News from around the archdiocese

ARCHDIOCESE

Archbishop interviewed for television series

Archbishop George J. Lucas was interviewed March 9 at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha by DeSales Media Group for a new television series highlighting America’s cathedrals and dioceses through the eyes of the local bishop.

The archbishop discussed the history and people of the Omaha archdiocese, and his own vocation and service to the church. The cathedral’s art and architecture also were highlighted.

Titled “The Chair: A Conversation with Today’s Apostles,” the series takes its name from the “cathedra,” or bishop’s chair, which represents the teaching authority of the church’s bishops.

The series will be available for streaming in the fall, and the archdiocese will receive a copy of the program for possible local broadcast. For more about DeSales Media Group, visit their website, desalesmedia.org. ORGANIZATIONS

ORGANIZATIONS

Pro-life group recognizes Gov. Ricketts

On March 3, Omaha-based pro-life group LIFE Runners honored Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts with its Leadership Award in recognition of his work to strengthen the pro-life culture in the state.

As an outspoken supporter of pro-life policies, Gov. Ricketts issued a proclamation declaring Jan. 22, 2020, a statewide day of prayer to end abortion in Nebraska, took part in the annual Walk for Life in Lincoln Jan. 18 and urged Nebraskans to support LB814, a bill that would prohibit the practice of dismemberment abortion in the state.

Founded in 2008, LIFE Runners boasts more than 14,000 members in 39 countries and 2,500 cities, including 1,500 members in Omaha and 2,600 in Nebraska. The group organizes races and other events to raise awareness and support for pro-life causes. More information is available at liferunners.org.

SCHOOLS

Mercy High FIESTA sets fundraising record

Mercy High School in Omaha surpassed previous attendance and fundraising records during its annual dinner and auction, this year titled, “FIESTA 2020: Leaping into our Future,” Feb. 29 (leap day). The event drew more than 560 attendees and raised $420,000 for the all-girls school’s negotiated tuition program.

During the event, the school also recognized its former president, Sister of Mercy Johanna Burnell, with its highest honor, the Cor Misericordiae Award. Attendees also celebrated with Sister Johanna her 60th jubilee as a Sister of Mercy with a video retrospective of her life and opportunities to make additional gifts in her honor, raising nearly $140,000.

The school’s alumnae council also honored 1972 graduate Joanne Stewart with its Distinguished Woman of Mercy award, recognizing her contributions to the community through volunteerism, service on community boards and her 44-year journalism career.

More than $1.8 million in tuition assistance is distributed annually to deserving students thanks to donors and the annual FIESTA, which began in 1985.