The Catholic Voice

Sharon Doran, a member of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Omaha and director of Seeking Truth, a Bible study apostolate, lights her family’s Advent candle Dec. 2 with husband, Steve, and their son John.

Advent an opportunity to fill darkness with Jesus

A light to shine in our darkness: Jesus, the long anticipated Messiah. During Advent, Jesus can illuminate our own personal darkness if we allow him, said Jesuit Father Andy Alexander, director of collaborative ministry at Creighton University in... Read More

Christine Guenther, left, executive director of Nebraskans Embracing Life (formerly Nebraskans United for Life), consults Nov. 28 with executive assistant Mary Briganti about arrangements for the organization’s Celebration of Life Dinner in Omaha on Jan. 25. MIKE MAY/STAFF

New name, new emphasis for Nebraska-based pro-life group

“Nebraskans Embracing Life.” The organization’s new name honors the “greatest example of a pro-life Mother” in the history of humanity, wrote executive director Christine Guenther in a September letter to members and supporters of Nebraskans United... Read More

Newman Center at UNO honored for building design

The St. John Paul II Newman Center is not only yielding spiritual fruit in the hearts of college students living there – it’s winning kudos for its physical beauty. The center, located near the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus and home to more... Read More

Lauren Miller, director of admissions for Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, answers questions at the Catholic Schools Office’s Latino Parents High School Night Oct. 22 at College of Saint Mary in Omaha. COURTESY PHOTO

Enrollment in Archdiocesan Catholic schools dips slightly

Despite large graduating classes and concern among some Hispanic families over immigration politics, overall enrollment in the archdiocese’s 71 elementary and high schools dipped only slightly this year after three years of growth. Enrollment of 19,... Read More

Archdiocese releases list of clergy accused of sexual abuse

The Archdiocese of Omaha released to the public on Nov. 30 a list of 38 clergy accused since 1978 of criminal sexual misconduct. The list also was submitted to Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson along with investigative documentation on the cases, responding to his September request for...

Abuse survivors find support and healing

A safe place to tell her story. That’s how a survivor of clergy sexual abuse described her interactions with the archdiocese’s Victim Outreach and Prevention Office. • List of substantiated claims of clergy sexual abuse of or sexual misconduct with a minor • Archbishop notifies faithful of abuse...

Archbishop George J. Lucas enjoys a moment with Connor Rose, left, and Kathy Hecker at the monthly gathering of the Omaha chapter of Young Catholic Professionals Nov. 20 at the St. Cecilia Parish Center in Omaha. After Mass, celebrated by the archbishop at St. Cecilia Cathedral, he spoke to the group about being disciples in this time of challenge for the church. The group formed about three years ago to provide Catholic professionals in their 20s and 30s networking opportunities and support for their faith. MIKE MAY/STAFF

Archbishop greets young Catholic professionals

Father Hall was an Air Force chaplain and associate pastor

Father Douglas Hall, a retired priest of the archdiocese and U.S. Air Force chaplain, died Nov. 25. He was 68. A funeral Mass was held Dec. 1 at St. Cecilia Cathedral, with interment at Calvary Cemetery, both in Omaha. Father Hall was born in Lincoln where he grew up in St. Teresa Parish and later...