Historic number: 7 Nebraska bishops meet for photo, meal

This article first appeared in or the Southern Nebraska Register of the Lincoln diocese.

From different parts of the Midwest, yet bound by the common role as Catholic bishops, the seven successors of the apostles in Nebraska met November 20.

Gathered on the sidelines of a Nebraska Catholic Conference meeting at the Archdiocese of Omaha chancery office, the seven shared stories and the opportunity to catch up over lunch.

The seven bishops, active and retired, are the most ever in Catholic Church history in the State of Nebraska.

Assembled for the November gathering were Archbishop Michael G. McGovern, Archbishop Emeritus George J. Lucas and Archbishop Emeritus Elden Francis Curtiss of Omaha; Bishop James D. Conley and Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln; and Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt and Bishop Emeritus William J. Dendinger of Grand Island.

The Catholic Church, as organized into dioceses, has existed since the late 19^th century in Nebraska. There are three dioceses in Nebraska: the Archdiocese of Omaha first created in 1885, the Diocese of Lincoln established in 1887 and the Diocese of Grand Island, elevated first as the Diocese of Kearney in 1912. It was renamed the Diocese of Grand Island in 1917.

Bound together by the priesthood and distinct in their call to leadership and service in the Church as bishops, the seven share a fraternity as successors of the apostles. Collectively they have served the Church as bishops for more than 163 years.

Two are native Nebraskans – and homegrown in the Archdiocese of Omaha. Bishop Dendinger is a native of Coleridge, and Bishop Hanefeldt hails from Creighton. Bishop Dendinger was also a two-star general in the U.S. Air Force.

Bishop Emeritus Deninger, seated, and Bishop Hanefeldt, both of the Diocese of Grand Island. BOB ERVIN

Archbishop Curtiss is one of the longest ordained bishops in the United States and the world. He will be a bishop 50 years in early 2026.

Four of the seven bishops served as bishops in other dioceses. Bishop Conley served as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Denver before being appointed ordinary of Lincoln in 2012. Archbishop McGovern, appointed ordinary of the Archdiocese of Omaha in 2025, was previously the bishop of Belleville, Illinois. Archbishop Curtiss was the bishop of Helena, Montana, before being appointed archbishop of Omaha in 1993, and Archbishop Lucas was bishop of Springfield, Illinois, before being named archbishop of Omaha in 2009.

Pictured, from left, are Archbishop Emeritus Curtiss, Archbishop McGovern and Archbishop Emeritus Lucas of Omaha. BOB ERVIN

Bishop Bruskewitz served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and in Rome before his consecration and installation as bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln.

Bishop Emeritus Bruschewitz, seated, and Bishop Conley, both of the Diocese of Lincoln. BOB ERVIN

Each of the retired bishops now live in the dioceses where they served.

It was noteworthy that the seven bishops of Nebraska met during a Nebraska Catholic Conference meeting. Since 1969, the Nebraska Catholic Conference has been serving the three current active bishops of Nebraska and their mutual public policy interests.

The Nebraska Catholic Conference has had the privilege of serving 13 bishops throughout the conference’s history. More than half of those bishops in active or retired ministry were a part of the November 20 photo.

“This historical photo opportunity is a snapshot of the gift of apostolic succession that Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His Church, as well as a sign of unity which is a key mark of the Church,” Nebraska Catholic Conference Executive Director Tom Venzor said.

Glossary of Terms

Ordinary – An ecclesiastical term given to a bishop who has charge of a diocese. He fulfills the threefold mission of his ministry of bishop to teach, govern and sanctify.

Bishop Emeritus – A bishop who has retired from the active ministry.

Diocese – A territorial area, comprised of individual parishes and Catholic institutions in which a bishop oversees the spiritual and administrative needs of that area. Dioceses are frequently organized geographically.

Nebraska Catholic Conference – Representing the three Catholic bishops of Nebraska, it advocates for the public policy priorities of the Catholic Church and advances the Gospel of Life through engaging, educating, and empowering public officials, the Catholic faithful, and the public. The NCC accomplishes its goals through legislation, advocacy and events.