The Olive Branch Weekly
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Second Sunday of Lent
Second Sunday of Lent
Embedded Files
A WEEKLY MESSAGE
FROM DEACON SUBBY ENZOLERA
Over my life, I have had many teachers who have influenced my life and helped to mold me into the person I am today. I imagine that is the same for you as well. Of course, my parents were my first teachers. They taught me the most remedial things; how to behave, care for myself, eat healthy, ride a bike, and most of all, they planted the seeds of their faith in me. They taught me what they knew about this faith they were sharing with me. Then, being fortunate enough to go to a catholic grade school and high school, my first teachers handed off the baton to my trusted new teachers. My parents told me to listen to them. They built on what my parents had taught me, most importantly introducing me to new understandings of the world and my faith, at a time that I was able to understand the teachings. There were parent/teacher conferences along the way, where my first teachers met with my new teachers. I was invited to some of those, mostly observing the trust my parents had in my new teachers and my parents telling me to listen to them. Although what my parents had taught me had certainly molded me into the person I was at that time, I was told to listen to my new teachers. This process of passing the baton continued throughout my life, especially in my spiritual path.
As I read and re-read this week's gospel, it came to me that what happened on the mountain that day is much like what has happened to me throughout my life, but certainly in a more dramatic way. Peter, James and John were devout in their Hebrew faith. Their parents had taught them about their history and their God, including the law of Moses and the teachings of Elijah, of whom they considered to be the greatest prophet. Jesus brought them there much like my parents had brought me to that parent/teacher conference. I can even imagine that I may have dozed off at some time, waking to find my previous teachers talking to my new ones. There was no fight for power, just a simple passing of the baton, just like on the mountain that day.
God, in His wisdom, through the Transfiguration of His Son, showed the disciples in a magnificent way, that Jesus was not just their friend and rabbi. Amidst the pillars of their faith, Moses and Elijah, it was Jesus who shined bright, showing His Divinity. Their friend and rabbi, whom they had walked with daily, was 'The Word'. His Father told the disciples that Jesus was His Son, in whom He was well pleased. He was truly the divine Son of God who they were to listen to.
This event was kind of a precursor to another event that we often call the beginning of our church, Pentecost. It sets the script of what the apostles would spread throughout the land. That Jesus is the NEW teaching, the WORD to be spread and followed. That He became man and died for our sins so tha.t we might be shown the way to everlasting life. A way to love God and each other.
Just one additional thing before I end, The gospel tells us that Peter, James, John, Moses, Elijah, Jesus and His Father are present on the mountain. So, just two of the persons of the Holy Trinity? So, how did Peter know that Moses and Elijah were the ones there at Jesus's side? He obviously hadn't seen them in person before. Did he have Polaroid shots of them? Maybe their pictures on holy cards? Or maybe, just maybe, the Holy Spirit was there as well? What do you think?
May you have a blessed week,
Deacon Subby
OUR PARISH FAMILY
HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH
HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH
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!
ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH
ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH
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
"STATE OF OUR PARISH FAMILY"
"STATE OF OUR PARISH FAMILY"
Where are we at and where are we going?
All in our Holy Ghost/St. Bernadette Parish Family are invited to take part in these important meetings about our future.
LEARN TOGETHER - THURSDAY, MARCH 27:
At this first meeting we will take a deep dive into the challenges we currently face as a Parish Family and as a Church.
IMAGINE TOGETHER - THURSDAY, APRIL 3:
We will explore a common vision about what we think our future should be and can be.
PLAN TOGETHER - THURSDAY, APRIL 24:
We will begin to develop a plan to make our Parish Family even more vibrant. Discern how God is calling you to be part of that plan.
ALL MEETINGS WILL BE AT ST. BERNADETTE FROM 7-8:30 PM
NO RSVP REQUIRED, ALL ARE INVITED!!!
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Helpline Could Use Your Help!
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Helpline Could Use Your Help!
