On June 4, 2023, Resurrection Parish will celebrate 50 years. In 1973, Bishop Sullivan announced that the two parishes of Grand Island would be split into four. Council members of Blessed Sacrament were informed at a special meeting and that those living west of the new boundary dividing line (Custer Avenue) were to begin planning their own new parish. Their immediate response was: “What do we do now?”
Resurrection parish’s Charter Council members were Jack McGowan, president; Dick Brown, vice-president; Dave Schaffer, secretary; Richard Butler, Mike Wenzel, John Bush, Phil Bunkers, and Pat Boysen.
Planning did begin! Many questions were asked, and difficult decisions made. Twelve acres of land were purchased on Cannon Road. Church construction began in September 1974 with parishioners, Jim Cannon as architect, and Leo Liske, contractor. Leo’s team of four was assisted by numerous enthusiastic volunteers from the congregation.
Father Jack Schlaf was appointed pastor. He brought tremendous energy and spiritual encouragement.
Weekly Mass was celebrated in the cafeteria or theatre of Central Catholic High School. Christmas Eve Mass (1974) was held in the unfinished basement of the new church structure. Easter (1975) was celebrated in the sanctuary area after moving sawhorses and sweeping up saw dust. Construction was completed in August 1975.
During construction, a unique camaraderie developed. Social activities seemed frequent as friendships and parish family grew. The efforts and accomplishments of so many that expanded the church programs cannot be adequately recognized. Children’s CCD religious education programs were formed immediately in 1973. Music and prayer ministries were established shortly after. Knights of Columbus was chartered in 1994; Altar society 1996; Vacation Bible School 1997; Stephan Ministry 2004; Parish Nurse 2005; Fertility Care 2008; St. Lucia global outreach trips were annually 2008 thru 2014. Other religious formations and ministries for children, youth groups, and adults are offered here at Resurrection. We invite you to experience them!
As Grand Island’s population expanded west, our parish needs grew. Under Father Jim Schmitt’s leadership, the “Resurrection 2000” campaign was organized to add six classrooms, a new kitchen, and fellowship hall to our facilities. That project was completed in 2001 and we emerged with no outstanding debt.
Continued growth promoted the need for a larger sanctuary. Father Mike McDermott and Father Joseph Kadaprayil guided us through several years of building fund campaigns. This most beautiful church structure became a reality in 2020. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic however did delay its immediate use.
Resurrection Parish has been blessed with outstanding and dedicated priests & religious support teams through the years. None of our success stories could have been accomplished without them. Father Jack Schlaf (1973-77); Father Harold Kurtenbach (1977-83); Father Robert Wiest (1983-85), Father Tom Dillon (1985-90), Father Richard Piontowski (1990-91), Father Jim Schmitt (1991-2003), Father Mike McDermott (2003-2017), Father Joseph Kadaprayil (2017-22), Father Vijumom Choorackal (2022-present). Deacon John Willmes was ordained in 2014. We appreciate and thank each of them!
This church is just a building unless we connect with Jesus! We invite you to come for Mass at Resurrection Church. But also, come anytime to sit and just listen in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a special place, a place of peace. Come and listen!
Following are memories and experiences of Resurrection Church members through the years. Enjoy!
It was Good Friday. As I came into church Father Kurtenbach said: “sit close to the back by the aisle, I may need your help.”
The service started – Father entered dragging a heavy, life size wooden cross on his shoulders. Close to me, he stumbled and fell to the floor with the cross atop of him. A heavy gasp came over the congregation. I and several people rushed to his side. “Is this for real?” “Is he seriously ill or injured?” He was moaning slightly but said nothing as he struggled to get back on his feet to continue his journey.
It was then that I realized that it was I who was designated as Simon of Cyrene to help him carry the weight of the cross (all of our sins) to Calvary. WOW! I will never forget. I know everyone there had a special experience that night. Father Kurtenbach’s lessons were memorable.
This recollection is that of Jim Kitten, member.
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The Arc of Central Nebraska is an organization that advocates for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities, and for their families. Many of the individuals had enjoyed going to the Eagles Club for a monthly hamburger night and dance. However, the club permanently closed. To overcome that loss, I asked Father Mike McDermott if Arc could use the parish hall facilities for the dance. He answered with a resounding - yes! That was in 2004.
The dance and meal continue yet today, due to the efforts of church volunteers that prepare and serve the food. It is an enthusiastic group of Arc members and friends that come each month to enjoy fellowship.
