Bishop James Conley presided at the Rite of Election in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln March 9. At the Rite of Election, candidates and catechumens indicate their intention to enter the Catholic Church and each is personally welcomed by the bishop. Several representatives spoke afterward, describing resources for Catholics to learn more about the Church, and to meet new communities.

SNR photos | Natalie Bender

Click for more photos

The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln includes more than 130 parishes across 40 counties in southern Nebraska. These Southern Nebraska Register photos are from a Sunday Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Seward, a parish of approximately 580 families. Pastor Msgr. Robert Tucker celebrated the Mass March 9 for the First Sunday of Lent.

SNR photos | Natalie Bender

Click for more photos

Bishop James Conley celebrated the Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Mary Church in downtown Lincoln March 5.

SNR photos | Natalie Bender

Click for more photos

The Pink Sisters' first-Friday holy hour was held March 5 in their Adoration Chapel of Christ the King in Lincoln. Father Augustine Reimers, assistant pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish, preached. The Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln led the singing.

SNR photos | Natalie Bender

Click for more photos

Father Eric Clark, pastor of St. Peter Parish in Lincoln, celebrated a special Mass Feb. 2 for Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Mass was celebrated at 6:30 a.m. in candlelight.

 SNR photos | Natalie Bender

Click for more photos

The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln includes more than 130 parishes across 40 counties in southern Nebraska, serving 74,000 Catholics. These Southern Nebraska Register photos are from a Sunday Mass at St. Patrick Church in Utica, a parish of approximately 50 families.

Pastor Msgr. Mark Huber celebrated the Mass Feb. 23. for the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time. 

SNR photos | Natalie Bender

Click for more photos

The Nebraska Walk for Life was held Feb. 1 in Lincoln. The Walk was preceded by a Mass in St. Mary Church, celebrated by Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt of Grand Island, Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha, and Bishop James Conley of Lincoln. The keynote speaker for the Walk was author Elizabeth Gillette. After the Walk and events at the Cornhusker Hotel, Cori Mooberry spoke to high school and college students at the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center.

SNR photos | Natalie Bender and Corbin Hubbell

Click for more photos

Bishop James Conley celebrated Mass Jan. 26 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Lincoln, for the parish’s Tet celebration. The Mass was concelebrated by pastor Father Basil Toan Quang Doan, CRM, Father Dominic Phan, and Father Lawrence Stoley.

SNR photos | Natalie Bender

Click for more photos

Bishop James Conley celebrated Mass Dec. 29 in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln to open the Jubilee Year of Hope in the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln. He blessed a jubilee cross made by Father Troy Schweiger, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Lincoln. The cross will be placed in the sanctuary of the cathedral throughout the year, as requested of each diocese by Pope Francis.

SNR photos | Natalie Bender and Cathy Blankenau Bender

Click for more photos

Cristo Rey Church in Lincoln celebrated the opening of the annual “Christ in Christmas” nativity scene, or belén, ("Bethlehem”) Dec. 21. The detailed display, which is more than 28 feet long, contains not only scenes of the nativity of Christ, but many other moments of His life.

It is open to the public at Cristo Rey Church, 4221 J St. in Lincoln, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily until Jan. 10, 2025. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the tradition. There is no admission cost, but donations will be accepted for the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

SNR photos | Natalie Bender

Click for more photos

Bishop James Conley blessed baby Jesus figures from home nativity scenes after Mass in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln Dec. 22.

SNR photos | Natalie Bender