What would you do if you were about to be evicted from your home…or you’d received notice that your gas, water, or electric utility service was going to be shut off? What if you had no savings, couldn’t feed your family, and had no safety net to help you through these difficult times? What if the prospect of falling into homelessness seemed like your only choice?
These scenarios describe individuals and families that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha serves every day of the year, which is why we offer our SSVP Helpline.
The Helpline is an easy-to-use, one-stop, online service for Omaha-area neighbors in need.
Here, they can inquire into, and request material or financial assistance from SSVP Omaha.
The SSVP Helpline is staffed by volunteers who provide a caring and compassionate response to neighbors in need who may be experiencing the most difficult and turbulent time in their entire lives.
If you are interested in becoming an SSVP Helpline volunteer, please be in touch with Kristina Janousek at 402-779-8499, ext. 107, or email Kristina at conferencesupport@ssvpomaha.org.
Called & Gifted Workshop
Called & Gifted Workshop
Would you like to know how the Lord has specifically gifted you for service to others? Are you feeling a call to begin to serve God and lead in a new way? Our Parish Family is offering a very special Lenten Called and Gifted Workshop on Saturday, April 5 to help parishioners understand the specific gifts God gave them for service. Participants will take an online gifts assessment and walk away from the workshop with all they need to understand their God- given gifts and how to use those gifts to be a channel of God's goodness for people.
The Presenter - We are so blessed to have Fr. Mark Bozada, a skilled presenter and knowledgeable teacher of the "Called and Gifted" process leading our workshop. By helping us discern our individual charisms from the gifts assessment we take, Fr. Bozada will teach us how to identify and develop our individual gifts and strengths.
"CALLED AND GIFTED WORKSHOP"
Saturday, April 5, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost- $30/person that includes breakfast, lunch, your online inventory and a workbook you can use after the workshop for your ongoing discernment of gifts.
TO REGISTER, please submit this form or contact Kelly Overfelt: 402-212-5671 or kerfelt@ymail.com
Payment Options: We accept cash, check, and Venmo. You can send a Venmo to Kelly at https://venmo.com/u/Kelly-Overfelt
You can also send a check to the following address:
Kelly Overfelt
1201 Mackensey Drive
Papillon, NE 68046
Register and pay in person after Masses on March 8 and March 9
The weekend of March 8 and March 9, we will have members of Saint Patrick's Elkhorn Parish to give testimonials on the "Called and Gifted" Workshop. This would be a great opportunity for people to register in person. During this weekend, Kelly can be at each Mass afterwards so people are welcome to do the following:
Ask Kelly questions
Submit their registration information
Make a payment for registration
NOTE: Registration will close on March 19, 2025 so we have time to order materials and give those attending the workshop time to take their online assessments. Spots are going to be limited so please sign up today!
If you have any questions, Kelly Overfelt: 402-212-5671 or koverfelt@ymail.com
COME TO ME HEALING RETREAT
Join us for this half-day healing retreat offered by the Archdiocese of Omaha for all who long for healing of past hurts and want to reclaim their identity as a son or daughter of the Father.
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Center
5419 N. 114 Street • Omaha, NE 68164
REGISTER BY MARCH 21, 2025
For more information, contact the Victim Outreach and Prevention Office: 402.827.3798
Fellowship will be offered after the retreat
Mass counts for Sunday obligation
Archbishop George Lucas will offer the opening prayer. Deacon Tim McNeil will provide formation on God’s gift of restoration and mercy through a relationship with the Person of Jesus Christ. There will also be time for personal reflection and prayer.
Fr. Andy Sohm will offer Reconciliation, Sacrament of Healing, and Mass to embrace the graces of His merciful love for us!
