The Olive Branch Weekly
The Olive Branch Weekly
A WEEKLY MESSAGE
FROM DEACON TOM SCHULTE
So this is a true confession to those of you who don’t know me that well. When it comes to many things in my life, I could definitely be in a contest for the “World’s Greatest Procrastinator.” When I was young, I could cover up my procrastination pretty good because those times when I really got going, I could get a load of things done in a short period of time. Now that I am old(er), I that speedy guy that I once was is gone and I don’t catch up as easily as I used to so my procrastination causes a lot of things to not get finished or get finished in a last minute stressful flurry. [In fact, I am writing this letter for the Olive Branch after the editor (Jake Buckingham) sent me an email a few minutes
ago reminding me.] Of course this often makes my life’s boat feel like it is on a rough sea rather than the peaceful waters of a beautiful lake.
Unfortunately, this procrastination bleeds over into my spiritual life. For instance, Advent is a season that I know I should be observing. And I began this Advent with real hopes and plans for making it a time where I would enhance my prayer life and spiritually really
long for the coming of the Lord into my life in a new, more powerful way. And here I am seeing an Advent that is nearly history and a Christmas that is about to knock on my undecorated door.
I am fortunate that I was working on the Alpha team as we entered Advent, so I got the blessings and graces from our groups prayer and discussion each Monday evening. But I will never understand why I cannot hold my good Advent intentions together for a whole Advent season. It seems like we are often tempted, especially in today’s world, to be like non-believers in the world. To just live one day at a time and not ever anticipate and open our hearts for the good that God has promised us when we prepare for Him.
But it is not to late for me, and for you. If you are a procrastinator like me, we still have a week left to take time each day to quiet ourselves and reflect on the promise of God coming into our life in a new, life-giving way. We were chosen in Baptism, to be in relationship, in a distinctive way, with a loving God. Advent is a time to prepare for the “coming of the Lord” and in this last week of Advent we must be honest with God in prayer.
“Lord, forgive me for not taking time this Advent to prepare and get excited about You coming again in glory. I AM excited to have you come into my life as you promised and I open my heart to receive You in a powerful way.”
Advent blessings to you all,
Deacon Tom
OUR PARISH FAMILY
5219 South 53rd St.
Omaha, NE 68117
402-731-3176
Church website: holyghostomaha.org
Facebook: Holy Ghost Catholic Church
Mass Times
Wednesday & Friday: 7:00 a.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.
Confessions on Sunday: 8:15 a.m.
Parish Office Weekday Hours:
8 a.m.—4 p.m. / Closed during Lunch 12—1 pm
Bulletin: stbbulletin@gmail.com
Items for the bulletin must be submitted 9 days prior to the date of the Bulletin!
7600 South 42nd St.
Bellevue, NE 68147
402-731-4694
Church website: stbernadetteparish.org
Mass Times
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 a.m.
Saturday: 5:00 p.m. / Sunday: 11:00 a.m.
Confessions on Saturday: 4—4:45 p.m.
Parish Office Weekday Hours:
7:30 a.m.—3 p.m.
Bulletin: stbbulletin@gmail.com
Items for the bulletin must be submitted 9 days prior to the date of the Bulletin!
PARISH FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
We will have Confessions during Advent at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays at both St. Bernadette & Holy Ghost.
With an All Parish Penance service on Sunday, Dec. 15 with multiple priests at 2:00 p.m. at St. Bernadette Church.
Christmas Eve Mass times
4:00 p.m. at St. Bernadette
4:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost
Christmas Day Mass Times
Midnight at Holy Ghost
9:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost
11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette
As we enter this season of Advent, Jesus calls us to be alert to the opportunities to be His disciples, His witnesses and share His love. Your participation in the Archbishop's Annual Appeal is an extension of our call to discipleship in our parish. Every gift matters.
To date, St. Bernadette has committed $41,289.00 towards our goal of $58,939.50. Holy Ghost has committed $13,311.00 towards our goal of $16,095.99.
Please prayerfully consider supporting this year’s Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our annual Turkey Dinner at Holy Ghost. A HUGE thanks to our volunteers who make this such a wonderful and successful event every year!
A HUGE thanks to our volunteers and everyone who came out to our recent Chicken Dinners! We are so grateful for your continued support of our parish. We hope to see everyone at our next chicken dinner in January.
