News - January 2020 RSS Feed

There is a custom in the Church, dating back to the 1500s, for bishops to periodically go to the tombs of the Saints in Rome and to present themselves to the Holy Father, the successor of Peter. Known in Latin as ad limina, meaning, “to the threshold of the apostles,” this custom has developed in its structure over the years.

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Before meeting Pope Francis, the bishops of Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri prayed before the tomb of St. Peter and reflected on how the fisherman grew in faith and love for Jesus.

Mary Teichmeier has a special place in her heart for young children. So much so, that she has spent nearly 50 years teaching kindergarten and first grades. In fact, the Blessed Sacrament parishioner began her teaching career at what was known then as Blessed Sacrament grade school.

One of my greatest responsibilities as bishop is to provide for the pastoral care of souls in the diocese. This care is more directly provided to the people of God by our priests and deacons, as an extension of my own ministry as bishop. In communion with our ministry, the lay faithful, as disciples of Jesus by virtue of their baptism, are also to put their lives at the service of the community of the Church according to their means.

This year National Catholic Schools Week 2020 will be Jan. 26-Feb. 1 with the theme “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” The theme encompasses the core products and values that can be found in Catholic schools across the country. Not only are students being taught to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and enriched citizens in their communities, but educators are growing with them.

Regan Dimmitt, a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and former parishioner at St. Leo's Church in Grand Island, is focused on FOCUS. FOCUS (the Fellowship of Catholic University Students), which was founded in 1998 at Benedictine College, "invites college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization, discipleship, and friendships in which they lead others to do the same."