MAGNIFICAT OMAHA RETREAT
Magnificat-Omaha Presents: Gifts of the Spirit Retreat
Magnificat-Omaha Presents: Gifts of the Spirit Retreat
Appointed for a Purpose
You are here at this moment for a reason! God has chosen and appointed you for a unique mission that only you can fulfill. Through the Holy Spirit, you have been equipped to take part in His divine plan. Have you ever wondered what spiritual gifts you have? Join us for this retreat to explore your God-given purpose.
Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Each of us has gifts from the Holy Spirit—some to keep, some to share. Some are ordinary, others extraordinary. They may be motivational, vocational, or manifest when needed. All are given to empower you to live a Christ-centered life, walking in the spirit of Pentecost.
A Spirit-Filled & Uplifting Retreat
✨ A survey to help identify your spiritual gifts
✨ Exploration of 20+ Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Scripture
✨ Lively praise & worship
✨ Time for reflection, prayer, and sharing
✨ Holy Spirit anointing & prayer to strengthen your mission
Retreat Details:
📅 Saturday, March 29, 2025 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
💲 Cost: $20 (Includes Gifts Survey, Box Lunch & Breakfast Bagels)
🎓 Scholarships Available
📌 Reservations Required – Deadline: March 22, 2025
Retreat Leaders:
🕊 Fr. Michael Voithofer – Retreat Director
📖 Karen Dwyer – Author & Coordinator, Magnificat-Omaha
🙏 The Magnificat-Omaha Team
🔗 Reserve Your Spot & Pay Online: [CLICK HERE]
📧 Questions? Email: MagnificatOmaha@gmail.com
Come discover, embrace, and activate the gifts God has placed within you!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!
ST. BERNADETTE'S PASTA DINNER
ST. BERNADETTE'S PASTA DINNER
A HUGE thanks to our volunteers and everyone who came out to the recent Pasta Dinner at St. Bernadette! We are so grateful for your continued support. We hope to see everyone at the Holy Ghost fish fry's during the Lenten season.
HOLY GHOST CHICKEN DINNERS
HOLY GHOST CHICKEN DINNERS
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 fish fry's coming up in March!
ST. STAN'S CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF POLISH FESTIVAL
ST. STAN'S CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF POLISH FESTIVAL
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.
3RD ANNUAL HOLY GHOST CAR SHOW IS SATURDAY, JUNE 7
3RD ANNUAL HOLY GHOST CAR SHOW IS SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Rev up for the 3rd Annual Holy Ghost Car Show!
Join us for an evening of classic cars, great food, and fun at Holy Ghost Church!
📅 Saturday, June 7, 2025
📍 5219 South 53rd Street, Omaha, NE (Enter from 53rd St.)
🚗 Registration: $20 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
🏆 Show Time: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Trophies awarded for Participant’s Choice Top 35, Clergy’s Choice, Spectator’s Choice, and Kids’ Choice!
🎟️ Goodie Bags • Door Prizes • Raffles • 50/50 Drawing • Delicious Food!
For more details, contact Chuck Merica at 402-731-0494.
Don’t miss out—bring the whole family for a great time! 🚘✨
WANTED: Cowgirls for a Stompin' Good Time!
WANTED: Cowgirls for a Stompin' Good Time!
Saddle up and ride on up to the Holy Ghost Parish Social Hall, Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to sundown. Come dressed in your finest western gear!
Join us as we crown the 2025 Woman of the Year from Holy Ghost and the 2025 Woman of the Year from St. Bernadette! All ladies of both parishes are invited to attend along with all mothers, daughters, sisters and girl friends.
Tickets will be sold after all masses at St. Bernadette and Holy Ghost starting March 8 and March 9. The last day to purchase tickets is Monday, March 31.
You can also call the rectory at Holy Ghost for more information: 402-731-3176. Adults are $15, girls under 12 are $10.00. Ages 5 and under are FREE.
HOLY GHOST LENTEN FISH FRY'S
HOLY GHOST LENTEN FISH FRY'S
Join us for our delicious fish fry every Friday during Lent season (except Good Friday). Serving time is from 4:00–8:00 p.m. in the Holy Ghost Parish Social Hall (5223 Q Street).
