Ordained and about to be: Three men dive into service during school break 

A new priest, a new transitional deacon and a soon-to-be transitional deacon spent the summer serving in the archdiocese before returning to school to further their formation

A version of this story originally appeared in the Fall 2026 edition of The True Voice magazine. Copies of the magazine can be found at parishes across the archdiocese.

SEMINARIAN THOMAS MATYA  

This summer Matya worked with the youth group and food pantry at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Omaha while also cultivating his budding interest in a specialized aspect of Church administration – canon law. 

Working with the archdiocese’s Metropolitan Tribunal, which adjudicates annulment cases, Matya participated in meetings between the archdiocese’s judicial vicar, Father James de Anda, and people seeking annulment.  

“This gave me a more immediate experience of the work the Tribunal does,” Matya said, “learning what I’ll be doing in the future.” As a canon lawyer, he also expects to “assist the Chancery, parishes and the Church’s internal governing structure in various ways.”  

Matya resumes his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. On Oct. 1, he will be ordained a transitional deacon at St. Peter’s Basilica. 

FATHER MICHAEL FIGURA 

Father Michael Figura plays cello, with parish staff member Rose Carlson accompanying him. Other activities that restore him include exercise, cooking and his daily Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament. COURTESY PHOTO

In his first weeks as a priest, Father Figura was quickly immersed in parish life at St. Cecilia Parish in Omaha.  

Within a couple weeks, he officiated at two funerals, a wedding and a baptism – and in a single day visited 10 hospital patients.  

As Father Figura navigated the hectic life of a parish priest following his June 6 ordination, he found time for serenity, too, especially by playing his cello. 

The ministry, he said, has been a blessing. “It’s such a privilege to be with people in all those moments, whether they’re going through something very difficult or a time for great rejoicing.”  

Father Figura, who studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, returns there to earn his licentiate in moral theology. 

 TRANSITIONAL DEACON CALEB KOSCH 

Transitional Deacon Caleb Kosch presides at his first baptism during his service this summer at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Omaha. COURTESY PHOTO

 Ordained May 29, Deacon Kosch said serving at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Omaha “has been everything I expected and more.”  

He witnessed the busy life of a priest while shadowing the parish pastor, Father James Keiter.  

Along with accompanying Father Keiter to meetings and hospital visits, the deacon delivered Mass homilies and officiated at a wedding and three baptisms, including the baptism of his brand-new niece.  

Deacon Kosch said he was privileged to journey with and support two families mourning the deaths of loved ones and two hospice patients.  

He returns to St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, to complete his studies, and will be ordained a priest June 5, 2027.  

“I hope to just be a normal diocesan priest,” he said, “to be intimately close to Christ, and to serve the people of God for the rest of my life.” 

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