In case you missed it, our friends at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church celebrated the 50th anniversary of their annual polish festival on Sunday, August 18. Dozens of volunteers worked all summer long creating 26,591 handmade pierogis: a popular polish dumpling filled with kraut, potato and cheese.
HOLY GHOST PARISH NEWS
The following section contains news and information on clubs, activities, special events and ministry initiatives specific to Holy Ghost Parish.
Would You Like a Great Seat at Holy Ghost for the 4:00 Christmas Eve Mass?
Since the 4:00 Christmas Eve Mass ends up being standing-room only, here is a perfect option for a seat: Join the choir as a family (couples too), and you’ll be get one of the best seats in the house! The music will be mostly Christmas carols, and a few members of the “regular” choir will be present also. No pressure! Just FUN!
If you or your family would like to participate in the Christmas Eve Liturgy, please contact Ben Baber:
Home phone: (402) 731–2643
E–mail: benandmarybaber@cox.net
This year, Holy Ghost’s Women’s Club Annual Advent Angels is sponsoring The Bethlehem House.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, please make your check out to The Bethlehem House and place it in the collection basket or mail to the parish office.
The gifts you give will go a long way in helping The Bethlehem House during the Christmas season. Thank you for sharing your stewardship of treasure and your gift of Christ’s love.
Questions? Please call Heather Slizoski at 402-669-8863.
Our next Don & Millie’s Day is this Monday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Grab your family and friends and join us at Don & Millie’s on Monday, Dec. 16
Twenty percent (20%) of every dollar spent on great food and drink will go right back to our parish!
Dine-in or carryout at 84th & “Q” Street location.
Turkey Dinner Results: A huge thank you to everyone that put in so much time and effort into this year's Turkey Dinner. Thanks to your support, we served 651 dinners and profited $7,430.00!
Upcoming Holy Ghost Women’s Club Events!
Chicken Dinner: Friday, Jan. 10 at Holy Ghost. We need your delicious desserts!
Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Holy Ghost Social Hall.
HOLY GHOST FINANCIALS
FINANCIAL UPDATE THROUGH DEC. 1, 2024
Weekly Needs: $3,350.00
Collection: $3,195.00
YTD Needs: $73,700.00
YTD Collection: $72,696.44
Shortage: $303.56
Wednesday, Dec.18, 2024
7:00 a.m. + Josephine Grzywa
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024
7:00 a.m. + Mary Ann Barrett
Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024
9:00 a.m. + Frank Keilty
SUNDAY, DEC. 22 - 9:00 A.M.
Deacon: Tom Schulte
Sacristan: Marie Savine
Lector: Lacey Merica
EMHC: Al Aulner, Carol Monaghan, Kathy Ulrich, Rita Graybill
Altar Servers: Jerry Koraleski
Gift Bearers: Ted & Lolita Martinez
Greeters: Larry Dyer & Joe Luczynski
The following parishioners of Holy Ghost are now or recently have been in the hospital or are having health issues and in need of our prayers. May these parishioners and all from our Parish Family who suffer from health issues find strength and the healing presence of God.
We need your help in keeping our church prayer list up to date. Please let us know if someone needs to be added or removed from the list.
You can contact the office at 402-731-3176 or email parishsecretary@holyghostomaha.org
Dorothy Blach, Jan Brinck (sister-in-law of Marita Grebl), Carmen Cogan, Becky English, Theresa Eubanks Schwartzer, Yvonne Fisher, Warren Hadley, Christine Haite, Donna Hansen, Cheryl Koziel (daughter of Jackie Peroutka), Cathy Longacre, Betty and Mike McMillan, Mark Mruz, Cooper Pofahl, Jon Ricci (nephew of Nellie Hadley), John Ripa, Hayden Sommer, Raymond Starks, Mary Townley, Donna Vaughn, Brian Walters, and Danny Watkins (brother of Brenda Tylkowski)
Let us also remember in our prayers those who in care centers or homebound:
Rick Becerra, Frances Becerra, Jean Buechler, Dee Clap, Patty Dworak, Jacob Fraser, Kim Hall, Dorothy Kazor, Joanne Leutzinger, Pat Makara, Darlene McKinley, Janet Nicholas, Dolores Noonan, & Rita Tomes
with Father Phil Flott
3rd Advent "C"
We're glad with all our heart,
The Savior soon is here;
His arrow of love is a dart
Of love against fear.