Our church offers “Special Olympics” the use of our grounds and hall for Bocce and Torch Run activities. Also, “The Journey of Hope” organization arrives each June. It consists of a group of young college men that pedal bicycles across the United States raising awareness of citizens with disabilities. They rest here in Grand Island for two days. It is Resurrection Church that opens its doors to these young men and their new local friends.
Resurrection Church is an outreach minded parish.
The above provided by Mike Follmer, Arc president and a Resurrection member.
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Resurrection Parish formed in 1973 - church dedicated in 1975.
Masses were celebrated at Central Catholic High School that first year. However, a Christmas Eve Mass was held December 1974 in the new but unfinished basement, while the upper church structure was still under construction. Extension cords to strung lights provided limited lighting but twice blew fuses. Oops!
The floor area was simply dirt. We sat on bales of straw, that also supported seating planks (later used for ceiling rafters). I was overcome with the sensation of being in the stable with Jesus, alongside Mary & Joseph. Father Schlaf’s homily reflected that amazing feeling.
Heavy coats & gloves protected most of us from the cold, unheated area. The excitement of it all however warmed every heart.
These observations were provided by Kathy Ripp, and Leo Liske, contractor for the church construction.
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Father Jack Schlaf, our first pastor, needed a place to live. Therefore, a rectory was constructed simultaneously with the church. Leo Liske and our crew of four worked each day on the church. In the evening, parish volunteers helped us with the rectory.
We were amazed and extremely grateful for the numbers of parishioners that assisted every evening and weekend throughout construction. We divided into teams and accomplished a lot. A special note: there was no labor expense for the rectory construction, all was donated. Also, members and nonmembers alike contributed numerous other goods and services.
What we built was: a united Catholic church community!
This information was provided by Rich Stobbe, construction crew member, and former member of Resurrection church.
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Have you ever had real chicken noodle soup? The first soup supper at Resurrection was held in the church basement. The early kitchen lacked equipment and adequate electrical outlets, but that did not deter the ladies from preparing the meals. They borrowed roasters from Central Catholic and from our friends at Peace Lutheran Church. Electrical extension cords hung from the ceiling.
Leona Rauert provided the farm raised chickens. They were cleaned and cooked at (her sister) Evelyn Panowicz’s house. Numerous ladies also gathered at Evelyn’s house to make home-made noodles. I mean real noodles! Racks of drying noodles were scattered throughout our house.
Jeannette Weakland & Bernie Coventry are the other two that led the preparation each year. Many others have also gotten involved. Real silverware & glass bowls were initially used, so someone had to be on “dish duty” at all times.
The soup supper w/pie is now an annual tradition here at Resurrection that we and the local community look forward to. It is an opportunity for our parish to come together. Lasting friendships have developed with those preparing and from new acquaintances across the table. Come join us!
These memories are from Bernie Coventry and Mike Panowitz, members.
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I was serving on the Blessed Sacrament parish council when a special meeting was called. Our temporary pastor, Father Nelson, came in with few words: “Our new bishop, Bishop Sullivan, has issued a proclamation to split the two existing parishes of Grand Island into four. Custer Avenue is the boundary dividing line. Those of you that reside west of Custer, go to that corner table, and begin forming your new parish.” We arose, went, sat down, and faced each other with blank looks. “What do we do now?” I answered: “I’m going home!” I did not and stayed.
We worked through many difficult decisions, seeking direction from many parishioners and more importantly, from our Lord.
In reflection, I have a reward of being able to say I was a small part in the beginning of what Resurrection parish is today. Each parish member needs to contribute, in their own honorable way, a part of themselves to sustain this holy place of worship. In these times that try mankind’s souls, we, more than ever, need our Redeemer, Christ, and the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
My wish for you as a parish is to continue to know that your reward will be: “to dwell in the House of the Lord for years to come.”
This reflection is that of Dave Schaffer, former member of Resurrection Church and an original Resurrection parish council member.
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Palm Sunday 1974, at Central Catholic, we were given palm branches and instructed to meet outside. While waiting there, Father Schlaf suddenly came from around the corner astride a donkey-----a live donkey! After gathering our thoughts (but sharing non), we moved to meet him (Jesus) “as he triumphantly entered Jerusalem.” The entire crowd was energized as we waved our palm branches and chanted: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” as we followed in procession.
On Holy Thursday that week, we had Mass, followed by a light “banquet” in the school gym to celebrate the Lord’s Last Supper. Before the meal, Father took a large loaf of bread, broke it, blessed it, and said “take and eat, for it is broken for you and for many, for the remission of sins”. This commemorated the original institution of the Eucharist by Jesus.
These amazing spiritual experiences helped mark our beginning as the Resurrection Catholic community.
This memory is shared by Kathy Ripp, member.
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