as I hate the smell, the word itself is about as good of a description as any for this week’s column. There are a garden variety of updates worth providing, so I’ll tackle them one-by-one.
“The Library Book”
by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark, illustrated by Chuck Groenink.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 2017, 32 pages, K-3.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
This weekend, we will honor and mourn the lives of American heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in dying for the cause of freedom. Memorial Day. As we pause to celebrate the reality that there are causes worth dying for, perhaps Memorial Day provides us with an opportunity for an examination of our own consciences.
Do I sacrifice daily? Do I think of others before myself always? What or who would I die for? How do I emulate Jesus and His Sacrifice? Do I know Jesus in the face of the poor?
“Fatal Fever: Tracking Down Typhoid Mary” by Gail Jarrow.
Calkins Creek, Honesdale, Pennsylvania, 2015, 175 pages, Grades 6-9.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
I remember the pride I had when I stood at the podium of my high school class’s commencement exercises in May of 1999.
Looking out at a gymnasium filled with neighbors and townspeople, family, classmates, and lifelong friends who had spent the good chunk of years together, I mustered out something somewhat coherent. And then to top it off I said something to the effect of, “On behalf of the Auburn High School Graduating Class of 1999 we hereby declare ourselves eligible for the Auburn Alumni Basketball Tournament and Festivities.” It was pretty cool to represent our 78-person graduating class as we headed our separate ways and into the real world.
Do you ever use Facebook or any other social media? A lot of times Facebook can be downright depressing. Some try to argue sports over a post. Others try to win political arguments. Some folks air out their dirty laundry on Facebook to an audience that pretty much doesn’t give a care. It can get ugly.
by Bob Sullivan
If there is one tried and true way to determine if you are on the path of discipleship or not, it is to discern whether you are seeking recognition, praise, power, or authority. If your desire is for any of these things, you are on the wrong path. You have seen a perfect example of this wrong path if you have noticed a large billboard in Lincoln which says, “Stop Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church! Ordain Women Priests!”
The argument over authority in the Church is nothing new.
by Tom Venzor
The days are waning for the Nebraska Legislature. As those days wane, legislators, lobbyists, and citizen advocates alike eagerly await the summer months which lie on the other side of the chasm that is adjournment. In the meanwhile, these interested parties are doing all they can to advance or stomp out legislative bills. For the Nebraska Catholic Conference, these waning days have our attention focused on LB298. This legislation would close the unemployment insurance benefits gap for work-authorized immigrants. Your action is needed now: contact your State Senator and ask them to advance LB298.
But, you might be asking, why is LB298 good policy? And why should you advocate for it?
“Trudy’s Big Swim: How Gertrude Ederle Swam the English Channel and Took the World by Storm” by Sue Macy, illustrated by Matt Collins.
Holiday House, New York, 2017, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
I turned 40 earlier this year. I must admit I enjoy growing older. But at the same time, I’m not sure if my lipids and my body enjoy growing older. I’ve found it takes a lot more work to keep weight off. One has to be intentional about eating right and exercising. No longer can we focus on “maintenance.” As we get older, we have to focus on “mission” when it comes to being healthy. If we don’t, we gravitate to becoming mediocre.
If we focus on maintenance instead of mission we become mediocre.
“Can I Be Your Dog?” by Troy Cummings.
Random House, New York, 2018, 32 pages, K-3.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
Simply put, Jesus Christ—both fully human and fully Divine—was conceived by the Holy Spirt and was born of a human woman, the Virgin Mary. He didn’t fall from the sky. He chose to be born of a woman.
All human life is born from women. Jesus’ human nature was born of a woman.
Is there a higher, more noble, and more dignified role than the vocation of mother? The same way Jesus came to earth, we all came as well... every one of us was born of a woman.
By Tom Venzor
As has happened before, you will read this column after a major legislative debate I would like to update you on, but I am writing this a couple days before the debate takes place.
“The Proudest Blue. The Story of Hijab and Family”
by Ibtihaj Muhammad. Illustrated by Hatem Aly.
Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2019, 32 pages, K-3.
by Bob Sullivan
When I was a student at UNL, I saw an ad for an opening at a Lincoln bar. They needed a bouncer. I applied and the manager called me in for an interview.
