Know Us!
Inspiring.Faith.Community.
Saint Cecilia Cathedral
701 N 40th Street
Omaha NE 68131
402-551-2313
Pastor: Rev. Jeremy Hans
Our parish is the home, the heart and the foundation of the Omaha Archdiocese. We minister to people within and outside our parish boundaries. As a Roman Catholic parish we welcome people of diverse backgrounds into a worshiping, ministering community and graciously accept our leadership role in the Archdiocese and in the community.
The Cathedral parish consists of approximately 925 households and a grade school of over 270 pre-kindergarten through grade eight students, with families living both within our designated parish boundaries, as well as people from across the larger metropolitan area.
As the church of the bishop’s chair, the Cathedral is the location of all the major feasts involving the Archbishop—ordinations of deacons and priests, commissioning of lay ministers, and special occasions within the Archdiocese. It is also an everyday, busy parish.
Cathedral Clergy
Father Jeremy Hans
Pastor
Father Zach Eischeid
Associate Pastor
Father Eliot Schwer
Associate Pastor
Father Georges Sokpo
Associate Pastor
Tim Bloomingdale
Deacon
Jim Tardy
Deacon
Cathedral Leadership
Gerard Alemdjrodo
Campus Business Manager
Sheila Graham
Cathedral Communications Director
Marie Rubis Bauer
Cathedral Music Director
John Wees
Cathedral Development Director
Kay Garfield
Sacraments/Scheduling/Business Office
Kelly Hickey
Campus Technology
Jessie Stoffel
Principal
Denise Leibert
Childcare Center Director
Parish Information
How do YOU encounter Jesus at Saint Cecilia?
Because of our baptism we are participants in the mission entrusted to Jesus by God the Father.
Consider how YOU fit in and participate in the life of our parish in these ways!
Cathedral is open daily 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for individual visits and prayer.
Administration Office is open weekdays 9 am to 4 pm.
Sacramental Participation
Altar Servers
Sheila Graham / 402-551-2313
Altar servers represent the congregation at the altar, prepare the altar for Mass, and assist the priest and deacon in the central act of Catholic worship. Their attention to the order of the Mass and their movements and posture during Mass draw the assembly into active participation with the praise and thanksgiving of God. This ministry is open to Saint Cecilia parish 6th – 12th grade students.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Sheila Graham / 402-551-2313
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve at the discretion of the pastor, following training conducted by the Archdiocese of Omaha and attending a special Mass at Saint Cecilia Cathedral where the Pastor mandates the EMHCs. Saint Cecilia’s adults and high school juniors and older may become EMHCs. They serve at daily and weekend Masses following a schedule provided each month. EMHCs also visit hospitals, nursing homes, and the homebound with the Eucharist which permits those to whom they minister to be an integral part of the Sunday Liturgy.
Greeters
Sheila Graham / 402-551-2313
Greeters provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, especially for all of our first-time guests and members alike. As a parishioner’s or guest’s first contact on arriving for Mass, greeters play a key role in the unfolding of the liturgical action of the Eucharist. Our goal is to make every person who comes through the doors of Saint Cecilia Cathedral feel like a part of our parish family by welcoming and supporting them in a positive, friendly, and spiritual manner. What a wonderful way to engage yourself and your family at Mass!
Gift Bearers
Sheila Graham / 402-551-2313
We are happy to have parishioners join the ministry of gift bearers for our weekend Masses. This is an opportunity for families, couples, friends, groups to participate in the Mass.
Lectors
Sheila Graham / 402-551-2313
Lectors are parishioners who assist in the Liturgy of the Word at daily and weekend Masses. Participation in a class conducted by the Archdiocese of Omaha and attending a special Mass at the Cathedral where the Pastor mandates the lectors is required.
Music
Dr. Marie Rubis-Bauer / 402-553-5524 ext 2
The Cathedral Music Ministry engages in the formation for lifelong praise of God of parish adults, youth, and children through weekly rehearsals and liturgical service. Opportunities include the Cathedral Choir and Parish Cantors. The Saint Cecilia Institute also offers individual instruction in piano, organ and voice.
Sacristans
Sheila Graham / 402-551-2313
Sacristans prepare the bread, wine and vessels for Mass so that the community may share the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharistic celebration. One parishioner is assigned to each Mass. Before Mass the items are set out and after Mass all the vessels and books are returned to the Sacristy. The sacristan must see to it that everything is ready for the next Eucharistic celebration. Weekday Masses and weekend Masses require a sacristan. Consider joining this vital ministry.
