Diocese of Lincoln in Nebraska
The Diocese of Lincoln in Nebraska, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese covering the southern portion of the state of Nebraska in the United States. Established in 1887 by Pope Leo XIII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Omaha and serves a Catholic population across numerous counties with its see city in Lincoln. The diocese is currently led by Bishop James D. Conley, who has served since 2012, and maintains a focus on traditional Catholic practices amid a growing community in the Great Plains region. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Lincoln in Nebraska
| Diocese: Diocese of Lincoln in Nebraska | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Omaha |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Omaha |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | Nebraska |
| Bishop: | James D. Conley |
| Website: | https://www.lincolndiocese.org/ |
| Newspaper: | https://www.catholicvoiceomaha.com/ |
| Catholic %: | 12.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 25 |
| High Schools: | 6 |
| Deaneries: | 8 |
| Priests: | 140 |
| Existence: | 1887– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Chancery Address: | 3400 Sheridan Blvd. Lincoln, NE 68506 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Lincoln in Nebraska was erected on August 2, 1887, by Pope Leo XIII to serve the expanding Catholic population in southern Nebraska, carved from territory previously under the Diocese of Omaha.
History
Early Years
The diocese began with limited resources in a frontier setting, with its first bishop overseeing the construction of basic parishes and schools amid rapid settlement in the late 19th century.
Modern Era
Boundary adjustments occurred in the 20th century, and the diocese experienced steady growth through immigration and local vocations, maintaining its role within the broader Church structure of Nebraska.
Geography
The diocese encompasses the southern 23 counties of Nebraska, including:
- Adams County
- Buffalo County
- Clay County
- Fillmore County
- Franklin County
- Frontier County
- Furnas County
- Gage County
- Gosper County
- Hall County
- Hamilton County
- Harlan County
- Jefferson County
- Kearney County
- Nuckolls County
- Phelps County
- Red Willow County
- Richardson County
- Saline County
- Seward County
- Thayer County
- Webster County
- York County
It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Omaha.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln serves as the mother church, a modern structure completed in 1965 that replaced an earlier cathedral and hosts major diocesan liturgies.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop James D. Conley has served since 2012. A former auxiliary bishop in Denver, he emphasizes evangelization and support for family life in the diocese.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Bonacum | 1887–1911 | First Bishop of Lincoln; established foundational parishes and schools. |
| John Henry Tihen | 1911–1917 | Oversaw early expansion; transferred to Denver. |
| Charles Joseph O’Reilly | 1918–1923 | Focused on rural ministry; died in office. |
| Francis Joseph Beckman | 1924–1930 | Promoted Catholic education; transferred to Dubuque. |
| Louis B. Kucera | 1930–1957 | Longest-serving bishop; guided the diocese through the Great Depression and World War II. |
| James Vincent Casey | 1957–1967 | Implemented Vatican II reforms; transferred to Denver. |
| Glennon Patrick Flavin | 1967–1992 | Emphasized traditional liturgy and vocations; retired. |
| Fabian Wendelin Bruskewitz | 1992–2012 | Known for strong doctrinal stance; retired. |
| James D. Conley | 2012–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 4.2), with weekly Traditional Latin Masses offered in multiple parishes, a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings such as pro-life issues, and leadership that prioritizes doctrinal fidelity and support for religious vocations.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 23,500 square miles (60,865 km²), serves around 48,000 registered Catholics across 84 parishes, and has a total population of about 400,000.
Religious Communities
Priests of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians)
The Vincentians have historically supported seminary formation and parish work in the diocese.
Parishes
| Diocese of Lincoln in Nebraska |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Lincoln in Nebraska organizes its parishes into eight deaneries covering southern Nebraska, providing spiritual care through a network of urban and rural churches.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 31 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pius X High School | Lincoln | High School | https://www.piusxhs.org |
| Saint Cecilia High School | Hastings | High School | https://www.stceciliahs.org |
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lincoln provides food assistance, counseling, and refugee services to thousands annually.
Notable Events or Figures
- Bishop Glennon Patrick Flavin promoted numerous priestly vocations, resulting in one of the highest per-capita ordination rates in the United States during his tenure.
- The diocese hosted significant Eucharistic celebrations reflecting its commitment to traditional devotion.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Lincoln in Nebraska:
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Diocesan photos
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