Everything was going well until he asked me how I would handle things if a fight broke out in the bar, and in the process of breaking it up, one of the patrons took a swing at me. Not thinking deeply, I said that I would pop the guy in the nose and throw him out the door. The manager’s face fell. “Thanks for coming, that’s all I need to know.”
by Tom Venzor
Our major piece of legislation, LB364, will be up for debate very soon, as early as Monday (April 26). If passed, this legislation will transform the lives of children across Nebraska. LB364 ensures more educational scholarship opportunities for low-income families.
Every parent deserves the ability to choose an education that is best for their child. No parent should be denied this fundamental right. LB364 helps families lacking financial means to exercise school choice by increasing the number of scholarships available to those families.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
This time of year always gets to me. Around about mid-April to early-May, my adrenaline starts to pump. The weather beckons me outside. And a call from the forest directly hits my heart. I am a self-proclaimed morel mushroom hunting addict! Growing up in southeast Nebraska, I have it in my blood.
This time of year, thousands of Nebraskans head into the hills looking for a spongy-looking, delicious fungus: the morel mushroom. Once found, a hunter is surprised with joy!
“What Did You Do In The War, Sister?” by Dennis J. Turner.
Cincinnati Book Publishing, Cincinnati, 2018, 299 pages, Grades 10-12.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Recently, I had a chance to speak with Veronica Hotovy, an employee at St. Gianna Women’s Homes. Veronica is a talented young woman, filled with faith and energy.
by Bob Sullivan
The Congregation For the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF)1 recently released a declaration on whether clergy could bless same-sex unions.
It is a good idea to read the actual CDF document, which is very short.
“Lucky Broken Girl” by Ruth Behar
Puffin Books, New York, 2017, 257 pages, Grades 4-7.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
Back in October, I had the chance to celebrate a Mass for my family at my uncle’s farm in Nemaha County. It is always a treat to be able to feed the flock that fed me. It’s an honor to be able to give Christ to everyone, especially my family.
“Celebrating A Christ-Centered Easter”
by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler. Illustrated by Ryan Jeppesen.
Ensign Peak, Salt Lake City, 2018, 32 pages, Pre-3.
by Tom Venzor
The Nebraska Catholic Conference intentionally chose “Bearing the Light of Christ in the public square” as our vision statement. These nine words capture our daily work, which is sustained by the daily Bread which is Christ Jesus.
by Fr. Justin Fulton
Only Jesus Christ can take manure and make it fertilizing agent, giving growth to seeds which will fuel and feed His children.
Only Jesus Christ can take dark clouds and heavy rain and bring about a glorious rainbow for the world to behold.
“Take It To The Queen: A Tale of Hope”
by Josephine Nobisso. Illustrated by Katalin Szegedi.
Gingerbread House, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., 2008, 32 pages, Grades 3-5
by Fr. Justin Fulton
It is that time of year to start planting a field or a garden. Soon folks will be out in fields with planters or on all-fours in a backyard planting for the upcoming summer months. Planting a garden is a pastime in Nebraska. Planting a field of crops is paramount to our quality of life in Nebraska. Our lives are literally tied to the earth.
by Jeremy Ekeler,
Associate Director of Education Policy, Nebraska Catholic Conference
Saint Pope John Paul II is a hero to countless Catholics across the world. Many admire the young Karol Wojtyla’s courage in the face of a Nazi-occupied Poland, which became training for his tenacity to opposing totalitarian political regimes as pope. Others cherish the undivided attention John Paul gave to each person he encountered. And nearly everybody reveres the profound relationship he had with our Lord.
“The Lost Son Comes Home: Stories Jesus Told” by Tim Ladwig.
Discovery House, Grand Rapids, Mich., 2019, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
There’s an old tune performed by Willie Nelson that seemingly comes up in my mind about every mid-week when the due date for this column comes about.... “Funny How Time Slips Away.”
By Bob Sullivan
Many saints, theologians, and faithful disciples of Christ have told us that pride is the root of all sin.
St. Augustine identified pride as the cause of Satan’s fall from Heaven. Whether it is Augustine, Aquinas, G.K. Chesterton, or your grandmother, those who follow Christ know that pride separates us from our neighbor, and God.