Ushers
Sheila Graham / 402-551-2313
These men and women assist our priests and parishioners at weekend and Holy Day Masses by greeting people and helping them find seats, collecting the offertory, bringing up the gifts at Mass occasionally, and guiding people to receive Holy Communion. They also assist anyone who may become ill or need medical attention. If you would like to help create a welcoming atmosphere to all who attend Saint Cecilia Cathedral by donating just over an hour of your time per week, please consider this ministry.
Committees and Organizations
Board of Education
Shannon Vaccaro / 402-515-8302
The Board of Education advises and counsels the Pastor and Principal with the formulation policy and works to assure the continued viability and excellence of the programs, curriculum, and personnel of Saint Cecilia Grade School. The Board also facilitates communications between parishioners and school families regarding Faith Formation of children, youth and adults not belonging to the Grade School. Open meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center.
Open meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center.
Members:
| Shannon Vaccaro – President |
| Makayla Danner – Vice President |
| Michele Kramer – Secretary |
| Melissa Harrer |
| Paul Kulik |
| Carly Milleson |
| Tinya Nielsen |
| Lindsay Rosenthal |
| Mike Schill |
Campus Grounds, Plants, and Gardens
Kathy Dietsch / 402-553-5733
Do you have a green-thumb? Or just enjoy getting your hands dirty? This year-round group is committed to improving and maintaining the exterior appearance of the Saint Cecilia campus grounds. Activities include planting, watering, and weeding the many plants and flower gardens during the spring and summer months, as well as raking, pruning, and clean-up as needed.
CathedralFest
Our annual parish fund raising weekend of fun, friends, and lots of food happens every October. Events run Friday through Sunday on the Cathedral campus. There are so many ways that you can help: donate, volunteer, participate in the fun!
Evangelistic Campus Ministries
Bill and Ann Marie Goettl / annmarieluk@hotmail.com
We offer many opportunities for people to encounter Jesus, build community, and share the Good News. We take these ministries to grow our faith seriously at the Cathedral. We enjoy having new team leaders and event assistance. Seeking Truth Bible Study is led by Michaela Doyle, blujuz@cox.net. Some ministries offered throughout the years led by Bill and Ann Marie Goettl are: Catholicism Series; Alpha; Nazareth Groups; ChristLife; Pentecost & Christmas Novenas.
Finance Council
Father Jeremy Hans / 402-551-2313
This council advises, counsels, and assists the pastor on the overall fiscal operations of the parish. Monitoring expenses and income, establishing a yearly budget and delivering the annual financial report to the parish while encouraging the Stewardship Way of Life are among the duties of this committee appointed by the Pastor. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Administration Office.
Members of this committee are appointed by the Pastor.
Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Administration Office.
Members:
| Jim Elliston – Chair |
| Erin Hagedorn |
| Sandy Maass-Thelen |
| Brad Poeckes |
| Kevin Vaughan |
| Jimmie Pinkham, Child Care Board representative |
| Shannon Vaccaro, Board of Education representative |
| Gerard Alemdjrodo, Campus Business Manager |
| Jessie Stoffel, School Principal |
| John Wees, Development Director |
Flower Guild
Judy Wees / 402-558-1784
The Cathedral Flower Guild sets the standard for parish floral design and execution throughout the Archdiocese. Volunteer members, under the guidance of Br. William Woeger, FSC, decorate the Cathedral for the various liturgical seasons, and provide resources and support for other annual events held throughout the campus. The majority of the volunteers, both parishioner and non-parishioner, have had no formal training, but have become very adept at creating stunning displays. The door is ALWAYS open to anyone interested in exploring a new and lovely way to pay homage to Our Lord.
The Guild’s annual masterwork is the decoration of the Nave and Sanctuary during Cathedral Arts Project’s Cathedral Flower Festival. Held on the last weekend in January, it brings the freshness of spring into Saint Cecilia Cathedral in the depths of the long winter! Volunteers work prior to the Festival to plan, design, and create their finest work of the year. Plan to volunteer, and certainly attend and stroll through the church, dressed in splendor and beauty!
Parish Pastoral Council
Jeff Hoffman / 402-317-8887
The Parish Pastoral Council is the principal consultative body of parishioners who share with the pastor in providing vision and direction to the parish by assisting in apostolic, spiritual, and administrative responsibilities of the parish. It works with and relies upon various boards, committees, and groups that carry out the work of our parish and provides a means of communication between these groups. Members are elected by the parish for a three-year term. Open meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center.
Members are selected by the parish pastor for a three-year term.