ST. BERNADETTE PARISH NEWS
The following section contains news and information on clubs, activities, special events and ministry initiatives specific to St. Bernadette Parish.
As our St. Bernadette family anticipates the coming of our Lord during Advent, we are also anticipating the renovation of our beautiful church! Tentatively, this renovation will begin after Advent, likely, mid-January. As most of you are aware, we will temporarily be relocating our Masses to Holy Ghost Church.
Based on feedback from many St. Bernadette parishioners, we are planning to host social events to continue to connect with “old” friends as well as getting to meet new parishioners. Most of these social events will be based back at St. Bernadette’s Social Hall monthly.
We will keep you updated as to the details of these events via the bulletin as well as via announcements at the pulpit. We would also like to invite each of you to consider being a greeter at Masses on a rotating basis.
While our Holy Ghost family has had a greeter at each door for each of their Masses, they have most graciously invited our St. Bernadette family to assist them in this ministry while we are temporarily relocated there. We would also like to adopt having a greeter at the upper AND lower entrances at St. Bernadette before and after the renovation.
If you would like to be a greeter, please contact either Rita Frickel at 402-734-3573 OR Deacon Tom Schulte at 402-669-1301 by Dec. 18. Thank you and God Bless!
Please consider making a donation for Christmas flowers placed as church decoration in honor of living loved ones/family or in memory of deceased loved ones/family.
Cards are available in the back of church to fill out and return either in the collection basket or to the parish office with your donation. Names will be published in the bulletin after Christmas.
We celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. The word “gaudete” means joy, rejoice or be glad. We are so close to Christmas, so close to our big celebration. How is your family continuing to prepare? I pray you have spent family time in prayer and sharing what this season means to each of you. See you all on Wednesday as we decorate the cookies for our St. Vincent de Paul families.
Important Dates:
12/18 - Christmas Party with cookie decorating
Classes resume on January 8, 2025
How would you like to bless another family this year with something as simple as prayers? I am looking for parishioners to pray for Parish Religious Education, PRE, families. These families will be learning about the seven sacraments this year and some of them will even have family members making their First Reconciliation/ Communion or Confirmation. There is a basket on the table at the back of church. Please pick a card and pray for this family through our PRE year, now through April. What a wonderful way to share God’s goodness with others…prayer.
Spending Time with the Saints
This year, during our Wednesday evening Family Classes for Religious Education (PRE), we decided to add something new. During the months of September, October, November, February, March, and April, we will be doing Saints and S'mores!
At our Family Classes during these months, we will do our closing prayer acknowledging and praying to certain Saints and then enjoying S'mores!
For each of these 6 classes, we will need graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars. If you would like to donate to this part of our program to offset the costs of these items…it would greatly appreciated.
Please contact Sue Reed in the Parish Office or put your donation in an envelope labeled S'mores and place it in the weekly collection basket. Thank you for being supportive of this wonderful program.
Thank you to all PRE & School families and Parish Members that generously gave to this year’s Boxes of Joy project. With all of your help, we will be blessing 92 children this Christmas season. Thank you again!
LEGION OF MARY LEGIONNAIRES
OMAHA NURSING HOME SENDS HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO VOLUNTEERS
We want to give a heartfelt thank you to all the Legion of Mary Legionnaires and the Junior Legionnaires for their help at the Omaha Nursing And Rehabilitation Center.
The residents have enjoyed bingo twice a week and the rosary on Tuesday mornings.
The Junior legion kids helped with games and crafts and served ice cream sodas to the residents.
These volunteers also provided manicures and one-on-one visits with the residents.
We also want to thank Fr. Phil Flott, and Deacon Gary Krupa, Deacon Al Aulner and Deacon Tom Schulte for Mass and communion services. Their lives have been enriched spiritually and emotionally.
Thank you and God Bless you! Omaha Nursing Home
JUNIOR LEGION OF MARY
All 3rd through 8th graders of St. Bernadette are invited to join our Junior Legion of Mary group. The Legion of Mary is a unique opportunity to increase one's love of God through devotion to our Blessed Mother through prayer and good deeds. Meetings are Tuesdays at school in Room 206, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. For more information, call or text Patty Pogge at (402) 681-7331.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Our prayer shawl ministry has been busy providing a lot of prayer shawls to parishioners and their families, especially those who have lost a loved one. This is great! We are however in need of more prayer shawls.
