Cathedral Plaza & Garden
Inspiring.Faith.Community
“Complete the Vision” is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a new and welcoming plaza and garden, that will become a gathering space for Catholics as well as the Omaha community. These new elements will also celebrate the pillars of our faith community, our Archdiocese, and our Parish.
Your gift to our $8.2 million capital campaign will help complete construction and enhancements to our west main entrance and have a lasting impression for many future generations.
We ask you to prayerfully consider a pledge TODAY to enable this construction!
Project Overview
The Plaza & Garden will honor and celebrate the pillars of our faith community, our Archdiocese, and our parish, and present a welcoming and inviting entrance to the Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
Plaza Vision
The plaza and garden will honor a rich legacy and ensure that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and sanctity of our sacred spaces.
Plaza Design and Elements
Cathedral Plaza
Based on Kimball’s renderings, we have designed a new and respectful outdoor gathering space for services, reflections, and performances.
Cathedral Garden
The existing parking lot directly west and across 40th Street will be landscaped to include educational reflective spaces recognizing the legacy of the Archdiocese.
Exterior Maintenance
The exterior of the Cathedral is in need of maintenance to the stonework and concrete for the safety of our visitors.
40th Street Improvements
Traffic calming elements will also be installed along 40th Street to improve pedestrian safety.
Fountain
A beautiful fountain will be added in front of the Cathedral for the enjoyment of all.
Gathering Wall
The plaza and memorial garden will provide residents and visitors with a tranquil retreat in the middle of the city.
The expanded plaza and garden will create improved gathering spaces for religious services, weddings, graduations, and other community events hosted at Saint Cecilia Cathedral.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the components of the project?
The project has three main components:
1. New West Plaza:
The Plaza will complete Thomas Rogers Kimball’s vision for the Western facade and provide a respectful space for services, gatherings, and performances. It will also include a cornerstone courtyard, fountains, and other elements recognizing the collective reach of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
2. New Garden:
The existing parking area across 40th Street will be converted and landscaped to include educational reflective spaces and a gathering wall recognizing the legacy of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
3. Exterior Maintenance:
The exterior stonework, accessibility ramp, and steps need maintenance and repairs. The South entry accessibility ramp does not meet today’s ADA code and requires rebuilding.
Why are the plaza, garden, and maintenance important?
Necessary maintenance, primarily concrete and stonework, presents safety issues that can no longer be deferred. With these repairs, the timing is right to complete the original vision for the plaza and garden, creating a more useful and welcoming environment for all.
What are the primary costs of this project?
• Exterior Repairs, 40th Street Improvements, Lighting, etc.: $896,000
• Plaza Construction: $3,750,000
• Garden Construction: $1,893,000
• Accessibility Ramp Construction: $461,000
• Fees, Permits, and Professional Services: $502,000
• Contingency: $712,000
• Total Cost: $8,214,000
Who is responsible for maintaining the Cathedral building and grounds?
Saint Cecilia Parish is primarily responsible for all annual operating and maintenance costs of the Cathedral buildings and grounds. The Archdiocese of Omaha provides some financial support for maintenance and operating expenses and is underwriting the professional fees for this project. The Archdiocese also contributes to the cost of maintaining the Msgr. Graham Center by paying rent for several Archdiocesan programs housed there.
How will the plaza and garden be maintained after they are constructed?
The garden and plaza will be the responsibility of Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish.
How is St. Cecilia Cathedral Parish governed?
Father Jeremy Hans serves as the Rector of the Cathedral and Pastor of Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish. He is supported by members of the Parish Finance Council, Parish Council, School Board, volunteer committees, and parishioners who provide guidance to annual operations.
Does Saint Cecilia Parish receive financial support from outside the parish?
Funds for annual operations and maintenance of the Cathedral primarily come from Saint Cecilia Cathedral parishioners, visitors, special events, grants, and other fundraising activities. The Archdiocese of Omaha provides several subsidies to help offset some of Saint Cecilia’s operating costs.
Why aren’t endowment funds used to complete the project?
Saint Cecilia has two endowments. The Cathedral Endowment Fund provides annual operating revenue for the parish, and the Education Endowment Fund provides annual operating revenue to help offset educational expenses and reduce tuition costs.
Why proceed with this project now?
Deferred maintenance needs can no longer wait and must be addressed before they become liabilities. Combining these improvements with the plaza, garden and new south entry accessibility ramp creates a more efficient and cost-effective construction management approach under one professionally managed project.
How will the Plaza and Cathedral Park be used?
The new Plaza and Garden will enhance liturgical services and provide a respectful and appropriate gathering space for Church services, ordinations, graduations, daily Mass, and other liturgical celebrations. These spaces also provide increased outreach opportunities to invite the greater Omaha community to join us and can be used for education, worship, and artistic performances. The space enhances our hospitality and offers a respectful respite in a busy urban setting.
Who will use the plaza and garden?
Area Catholics, parishioners, neighbors, and visitors from the surrounding region are the main guests to the Cathedral. The Cathedral hosts services, ordinations, educational field trips, and many visitors coming to experience one of Omaha’s most prestigious landmarks. The Cathedral Arts Project, a separate nonprofit housed in the Msgr. Graham Center, produces arts events year-round and, along with other neighborhood organizations, forms the Castle & Cathedral Creative District to spearhead new community events. The availability of these spaces will add to the mission of these arts organizations and help revitalize the 40th Street corridor.
Are there gift recognition opportunities?
Yes. Donors can designate the Plaza, Garden, and many other elements of the project in recognition of their gifts or in honor of others.
Can I make a gift through a pledge payable over time?
Yes. Making a charitable pledge over three to four years provides flexible financial planning options and possible tax benefits. It also inspires others to give and enables Saint Cecilia to plan and budget accordingly.
Can I make a pledge online?
Yes. The online pledge and donation process is secure and simple. Please CLICK HERE to pledge!
To avoid online credit card fees, consider making gifts payable by check, bank draft, or through other means such as gifts of stock or IRA charitable rollover gifts.
Can I remember Saint Cecilia Cathedral in my estate plans?
Yes. However, for this campaign, funds are needed now to cover the immediate costs of construction. Saint Cecilia would be pleased to work with you to structure a future planned estate gift through life insurance, real estate, personal property, retirement accounts, trusts, and bequests. For more information, please contact our Director of Development at 402-551-2313.
Are gifts to St. Cecilia Cathedral Parish tax deductible?
Yes. Gifts to Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish are 100 percent tax deductible. The parish is a nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, organized under Nebraska and Federal laws.
For more information, please contact our Director of Development at 402-551-2313.