Diocese of Lincoln

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The Diocese of Lincoln, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the United States serving the Catholic faithful in south central Nebraska. Erected on August 27, 1887, by Pope Leo XIII, it falls under the Ecclesiastical Province of Omaha and is led by Bishop James Conley since 2012. Renowned for its high number of priestly vocations and traditional Catholic practices, the diocese encompasses 23 counties with 133 parishes and missions, including the prominent Cathedral of the Risen Christ.[1][2]

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Lincoln

Diocese: Diocese of Lincoln
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Omaha
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Omaha
Country:United States
Region:Nebraska
Bishop:James Conley
Website:https://lincolndiocese.org/
Newspaper:https://snr.lincolndiocese.org/
Catholic %:10.3%
Elementary Schools:49
High Schools:7
Deaneries:8
Priests:257
Existence:1887–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Omaha
Catholic Hospitals:4
Rating:4.8
Chancery Address:555 S. 10th Street Lincoln, NE 68508-2324

Establishment

The Diocese of Lincoln was canonically erected on August 27, 1887, by Pope Leo XIII through the apostolic bull Exponi nobis fecit, carved out from the eastern portion of the Diocese of Omaha to address the spiritual needs of the rapidly growing Catholic population in south central Nebraska amid westward expansion and immigration.[3][4] Thomas Bonacum was appointed as the first bishop, with the new see centered in Lincoln, the state capital.

History

The diocese developed amid Nebraska's frontier settlement, with early focus on building parishes, schools, and hospitals to serve Irish, German, and other immigrant communities. Key milestones include the construction of the original Cathedral of the Holy Rosary in 1924 (later replaced) and significant growth in Catholic education under bishops like Glennon P. Flavin.

In the late 20th century, under Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz (1992–2012), the diocese gained national attention for its strong defense of orthodox teachings, including the 1996 declaration excommunicating members of Call to Action Nebraska for promoting dissent.[5] Boundary adjustments occurred minimally, with the diocese retaining its core territory.

Geography

The Diocese of Lincoln covers approximately 15,483 square miles (40,100 km²) across 23 counties in south central Nebraska:

  • Adams
  • Buffalo
  • Clay
  • Fillmore
  • Franklin
  • Furnas
  • Gosper
  • Hall
  • Hamilton
  • Harlan
  • Hayes
  • Hitchcock
  • Jefferson
  • Kearney
  • Lincoln
  • Merrick
  • Nance
  • Nuckolls
  • Phelps
  • Saline
  • Thayer
  • Webster
  • York

It forms a suffragan in the Ecclesiastical Province of Omaha.[6]

Mother church

The Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln serves as the mother church. Completed in 2000 in a modern Romanesque style, it replaced the former Cathedral of the Holy Rosary and seats over 1,000, symbolizing the Resurrection in its design with a prominent dome and crucifix.[7]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop James Conley, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on September 14, 2011, and installed on December 15, 2012, previously served as auxiliary bishop of Denver. He has emphasized priestly vocations, Eucharistic devotion, and pro-life initiatives.[8]

Auxiliary Bishops

The diocese currently has no auxiliary bishops.

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Thomas Bonacum 1887–1912 First bishop; focused on infrastructure amid immigration.
Jeremiah James Harty 1912–1921 Transferred to Archdiocese of Manila.
Charles William McDonald 1922–1936 Oversaw post-WWI recovery and school expansion; died in office.
Louis Boleslav Kucera 1937–1957 Promoted Catholic education; died in office.
James Hugh O'Neil 1967–1992 Emphasized vocations; retired.
Fabian Bruskewitz 1992–2012 Known for orthodox stances, high vocations; retired.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[9][10]

Theological and cultural orientation

The Diocese of Lincoln rates as strongly conservative (4.8), with widespread weekly Traditional Latin Masses in over 20% of parishes, a primary emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life and marriage defense through programs like Project Rachel, and leadership under Bishop Conley promoting Eucharistic adoration and orthodoxy.[11][12]

Statistics

As of 2021, the diocese spans 15,483 square miles (40,100 km²), serves 98,207 Catholics (10.3% of total population of 953,000) across 133 parishes and 37 missions in 8 deaneries, with 257 diocesan priests, 49 Catholic elementary schools, 7 high schools, and 4 Catholic hospitals.[13][14]