By Tom Venzor
Before I begin my weekly legislative rant, I want to offer a reminder.
Last week, I wrote about the Catholics at the Capitol online series we launched a few days ago. Earlier in the week on Tuesday, we featured Archbishop Lucas and Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers to talk about the 2021 legislative session. As sometimes happens, I’m writing about an event that has not yet occurred, but will have occurred once you read this. However, I can tell you already—based on my predictions—that it was awesome and, if you couldn’t make it, you missed out on a great event. But, don’t worry, you can access a recording on our Facebook page or our website (www.necatholic.org).
Also, you won’t want to miss part two of our three-part series.
“Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera”
By Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann.
Holiday House, New York, 2020, 40 pages, K-3.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
“They remind us that old age is a gift, and that grandparents are the ring linking generations, to transmit to young people the experience of life and faith. Grandparents, so many times, are forgotten, and we forget this richness of safeguarding and transmitting roots.”
- Pope Francis
Last week I had an opportunity to pray morning Mass with some of the diocese’s retired priests at the Bonacum House. It was a joy to see some of the “old-timers” renewed in their vigor by participating in the greatest gift of all: receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Praying that simple, 18-minute morning Mass with them has stuck out in my heart and memory these past few days.
By Tom Venzor
“A good Catholic meddles in politics.”
“Legislative issues are won by those who show up to the Capitol.”
These maxims—taken together—are a two-step recipe for success as a faithful citizen.
The first maxim—from Pope Francis—is a reminder of the responsibility for each and every Catholic to engage in the political sphere.
“Finding Langston”
by Lesa Cline-Ransome.
Holiday House, New York, 2018, 106 pages, Grades 4-6.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
“So I ask you: Are you looking for empty thrills in life, or do you want to feel a power that can give you a lasting sense of life and fulfillment? Empty thrills or the power of grace? To find fulfillment, to gain new strength, there is a way. It is not a thing or an object, but a person, and he is alive. His name is Jesus Christ.”
-Pope Francis, World Youth Day, 2016
By Bob Sullivan
Since I write this column, you know that I am an apologist and a bit of an evangelist, however, some of you also know that I am an attorney.
As an attorney, I get calls from people with all sorts of legal needs. Sometimes legal needs overlap with other sorts of needs as well, including spiritual needs. While this is common in matters of religious freedom and constitutional law, for some, it is also a large part of estate planning.
By Tom Venzor
Before I jump into this week’s topic, I want to announce that Catholics at the Capitol will be virtual this year. Rather than a one-day, in-person event, we will do three events over a three-week period to provide more opportunity for a variety of attendees.
The events will take place March 9 (12-1:30 p.m.), March 16 (7:30-9 p.m.), and March 23 (12-1:30 p.m.). The events will feature, among others, Archbishop Lucas, Bishop Conley, Speaker Mike Hilgers, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, Sen. Mike McDonnell, and Nikki Shasserre. We will cover topics like what it means to be a faithful citizen, legislative process and advocacy, and major legislative priority bills. Visit www.necatholic.org to register for these virtual events.
The State Legislature has been in all-day committee hearings for a month now, quickly moving through the 700-plus legislative bills and constitutional amendment resolutions introduced during the first 10 days of the session.
“Boxes for Katje”
by Candace Fleming. Illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen.
Melanie Kroupa Books, New York, 2003, 40 pages, GradesK-3.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
“And lead us not into temptation.....”
by Marion Miner,
Associate Director of Pro-Life & Family Policy, Nebraska Catholic Conference
For the past few years, the Nebraska Catholic Conference has been blessed to work with state senators to enact several laws protecting life and affirming the dignity of the human person.
Pro-life laws newly on the books include LB814 (2020), sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Geist of Lincoln, which bans dismemberment abortion in Nebraska; LB209 (2019), sponsored by Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, which requires that a mother seeking chemical abortion be given information about where to turn for help if she changes her mind after taking the abortion pill; and a reform of Title X (2018), which stopped the flow of $300,000 per year in taxpayer dollars to the abortion industry.
What readers of the Southern Nebraska Register may not be aware of is the barrage of bad legislation—attacks on life, family, and the dignity of the human person—that we have so far successfully defended against at the same time. Those attacks have not slowed down in 2021, as the following bills reveal.
