Archdiocese of Omaha

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The Archdiocese of Omaha, an archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese in the United States serving 23 counties in eastern Nebraska. Erected on July 9, 1859, by Pope Pius IX and elevated to metropolitan archdiocese on December 10, 1945, by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Archbishop George J. Lucas since 2009. As the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Omaha, it oversees the suffragan Diocese of Grand Island and Diocese of Lincoln, serving approximately 230,000 Catholics through 217 parishes and missions, with St. Cecilia Cathedral as its mother church and a legacy including the founding of Boys Town.

Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Omaha

Diocese: Archdiocese of Omaha
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Omaha
Suffragan Dioceses:Diocese of Grand Island; Diocese of Lincoln
Country:United States
Region:Nebraska
Bishop:George J. Lucas
Website:https://archomaha.org
Newspaper:https://catholicvoiceomaha.com
Catholic %:19.3%
Elementary Schools:76
High Schools:11
Deaneries:12
Priests:218
Existence:1859–
Predecessor Dioceses:Vicariate Apostolic of Nebraska
Catholic Hospitals:5
Rating:4.2
Chancery Address:7770 Westview Drive Omaha, NE 68124

Establishment

The Archdiocese of Omaha traces its origins to the Vicariate Apostolic of Nebraska, established in 1857 to serve the frontier Catholic population. On July 9, 1859, Pope Pius IX erected the Diocese of Omaha, suppressing the vicariate and appointing James M. O'Gorman as its first bishop.[1][2] It was elevated to archdiocesan rank on December 10, 1945, by Pope Pius XII.[3]

History

Early Years

The diocese was founded amid rapid immigration and missionary efforts in the American Midwest. Bishop O'Gorman oversaw the construction of early churches and schools, establishing a foundation for Catholic life in Nebraska.[4]

20th Century Developments

Significant growth occurred under bishops like Richard Scannell, who dedicated the original St. Cecilia Cathedral in 1885. The archdiocese expanded its educational and charitable institutions, including the renowned Boys Town in 1917. Elevation to archdiocese in 1945 reflected its maturing role.[5][6]

Geography

The Archdiocese of Omaha encompasses 23 counties in eastern Nebraska, covering approximately 14,127 square miles (36,589 km²):

  • Antelope
  • Boone
  • Burt
  • Butler
  • Cass
  • Cedar
  • Colfax
  • Cuming
  • Dakota
  • Dixon
  • Dodge
  • Douglas
  • Knox
  • Madison
  • Merrick
  • Nance
  • Otoe
  • Pawnee
  • Pierce
  • Sarpy
  • Saunders
  • Stanton
  • Thurston
  • Washington

It forms the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Omaha.[7]

Mother Church

St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha, modeled after the Cathedral of Pisa in Italy with its Romanesque architecture, serves as the mother church. Completed in 1959, it replaced an earlier structure and hosts major liturgical events.[8]

Leadership

Current Archbishop

Archbishop George J. Lucas has led the archdiocese since July 28, 2009. Previously Bishop of Springfield in Illinois, he emphasizes evangelization, Catholic education, and pro-life initiatives.[9][10]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
James M. O'Gorman 1859–1884 First Bishop of Omaha.
James O'Connor 1885–1891 Second bishop; later Archbishop of Archdiocese of Columbia.
Richard Scannell 1891–1916 Oversaw cathedral dedication.
Jeremiah James Harty 1916–1926 Former Archbishop of Archdiocese of Manila.
Joseph Francis Rummel 1928–1945 Elevated see to archdiocese; later Archbishop of Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Gerald Thomas Bergan 1945–1969 First Archbishop of Omaha.
Daniel E. Sheehan 1969–1993 Focused on education and vocations.
Elden Francis Curtiss 1993–2009 Emphasized liturgical renewal.
George J. Lucas 2009–present Current Archbishop.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[11][12]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The archdiocese rates as slightly conservative (4.2), with Traditional Latin Mass offered weekly in several parishes, a strong emphasis on pro-life and marriage teachings alongside social services, and leadership prioritizing doctrinal fidelity under Archbishop Lucas.[13][14]

Statistics

The archdiocese covers 14,127 square miles (36,589 km²), serves 230,553 registered Catholics (2023) in a total population of 1,192,000 across 217 parishes and missions, with 218 priests.[15][16]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) staff Creighton University and several parishes, focusing on education and retreat ministry. Jesuits[17]

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration support healthcare and adoration chapels. FSPA[18]

Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy of Omaha operate schools and healthcare facilities. Sisters of Mercy Omaha[19]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Archdiocese of Omaha
Archdiocese of Omaha
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
_pageName City MailingAddress
St. Patrick Parish (Archdiocese of Omaha) Elkhorn, NE 20500 W Maple Rd, Elkhorn, NE 68022

The archdiocese includes 217 parishes and missions organized into 12 deaneries, serving diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities with a focus on multicultural ministries.[20]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The archdiocese supports 76 elementary/middle schools and 11 high schools, educating over 15,000 students.