Religious Communities

Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist

The Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist operate a priory and support education and retreats near Lincoln.[15] Dominican Sisters

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration provide healthcare and adoration ministries, including at St. Francis Ministries.[16] Franciscan Sisters

Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

The Jesuits staff the Newman Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, serving college students.[17] Jesuits

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Diocese of Lincoln
Diocese of Lincoln

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No results The diocese includes 133 parishes organized into 8 deaneries, serving diverse urban and rural communities with a focus on family faith formation and special apostolates like the Latin Mass community at St. Mary Cathedral in Lincoln.[18]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports 49 elementary/middle schools and 7 high schools educating over 6,000 students. See List of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lincoln for the complete list.

School Name City Type Website
Cathedral of the Risen Christ School Lincoln Elementary https://crcschool.org/
Pius X High School Lincoln High School https://piusx.net/
... (full list at List of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lincoln)

[19]

Community Outreach

Catholic Social Services provides aid to over 10,000 individuals annually through food pantries, pregnancy support, and refugee resettlement, rooted in Gospel charity.[20]

Notable Events or Figures

  • In 1996, Bishop Bruskewitz issued a canonical penalty against Call to Action Nebraska, upholding Church teaching and drawing international notice.[21]
  • The diocese leads U.S. dioceses in priestly vocations per capita, with over 70 seminarians as of 2023.[22]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Lincoln:


  • Did you know? The Diocese of Lincoln boasts the highest number of seminarians per Catholic in the U.S., with over 70 young men preparing for priesthood as of 2023—truly a vocation powerhouse!
  • Surprise! Under Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, the diocese made headlines in 1996 by excommunicating local Call to Action dissenters, boldly defending orthodoxy.
  • Here's something cool: The stunning Cathedral of the Risen Christ, completed in 2000, features a massive 28-foot crucifix and seats 1,100, inspiring awe at every Mass!
  • Wow moment: First Bishop Thomas Bonacum, an Irish immigrant, built dozens of churches and schools from scratch in Nebraska's frontier prairies.
  • Little-known gem: The diocese's 257 diocesan priests serve just 98,000 Catholics—one priest per 382 faithful, the best ratio nationwide!
  • Fun fact: Traditional Latin Mass thrives here, offered weekly in over 20 parishes, drawing young families to timeless worship.
  • Did you know? The University of Nebraska Newman Center, run by Jesuits, buzzes with faith, hosting sold-out Theology on Tap events for students.
  • Surprise! Annual Eucharistic Congresses pack the cathedral, with Bishop Conley leading processions that fill Lincoln with prayer.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Lincoln". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlinl.html. 
    2. ↑ "About the Diocese". https://lincolndiocese.org/live. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Lincoln". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlinl.html. 
    4. ↑ "Diocesan History". https://lincolndiocese.org/history. 
    5. ↑ "Diocese of Lincoln". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlinl.html. 
    6. ↑ "Deaneries and Parishes". https://lincolndiocese.org/parishes/deaneries. 
    7. ↑ "Cathedral of the Risen Christ". https://cathedralrrcc.org/. 
    8. ↑ "Bishop James Conley". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bconleyj.html. 
    9. ↑ "Diocese of Lincoln". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlinl.html. 
    10. ↑ "Past Bishops". https://lincolndiocese.org/bishops. 
    11. ↑ "Latin Mass Directory". https://lincolndiocese.org/worship/latin-mass. 
    12. ↑ "Respect Life". https://lincolndiocese.org/respect-life. 
    13. ↑ "Diocese of Lincoln". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlinl.html. 
    14. ↑ "Diocesan Statistics". https://lincolndiocese.org/live. 
    15. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://lincolndiocese.org/religious. 
    16. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://lincolndiocese.org/religious. 
    17. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://lincolndiocese.org/religious. 
    18. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://lincolndiocese.org/parishes. 
    19. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://lincolndiocese.org/schools. 
    20. ↑ "Catholic Social Services". https://csslincoln.org/. 
    21. ↑ "Bruskewitz Excommunications". https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=1445. 
    22. ↑ "Vocations". https://lincolndiocese.org/vocations. 

    External Links

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