“Show Way” by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Hudson Talbott.
G.P Putnam’s Sons, New York, 2005, 48 pages, Grades K-4.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Back in the day at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I lived in a fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. I enjoyed my time there. When Dad passed away last September, more than 70 of my old ATO brothers contacted our family offering their prayers for Dad and all of us.
It was truly touching to think that after we had not seen each other in nearly 20 years, we were still connected in a special way. The friendships we made at ATO truly are life-long. Our shared experience helped bond us in eternal and immutable ways.
By Tom Venzor
Given all the snow we’ve received, it seems timely to talk about the ‘flurry’ of legislative activity the Nebraska Catholic Conference experienced last week.
Because of COVID-19, the Unicameral has amended its legislative session processes. In opening months of session, Senators typically have half-day floor debate, and afternoon committee hearings. However, Senators currently have all-day committee hearings. The idea is to limit exposure between Senators for the time being.
This safety precaution has produced long days of committee hearings. Introduced legislation are receiving committee hearings in less than half the time it takes to complete the hearing process. Like Senators, the general public, and lobbyists, the Nebraska Catholic Conference is managing numerous bills every day.
“The Children’s Book of Virtues”
By William Bennett illustrated by Michael Hague.
Simon and Schuster, New York, 1995, 111 pages, K-4.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Well everyone Lent is upon us. Yes. Good ole’ Lent. I love the Collect (or in other terms the “Opening Prayer”) of the Mass for Ash Wednesday. It gives us our proper compass and tenor in which to approach our Lenten journey with our Lord Jesus:
By Fr. Justin Fulton
This weekend, many a diet and New Year’s Resolution will come tumbling down... due to the Super Bowl. Yes, after a month of frustration and fatigue, triumph and some jubilation, that pesky bag of Cheetos, some pizza rolls, a crock-pot of cheese dip, and a colossal concoction of caloric and coronary delight on a table will knock out many days of self-control. It is like clockwork. Soon after the groundhog comes out in early February and before there is another onslaught of chocolates and cake on Valentine’s Day, the good ole’ Super Bowl locks the world down with commercials, festivities, football, entertainment, and... lots of food.
“All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team”
by Christina Soontornvat.
Candlewick Press, Somerville, Massachusetts, 2020, 280 pages, Grades 7-10.
“The Cat Man of Aleppo”
by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Bash. Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu.
G.P Putnam’s Sons, New York, 2020, 32 pages, K-3.
By Tom Venzor
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a basic injustice with Nebraska’s unemployment insurance benefits program. Currently, certain immigrants who have legally obtained “employment authorization” from the federal government cannot receive the state unemployment insurance benefits they have earned.
These immigrants work side-by-side with countless of their fellow Nebraskans. Yet, when the unfortunate happens and they lose employment, their co-workers are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits while these immigrants are left without their earned benefits.
So, how did we get into this situation? And how can we get out of it?
By Fr. Justin Fulton
I’m a pretty big fan of George Strait. I know what you are thinking... how many half-Asian, quarter-Irish, born-and-raised-in-the-United-States American priests are there in this beautiful world who listen to George Strait?
I don’t claim to be the only one but I do know this—I’m the only one I have ever met.
“1919: The Year That Changed America” by Martin W. Sandler.
Bloomsbury Children’s Books, New York, 2019, 192 pages, Grades 7-9.
By Bob Sullivan
Several years ago, I was shocked to read a social media post by a non-Catholic Christian in which the man stated that he would have followed the laws imposed on the German people if he were a German citizen under the Nazi regime. He reasoned that Scripture requires us to be obedient to governing authorities, so he would have been obedient to the laws of the Nazis.
While this is obviously a horrible misunderstanding of Scripture, one has to wonder if there are more than a few Christians among us today who have the same reasoning.
How could someone come up with such a mistaken understanding of Scripture?
By Fr. Justin Fulton
A few questions for you: answer from your mind quickly. No looking up answers!
Who won the 1991 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament? Who won the Women’s Tournament?...
Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002?...
Who was the 16th Vice-President of the United States?...
Who won the Heisman Trophy in 2005?...
Now... Who was your favorite teacher?