Open meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center.
| Jeff Hoffman – Chair |
| Sara Kleinsasser – Vice Chair |
| Mary Hoggatt – Secretary |
| Logan Anderson |
| Nancy Gonzales |
| Jeff Hinrichs |
| Al Khoune |
| Justin Knoble |
| Jeff Lang |
| Mac McLaughlin |
| Jan Schnack |
| Andrea Zardetto-Smith |
Women's Guild
Cathy Lyons and Ellen Ehlers – Guild Co-Presidents / 402-556-3581 / lyons3830@gmail.com
The mission of the Women’s Guild is to encourage spirituality, community and friendship among the women of Saint Cecilia Parish and to identify and work toward providing some the material needs of the parish. Our vision is to bring the women of Saint Cecilia Parish together outside of the celebration of the Mass and enable them to live out and grow in their faith through fellowship with each other. Within the Guild are groups called Circles. All women in the parish are welcome to join any or all of these groups. $10 annual dues.
Saint Bernadette’s Circle / Book Club
Saint Cecilia’s Circle / Quilting
Saint Elizabeth’s Circle / School Alumni Moms
Mary’s Widows Circle / Widows of the Parish
Saint Mary’s Circle / School Moms Fellowship
Saint Theresa’s Circle / Fostering Friendships
Outreach and Evangelization
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Kevin Vaughan / 402-551-2313
The Saint Cecilia Parish Conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society has a mission to witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Conference responds weekly to requests for rent, food, utilities or other emergency needs and also collaborates with the central office or parish conferences for special or larger projects. The Conference provides a personal spiritual development and growth program which sustains its members for the work of the Society.
Hunger is not a one-time issue. Many who come to the door have situations where something traumatic has happened in their life to cause serious and lasting problems over a long time. Some are clearly in immediate need of food. Some have physical needs – rent, utilities, job issues, medical situations. While we do not have the resources to address everything, the beauty of a large network of SVDP conferences throughout the city means that we can work together. There are 31 conferences, and they have different and complementary resources. When something very large is needed, resources can be gathered from multiple sources. The Knights of Columbus play a very special part in the ministry of the Food Pantry, with home deliveries of food to families in need on the weekends.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
Mary Wendl / 402-490-4578
Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #2186 participates in the national organization founded in 1903 to serve the current needs of the Church and country with special concern for women and mothers and family life in the civic arena. The Saint Cecilia Parish Court #2186 engages local and national activities in support of leadership, education, youth, quality of life, legislation and spirituality. Meetings are held in the Parish Center Conference Room on the 3rd Sunday of the month following the 10:30 am Mass.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas strives to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality, and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all. The integration of spirituality and service is the foundation of the Catholic Daughters. CDA helps women develop their spirituality and provides avenues of service to live out that spirituality. The CDA gives members a unique opportunity to share their faith with other Catholic women. Helping others through charitable acts in the spirit of Jesus Christ is the heart of our organization.
Our Catholic Daughters court members work on several charitable projects for our parish, school, and community.
Mary Wendl – Regent
Maria Bailey – Vice Regent
Channon Butler – Recording Secretary
Claire Meredith – Treasurer
Susan Ciccotti – Financial Secretary
Knights of Columbus
Jeff Hinrichs / dundeemt@gmail.com
Knights of Columbus Council #652, founded in 1902, participates in the international fraternal organization founded by Fr. Michael McGivney in 1887. As the oldest council in Nebraska, Council #652 is active in the support of priestly and religious vocations, Right to Life issues, and support of programs for needy and disabled persons. General membership meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm in the LAC. Members gather to pray the rosary before each meeting at 7:15 pm. Officers meet to plan the membership meeting and to conduct the financial business of the Council on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the LAC.
If you would like to join the Knights, please do one of the following:
– Attend a general membership meeting the first Tuesday of the month in the lay apostle center – rosary at 7:15 pm and meeting at 7:30 pm
– Attend a fellow ship night which is held the third Thursday of the month at Legends located at 6920 Pacific Street it starts at 7:00 pm
– Or contact Jeff Hinrichs at dundeemt@gmail.com
The mission of the Knights of Columbus is “Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community.” Charity is at the heart of their work and our faith — and it always has been. For the Knights of Columbus, charity means supporting a virtually boundless variety of projects.
Our Knights council has recently teamed up with our St. Vincent de Paul Society to help fund the utility assistance program as well as to deliver food pantries to the homebound of our care area.
Members of the Knights council serve meals at the Sienna Francis House each month as part of their outreach program. They also host Red Cross blood drives on campus throughout the year.
They also participate in the annual Tootsie Roll Drive. When you see Knights in yellow vests that read “Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities,” you should smile. When these Knights are holding their bright cans and collecting donations around town, they are helping to recognize the dignity of every person. For every donation, each donor is offered a piece of candy by the Knight present, most commonly a Tootsie Roll. Because of these little gifts of appreciation, the “Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities” has frequently referred to as the “Tootsie Roll Drive.” It is a popular and successful fundraisers conducted by Knights of Columbus councils.