Main article: List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha

[21]

School Name City Type Website
Archbishop Bergan Catholic School Fremont Elementary/High https://www.bergancatholic.com/
... (full list at List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha)

[22]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Omaha serves over 50,000 people annually with food, housing, and immigration services.[23]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Boys Town, founded in 1917 by Servant of God Edward J. Flanagan, became a national model for child care and was designated a pilgrimage site.[24]
  • St. Cecilia Cathedral's design was inspired by the Leaning Tower of Pisa, completed in 1959.[25]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Omaha:


  • Did you know? The Archdiocese of Omaha was carved out of the wild Nebraska frontier in 1859 by Pope Pius IX, with its first bishop, James M. O'Gorman, building dozens of churches amid pioneer hardships!
  • Surprise! St. Cecilia Cathedral boasts a design inspired by Italy's famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, blending Romanesque beauty with Midwestern grit since its 1959 dedication.
  • Here's something cool: Boys Town, started in 1917 by Father Edward Flanagan right in Omaha, grew from a home for at-risk boys into a world-famous village that even has its own post office and police force!
  • Wow moment: Creighton University, run by the Jesuits in the archdiocese, produced notable alumni like billionaire Warren Buffett, showing Catholic education's far-reaching impact.
  • Little-known gem: The archdiocese's 12 deaneries span from bustling Omaha to quiet farmlands, home to over 200 parishes where pioneer spirits still thrive in faith communities.
  • Fun fact: Archbishop George J. Lucas, a St. Louis native, brought his love for radio broadcasting to Omaha, hosting a weekly show to connect with families across the archdiocese.
  • Did you know? The archdiocese celebrates its Irish roots with vibrant St. Patrick's Day parades in Omaha, one of the largest west of the Mississippi, drawing thousands in green!
  • Surprise! In the early days, Bishop O'Gorman traveled by horseback and stagecoach to confirm Catholics scattered across Nebraska's prairies, embodying true missionary zeal.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Archdiocese of Omaha". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/domaha.html. 
    2. ↑ "History". https://archomaha.org/about/history/. 
    3. ↑ "Archdiocese of Omaha". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/domaha.html. 
    4. ↑ "History". https://archomaha.org/about/history/. 
    5. ↑ "History". https://archomaha.org/about/history/. 
    6. ↑ "Archdiocese of Omaha". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/domaha.html. 
    7. ↑ "Territory". https://archomaha.org/about/territory/. 
    8. ↑ "St. Cecilia Cathedral". https://stcecilia.cathedralomaha.org/. 
    9. ↑ "Archbishop Lucas". https://archomaha.org/archbishop-lucas/. 
    10. ↑ "Archdiocese of Omaha". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/domaha.html. 
    11. ↑ "Archdiocese of Omaha". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/domaha.html. 
    12. ↑ "Bishops". https://archomaha.org/about/bishops/. 
    13. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://archomaha.org/worship/liturgy/traditional-latin-mass/. 
    14. ↑ "Respect Life". https://archomaha.org/respect-life/. 
    15. ↑ "Archdiocese of Omaha". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/domaha.html. 
    16. ↑ "Statistics". https://archomaha.org/about/statistics/. 
    17. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://archomaha.org/religious-orders/. 
    18. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://archomaha.org/religious-orders/. 
    19. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://archomaha.org/religious-orders/. 
    20. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://archomaha.org/parishes/. 
    21. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://archomaha.org/catholic-education/schools/. 
    22. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://archomaha.org/catholic-education/schools/. 
    23. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://www.ccomaha.org/. 
    24. ↑ "Boys Town". https://boystown.org/. 
    25. ↑ "St. Cecilia Cathedral". https://stcecilia.cathedralomaha.org/. 

    External Links

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