If you knit or crochet or would like to learn, please join us on the second Friday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. in the faculty lounge. We can provide instructions, tools and yarn.
If you knit or crochet but don't want to get involved with a commitment to a meeting -- we would welcome any prayer shawls you would like to make. Everyone who receives one is so appreciative. Please contact Mary Benak at 402-733-8451 or via email at mbenak@cox.net if you are interested.
COFFEE AND TREATS
Join us for Coffee and sweet treats after the 8:00 a.m. Mass every second Thursday of the month.
PRAYER LINE MINISTRY
The prayer line offers an opportunity to pray for requested special prayers promptly for fellow parishioners, family and friends. There is much need for prayer for many different reasons. Special prayers for our Military are also always needed. Please consider becoming part of the Prayer Line Ministry. Please call Betty Rezek at 402-734-2531 or Patty Pogge at 402-733-8234 to request instant prayer for those in need.
PATRIOTIC ROSARY
The Rosary at 4:20 p.m. before the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday's will be for the intention of vocations. We are praying the patriotic rosary every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. in the church. We are praying for the conversion of our country.
We will be praying our Parish Rosary for world peace, the peace our nation needs for the very survival which is now dying for lack thereof. We pray for people in Ukraine and those effected by war. We will be praying on Monday night at 6:30 p.m. in the church.
- The Legion of Mary, Holy Ghost & St. Bernadette Parish Family
ST. BERNADETTE FINANCIALS
FINANCIAL UPDATE THROUGH DEC. 1, 2024
Weekly Needs: $13,585.00
Collection: $8,844.00
YTD Needs: $293,820.00
YTD Collection: $275,525.28
Shortage: $18,294.72
Ushers and Gift Bearers:
We are grateful to bring back the practice of gifts being brought up to the altar by Gift bearers at the offertory and the offering being collected by Ushers. Please prayerfully consider if you will help in either of these two ministries.
Email Kathy Schulte at tkschulte10@gmail.com or call 402-731-3599.
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024
8:00 a.m. + Darlene Healy + George Tinglehoff
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024
8:00 a.m. + Donald & Dorothy O’Connor
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024
5:00 p.m. + Bob Knoblauch + Jim Riha
Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024
11:00 a.m. +Parishioners of Holy Ghost & St. Bernadette
SATURDAY, DEC. 21 - 5:00 P.M.
Lector: Robert Monaco
EMHC: Pat Flanagan, Christine Flanagan
Altar Servers: Liam Wurgler, Nathan Sonntag, Noah Delgado
SUNDAY, DEC. 22 - 11:00 A.M.
Lector: Dorest Harvey
EMHC: Dick, Strauss, Barb Slaven
Altar Servers: Mila Barrientos, Benjamin Linnell
PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED AND CANNOT MAKE YOUR SCHEDULED TIME, YOU WILL NEED TO FIND A SUB.
Vocation is not just for young people!
Pope Francis reminds us that there is a special role for older persons in our society. Being older is not the same for everybody. Some older people are diminished in their physical and mental capacities, and some older people are as physically and mentally as agile as many a younger person. No matter the circumstance, we need to remember the life elderly have lived and give thanks and Glory to God for the gift they have been for us.
For those suffering, Jesus has taught us that suffering is a part of this life on earth, but that suffering can be offered up for the sake of the world, for love, and for the spiritual good of the world. In this, their sacrifice witnesses to their vocation of being one with Christ, making them holy and sharing in the vocation of Jesus. As we continue to prepare the way for the Lord this Advent, let us encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our midst and pray for those discerning the vocation, that they may hear God’s call clearly and respond with courage and commitment. May the young and old follow the example of Mary, saying “yes” to God’s call.
Are you open to being led by the Holy Spirit into the state in life God has prepared for you? If you are in need of resources for marriage or considering a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, please contact Father Boyd or email: vocations@archomaha.org.
The following parishioners of St. Bernadette are now or recently have been in the hospital or are having health issues and in need of our prayers. May these parishioners and all from our Parish Family who suffer from health issues find strength and the healing presence of God.
We need your help in keeping our church prayer list up to date. Please let us know if someone needs to be added or removed from the list.
