Archbishop Lucas on Mercy

Here is Archbishop George Lucas speaking at the Catholic Professional and Business Club meeting about the upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy in the Catholic Church and how it applies to Catholics around the world.


 

Pope Francis's Papal Bull, which Archbishop Lucas referred to, can be found here.

I Spy God

Summer vacation season has arrived.

People will be heading out or staying in for rest and relaxation, exploration and adventure.

During your summer vacation, consider playing a game of “I Spy.” This version involves God – and He can be found anywhere.

My family spotted Him frequently during a Memorial Day weekend trip: in the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, in tiny wildflowers, forest creatures, looming storm clouds and glimpses of rainbows.

We detected His presence as He kept us safe in travel, gave us favorable weather and shared in our silliness and play. He was there as we gathered for restaurant meals, slept soundly in our hotel beds and worshiped at Mass on Pentecost.

But God also was hidden in panhandlers on the street and in our own moments of fatigue, grumpiness and impatience.

He was with us in every step and every mile. We just had to look.

Where will you spy Him this summer?



Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

We Weren't Robbed

The parish office we've used since

 1982 looks pretty empty now.

It's because we've moved to the new office. It's part

 of Phase One of the Pave the Way campaign.

We're still getting things in place, but

 we should be back to normal soon.

Wanna take on Everest?

Today is the last day to sign-up for Vacation Bible School this summer. You can call the formation office at (402) 339-0990. It is June 15th through the 19th.

The theme is Everest: Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power.

Pentecost & Confirmation

As we celebrate Pentecost today, we can't help but be reminded of our Confirmation students. Just one week ago today they received the same Spirit given to the apostles at Pentecost.

This is the sacrament of Martyrdom and Evangelization as we offer ourselves to God and commit to sharing our faith by how we live our lives.

You can hear Archbishop Lucas' homily from Confirmation right here.

Starting the Move

A table in Fr. Damian's office was one of the first items to be moved yesterday.

Because of some work being done to the floors and overall preparation, items couldn't be moved into offices yet, so they were brought to the conference room for now. This will make the moving on Tuesday a little quicker.

We'll resume Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m.

School is Out

Yesterday the students at St. Columbkille 

Catholic School left for the summer.

We'll see each other again in the fall.

Omaha Gave

During Omaha Gives, we received $8,305 in gifts. All of that money will go towards out Pave the Way project to expand our parking.

Thank you!

The Holy Spirit in Action

I witnessed the gifts of the Holy Spirit in action yesterday.

Those gifts are manifested all around us, but sometimes we lack the vision to see them. Yesterday, God helped me see.

In reality, I didn't see with my eyes. I became aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in someone I talked with over the phone. Our conversation began as a business-type conversation, but soon the man’s zeal about his work became apparent. What struck me, though, was the wisdom and knowledge with which he spoke. And it became apparent that those gifts came from a deep relationship with God.

In his law enforcement job, the man had seen all kinds of human depravity and suffering. Yet he was not jaded by what he saw. Instead, his experience made him realize how dependent on God we are. Humanity’s problems are so deep, he reasoned, we can’t possibly solve them on our own. We need God.

He wasn't depressed or discouraged by all the misery he deals with, either. He said he tries to live by three Biblical principles:

1)      Pray without ceasing;
2)      Do all things in the name of Jesus Christ;
3)      Live in the belief that with God all things are possible.

That advice covers all of us, in all our needs. And with God’s wisdom guiding him, the man showed amazing clarity of thought and purpose.

I knew he had the Holy Spirit with him.

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

Pray for Fr Soltys

Fr. Dan Soltys said numerous Masses at St. Columbkille  while Fr. Damian was on sabbatical in Israel. Fr Soltys has a stroke. Please keep him in your prayers.

We're Part of Omaha Gives

We are participating in Omaha Gives.

Every dollar we receive will go towards our Pave the Way project to add parking to the church and improve traffic flow.

Click here to Donate!

Fr Reeson Visits

Our future pastor, Fr. Dave Reeson was able to stop and visit the parish briefly today. His first priority was to stop and see Judy.

Fr. Dave fondly recalls many past pastors and associates who have served at St. Columbkille Parish previously. Although he had been in the church and the office numerous times, today was his first visit to the Education Center.

He ended up answering many questions from students.

Fr. Dave said that at first he was intimidated by the thought of following Fr. Damian as pastor. But Archbishop Lucas pointed out to him that there is a vibrant community and people at St. Columbkille that would take care of him. He looks working with the parish.

He even got a chance to see his future office.

Preparing for Fencing

Part of Phase One of the "Pave the Way" project is to put fencing between our neighbors and our future parking lot. Part of that was removing a lot of brush along the property line today.

Awards Given

Along with giving awards to students at St. Columbkille Catholic School, special recognition was given to Fr. Damian in thanks and appreciation for being our pastor.

As a gift, he received a picture which shows part of the mural in the Education Center. Within that picture are pictures of every student and staff member of St. Columbkille School.

Awards were given to students as well.

Congratulations!