“The Paper Kingdom”
By Helena Ku Rhee, Illustrated by Pascal Campion
Random House Children’s Books, New York, 2020, 32 pages, K-3.
By Tom Venzor
The 107th Nebraska Legislature, First Session, is off and running. The first four days of legislative session have been packed. Only 86 left to go.
On day one, the Legislature elected key leadership positions, like the Speaker of the Legislature and the various committee chairpersons.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
As we continue on in the new year of 2021 permit me to share some words of wisdom from Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen:
By Bob Sullivan
Catholics have a lot of things in common with non-Catholic Christians, but the crucifix is not one of them. While there are some non-Catholic Christians who appreciate and employ the crucifix in their faith, most do not. In fact, when you see a crucifix, you can be pretty sure that you are in a Catholic church, building, or home.
While non-Catholic Christians are perfectly comfortable with crosses, some find crucifixes downright disturbing. Such Christians usually voice their disdain, and wonder why a cross is not sufficient, or they ask why we need the corpse of Christ on the cross. As Catholics, we are frequently reminded that there is nothing truly comfortable about the Christian faith. Satisfaction, pleasure, and joy are parts of the faith, but when we grow comfortable with some part of our faith, it is usually a sign of spiritual stagnation or regression.
By Tom Venzor
The Nebraska Catholic Conference recently adopted a three-year strategic plan to advance our public policy and pro-life efforts. The plan builds on the solid foundations and immense work of the NCC over the last 50 years and it looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
During our strategic planning process, one of the early questions out of the gate was: what is the vision for the Nebraska Catholic Conference?
“The Electoral College: U.S. Presidential Elections, How They Work”
by Phil Corso.
Power Kids Press, 2019, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Back when I was an undergraduate student at UNL, I learned the greatest asset we have as humans is time. Not money. Not land. Not cars. But time. If we think about it, time is the one asset we are always losing and at the exact same moment we need more of. Time is our greatest asset.
The passing of time was just demarcated by yet another year. Here we are in 2021. How will we use our time to become closer to Jesus? Where is He calling us with the time He has blessed us with?
By Bob Sullivan
In my last article, Part 1, I tried to explain in layman’s terms that anyone who finds salvation does so through Christ and his Church and that this is true even for those who, through no fault of their own, have not arrived at an explicit knowledge of God or the Gospel.
“Over in a Stable”
by Suzanne Nelson. Illustrated by Alexander Zolotic.
Zonderkidz Press, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2020, 32 pages, K-2.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Peace to you.
On behalf of the employees, staff, volunteers, benefactors and Board of Directors of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, I want to wish each and every one of you a blessed, safe, and Merry Christmas!
“A Single Shard” by Linda Sue Park.
Clarion Books, New York, 2001, 180 pages, Grades 5-7.
By Tom Venzor
In less than a month, the 107th Nebraska Legislature will fulfill its constitutional obligation to convene on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. For those doing the math at home, that’s January 6, 2021.
On Day 1 of the 90-day First Session of the 107th Nebraska Legislature, newly elected and re-elected senators will be sworn into office, promising to uphold the Nebraska and United States Constitutions. Those legislators—along with their already sworn-in colleagues—will go on to elect critical leadership positions, such as the Speaker of the Legislature.
These opening and solemn moments will set the tone for the next two years of legislative activity.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Where would we be without women and motherhood? Where would we be?
I don’t know about you, but around this time of year I sure could take a nap. Especially during this year of pandemic. This time of year is filled with stress. Bills. Planning. Online shopping. Due dates. Finals. Tests. We are stressed. We are stretched. We are tired. Many feel like crying. We could all use a nap.
By Bob Sullivan
For centuries, the Church has taught that there is no salvation outside the Church. To non-Catholic Christians, this is a tough teaching to hear and many lash out at the Church because of it. To such a Christian, they find it hard to believe that they could end up in Hell, because they know that they love Jesus Christ and try to follow Christ’s teachings to the best of their ability.
By Tom Venzor
Unlike Captain Renault in “Casablanca,” this column’s readers are not shocked by the following statement: Nebraska is one of but three states in the nation with no school choice for our families and children. This comes as no shock because it’s not news to us, even if it remains a tragedy.