You can contact the office at 402-731-4694 or email tristenriha@gmail.com
Cheryl Adamson, Annabelle Berrera, Rick Becerra, Elle Burgess, Alfonso Calderon, Leonardo Clymer, Kathi Ciurej, John Cunningham, Charlotte & Dominic Cullenward, Donna Dailey, Kathleen Devlin, Mike Digilio, Kelly Dix, Margaret Eipperle, Norma Flores, Juanice Furmanski, Louise LaFramboise, Adam Gutierrez, Josephine Gutierrez, Michelle Gutierrez, Lisa Hargis, Jeanette Hauptman, Barbara Jansen, Margie Janssen, Carol Johnson, Carol Jura, Olga Kanne, Phyllis Knicky, Connie Kleber, Donna Kubiak, Donna Krysl, John Kwapnioski, Terry Lampe, Jan Lampe, Michael Macdonald, Marge Monaco, Mark Maeder, Steve Maguire, Fr. Robert Matya, Edwin Maslonka, Lisa Meier, Carol McDaniel, Leonard Meier, The Meyer Family, Joel Rivera, Blanche Murphy, Charles Murphy, Sue Novotny, Maryn Page, Ellen Pankievicz, Ella Peters, Jonathan Perez, Rita Perito, Keelan Phillips, Joe Pitman, Jennifer Pryjmak, Jann Reinig, Betty Rodgers, Jodi Ronnfeldt, Joyce Salvatori, Kelly Burkhardt Sheard, Fred Sokol, JoAnn Simoens, Debbie Schumacher, Isabella Sterba, Pam Stein, David Virgilito, Hope Wicken, Mark White, Michael Winter, Claire Winter, Theresa Yost, and Annabella Zyla.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
MISSION TRIP TO GUATEMALA
Spirit of Solidarity – Join Us on A Mission
Since 2004, parishioners from across the Archdiocese of Omaha have gone to our sister diocese in Huehuetenango, Guatemala to work alongside our sisters and brothers in Christ. Ixim missionaries build bridges of understanding and solidarity by learning about the lives and realities of those in Huehuetenango.
Over the years, Ixim missionaries have staffed medical clinics, taught lessons at local schools, applied fluoride treatments to children, assisted with reforestation projects, painted parish and school buildings, and helped implement clean water projects. Our 20th trip will be June 12 – June 23, 2025.
Learn more about our mission trip at an upcoming information meeting: Contact Charlie for Zoom links or to reserve a spot at an in-person information meeting: cpetro@archomaha.org or 531-218-6354 (call or text).
SUBMIT YOUR
GOOD NEWS!
DO YOU HAVE GOOD NEWS TO SHARE? WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT.
Have a story idea or suggestion? Need to tell us about an important event? Celebrating a special achievement, a wedding anniversary, baptism, birth of a child or grandchildren or another special occasion?
We want to hear about it so we can share it in The Olive Branch. Tell us all the details by sending them to: theolivebranchweekly@gmail.com
Please have submissions to us no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday of each week.
PARISHIONER SPOTLIGHT
Know of a parishioner or volunteer who is doing great things for our parish communities? Tell us about it. Nominate them to be featured in The Olive Branch Weekly!
Please send us the following information:
• Full Name
• Photo of the nominee (relevant to the work they might do for our parish communities)
• A brief description of the work, time, talents or gifts they have shared with our parish communities.
• Nominator contact information so that we may reach out should we need additional information.
Please send your nominations to theolivebranchweekly@gmail.com
Please have submissions to us no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday of each week.
HELP US KEEP OUR
RECORDS UPDATED
Did you recently move? Did your address change? Do you have a new phone number or email address? Help us update our records! Please call our parish offices and let us know, so that we can update our information.
If you would like to receive parish emails from St. Bernadette, please call 402-731-4694 or email tristenriha@gmail.com at the parish office. Thank you!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT SOUTH VIEW HEIGHTS ASSISTED LIVING
Volunteering Opportunity
The Legion of Mary at St Bernadette’s is looking for volunteers to help at South View Assisted Living. If you are a talker or a listener or if you love to play cards and games, you can share your talents and brighten someone’s day.
For more information, please call:
Patty Pogge, Activities, Omaha Nursing at (402) 681-7331.
SPIRITUAL CARE VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering Opportunity
Nebraska Medicine is looking for Spiritual Care volunteers to offer our Catholic patients Holy Communion (EMHC) at the Nebraska Medicine 42nd Street Campus location.
Please contact Patty Ostronic, Volunteer Services at 402-559-4162 or postronic@nebraskamed.com to learn more about how to become a volunteer at Nebraska Medicine.