Enjoy a full meal with a baked potato, coleslaw, fruit bar, and bread & butter! Seniors receive a $2 discount.
Check out the menu and pricing below—we can’t wait to see you there!
Shrimp Dinner - $13.00
Macaroni & Cheese - $10.00
Baked Cod Dinner - $13.00
Fried Cod Dinner - $13.00
Combo Dinner - $15.00
Clam Chowder - $5.00
Dine-in customers please enter through the North East doors. To-Go orders should park & enter on the West side. An elevator is available for handicapped access to the social hall. Please enter through the North East doors and exit through the South West and East doors.
2025 GAME-ON CHAMPIONS
2025 GAME-ON CHAMPIONS
🏆🎉 Congratulations to the Red Team (No. 7) for being crowned the 2025 Game-On Champions! 🏆🔥 Your hard work, teamwork, and competitive spirit earned you the top spot!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated, donated raffle items, and volunteered to make this event a success. Your support and generosity helped bring the community together for an unforgettable experience! 🙌👏
More photos and video are coming soon!
HOLY GHOST WOMEN'S CLUB
HOLY GHOST WOMEN'S CLUB
Upcoming Holy Ghost Women’s Club Events!
Upcoming Meetings:
Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the social hall at Holy Ghost
We will have our belated Valentine's Dinner and meeting.
We will keep the same food sign up - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DAAAF2EA3FD0-54848542-womens
Please RSVP to Kim Tweedy at 402-968-8130 by March 16.
Cinnamon Roll Sunday is Sunday, March 23 after 9:00 a.m. Mass in the parish social hall at Holy Ghost. $2.00 per roll with a maximum of 4 to go. Join us for coffee, delicious rolls and fellowship.
2025 Woman of Year Celebration for Holy Ghost and St. Bernadette:
Saturday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the social hall at Holy Ghost. See flyer and bulletin announcement for details.
All ladies of both parishes are invited.
If you have questions, please contact Terri Aulner at 402-669-9024.
Fish Fry Desserts:
We need your delicious desserts for Fish Frys! Thank you, we can't do this without you!
All women of both parishes are invited. Contact Terri Aulner at 402-669-9024 with any questions.
DON & MILLIE'S DAY
Grab your family and friends and join us at Don & Millie’s (11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) this Monday, March 17.
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.
HOLY GHOST FINANCIALS
WEEKLY PARISH FINANCIAL UPDATE
Weekly Needs: $3,350.00
Collection: $2,184.00
YTD Needs: $120,600.00
YTD Collection: $124,562.64
Overage: $3,962.64
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
Healing Prayers Needed for the Sick
Healing Prayers Needed for the Sick
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, Danny Watkins (brother of Brenda Tylkowski) and Tonya Riesberg (daughter of Ron Massow).
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, Joanne Leutzinger, Pat Makara, Darlene McKinley, Janet Nicholas, Dolores Noonan, Rita Tomes, and Yvonne Aulner (mother of Deacon Al Aulner).
Poetry Corner
Poetry Corner
with Father Phil Flott
2nd Sunday "C"
He will change our lowly body
To be just like his own;
And then God will see
Us slip into his zone.
ST. BERNADETTE PARISH NEWS
The following section contains news and information on clubs, activities, special events and ministry initiatives specific to St. Bernadette Parish.
50TH ANNUAL ST. BERNADETTE MEN'S CLUB PASTA DINNER
50TH ANNUAL ST. BERNADETTE MEN'S CLUB PASTA DINNER
St. Bernadette Men’s Club Pasta Dinner Update
The St. Bernadette's Men’s Club sincerely thanks all our great parishioners who came out to support our recent pasta dinner. God blessed us with a beautiful day and we had another great turnout. Special thanks goes out to all who helped us, whether it was for a couple of hours or if you gave many hours throughout the whole process. It takes a significant effort to make 125 gallons of sauce, 4,500 meatballs and 150 pounds of sausage.