Grand Knight – Jeff Hinrichs
Deputy Grand Knight – Kevin Vaughan
Treasurer – Dan Elliston
Financial Secretary – Tim Placek
Recorder – Rod Morris
Chancellor – Terry Feldman
Advocate – Joe Shuster
Lecturer – Mike Downey
Warden – Joe Wilcox
Trustee for Three Years – Jim Elliston
Trustee for Two Years – Al Vaccaro
Trustee for One Year – Tony Romero
Outside Guard – Adam Lampe
Inside Guard – Tom Finn
Chaplain – Fr. Jeremy Hans
VENI
What is Veni?
Veni is a night of Eucharistic adoration with music, confession, and fellowship for young adults in Omaha. Inspired by similar events nationwide, it offers a powerful opportunity for prayer and community.
Why Host Veni at the Cathedral?
As the Mother Church of the diocese, the Cathedral’s beauty and sacredness make it a fitting place for worship. Its grandeur fosters devotion, reverence, and an encounter with the transcendent presence of God.
What Impact Do You Hope for?
Veni aims to deepen devotion to the Eucharist, encouraging more parishioners to spend time in adoration. It could lead to more regular exposition—and perhaps even perpetual adoration—while also fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
How Can You Help?
Pray for this mission, spread the word, and consider financial support. Donations would help purchase a larger monstrance and provide for post-adoration gatherings. If you’re a young adult (20-39), invite friends and come experience the grace of Veni at Saint Cecilia Cathedral!
Respect Life
Ways to Support Life
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Pray and Fast: This is a spiritual battle. Pray for our nation, post-abortive healing, and conversion of hearts. Pray at home, before the Blessed Sacrament, and attend Mass more often.
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Support Pregnancy Centers: Help women before and after birth through Essential Pregnancy Services, Catholic Charities’ Mentoring Moms, Mater Filius, and Bethlehem House.
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Aid Post-Abortion Healing: Support Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard.
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Defend Life Legally: Protect life, conscience rights, and religious freedom by supporting Thomas More Society, Life Legal Defense Foundation, Becket, and Alliance Defending Freedom.
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Pray at Abortion Clinics: Pray for women, babies, and clinic workers. Locations include Planned Parenthood (93rd & Maple) and Bellevue Abortion Clinic (W. Mission Ave.).
Local Events & Prayer Gatherings
- Life Chain (October): Peaceful pro-life witness along 72nd & Dodge.
- Vigil for Life: Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and a living rosary to the Bellevue clinic.
- March for Life (January): National pro-life rally in Washington, D.C.
- Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (January): Observance near Roe v. Wade anniversary.
Local Prayer Opportunities
- Gabriel’s Corner (Council Bluffs): Rosary & Mass on 3rd and last Saturdays.
- Abortion Tuesday (Lincoln Planned Parenthood): Rosaries at 9:30 am & 1:00 pm; Mass at 10:00 am.
- Omaha & Bellevue Clinics:
- Omaha Planned Parenthood: Mondays (8 am–Noon), Saturdays (10–11 am).
- Bellevue Abortion Facility: Thurs-Sat (9 am–1 pm).
- Sidewalk Advocates for Life – Peaceful presence during abortion appointments. Bellevue clinic times vary; training available. Contact Michelle (wittem6465@gmail.com) or visit sidewalkadvocates.org.
We are working in the context of real-life situations, and each person’s story is unique. Ours is a ministry of ‘communication’ and we are trying to talk and walk with them and understand what they are going through.
— Kevin Vaughan, St. Vincent de Paul Society
Bulletins
Do you have something to submit to include in the bulletin?
Our Patron Saint
Msgr. Graham Building
The Monsignor Graham Building opened in 2003 as a result of a complete renovation of the first floor of the original Cathedral High School building.
It is located behind the Cathedral at 3900 Webster Street, Omaha NE 68131.
Hours are Tuesday-Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday 11:30 am-2:30 pm.
It houses the following entities:
The Cathedral Cultural Center includes Sunderland Gallery, Cathedral Museum, O’Donnell Lecture Hall, Cathedral Gift Shop, Saint Cecilia Institute for Sacred Liturgy, Music and the Arts, and the Cathedral Arts Project.
Cathedral Music Ministry – The offices of the Director of Music are housed on the second floor along with practice rooms and the music library.
Cathedral Cafeteria – Our students use the cafeteria for their lunches. Parishioners gather here for monthly breakfasts hosted by the Knights of Columbus. The Santo Nino group hold celebration lunches here.
School Gym – Home to our school’s sports teams, the gym has a history of ball games and activities. The gymnasium is the envy of sports teams who come from across the city to play. Fun times!
Parish Center – Housed on the north end of the Msgr. Ernest Graham Building, the Parish Center includes a dining room with kitchen for gatherings and a media/conference room for meetings and presentations.