We could not possibly do this without your help. THANK YOU! Congratulations to our Big Raffle Prize Winner: Kelly Overfelt who was our grand prize winner of a Prime Rib Dinner for up to 20 which was generously donated by parishioners Kris and Cheryl Galas of Eddies Cafe.
PRAY FOR OUR CONFIRMATION STUDENTS
PRAY FOR OUR CONFIRMATION STUDENTS
We are blessed to have 30 students from St. Bernadette School and our Religious Education Program preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on April 4, 2025. As they continue their faith journey, they would greatly appreciate your prayers.
Here’s how you can help:
🙏 Pick a Prayer Card – A basket is located at the back of St. Bernadette Church with cards, each featuring the name of a student. Please take a card and pray for them.
💌 Send a Message of Support – Along with your prayers, we invite you to write a card of encouragement for the student, which they will receive on their Confirmation Day. Instructions are on the back of your prayer card.📧 If you can’t pick up a card in person, email sreedstb@gmail.com, and we will send you a student’s name.
For any questions, please contact the Parish Office. Thank you for supporting our students on this special journey!
HOME & SCHOOL
HOME & SCHOOL
Support St. Bernadette Home & School with Family Food Nights!
Support St. Bernadette Home & School with Family Food Nights!
Enjoy a meal while giving back! A portion of your purchase will support St. Bernadette Home & School. Be sure to mention St. Bernadette when ordering!
🍔 Don & Millie’s – First Tuesday of every month
🥧 Village Inn (Fort Crook, Bellevue) – March 27 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
20% of sales donated
Thank you for your support!
TOTUS TUUS 2025
TOTUS TUUS 2025
Save the Date! Totus Tuus summer youth camp will be back at St. Bernadette the week of June 8 through June 13.
Registration and more information coming soon.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
This week we begin the season of Lent. This is the time for us to grow closer to Christ. During these forty days we fast, pray, and give as we grow closer to and strengthen our relationship with Christ. What will you do these forty days to help you grow closer to Christ? Take time this week to do some of the activities in your Lenten family packet.
Important March Dates (Please note the date change for the Family Class)
March 12- Family Class
March 19- Sacrament Classes
March 26- Parent Class
WEEKDAY MASSES
WEEKDAY MASSES
8:15 a.m. Weekday Mass at Holy Ghost with St. John Paul II Academy
Please join us for Mass, which takes place each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Students from St. John Paul II Academy serve, sing and lector for this Mass, which is usually offered by Fr. Flott, Fr. Boyd, or other priests from nearby parishes.
All are most welcome!
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
The winter can be a lonely time for some people. If anyone would like a visit or phone call from the Legion of Mary, please call: Joe Micek at 402-734-2384 Patty Pogge at 402-681-7331
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
WEEKLY PARISH FINANCIAL UPDATE
Weekly Needs: $13,585.00
Collection: $12,459.33
YTD Needs: $484,010.00
YTD Collection: $456,242.75
Shortage: $27,767.25
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.
VOCATIONS
VOCATIONS
Think about how much time we spend on social media—hours each day scrolling and posting. Now imagine devoting those hours instead to prayer and intercession for others. A sister in consecrated life spends over 25,000 hours in her lifetime praying for those who are suffering—a profound reminder of what truly matters. What if we paused, even for a moment, to follow her example? Let’s honor and support the gift of consecrated life, the brides of Christ.
If you or someone you know is in need of guidance and support for marital help or marriage preparation or is considering a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, contact Father Boyd or email: vocations@archomaha.org.
Healing Prayers Needed for the Sick
Healing Prayers Needed for the Sick
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
PILGRIMAGE TO SLOVENIA, CROATIA & MEDJUGORJE
With Fr. Michael Grewe, Sept. 30 - Oct. 12, 2025
Join us on a journey through Slovenia, Croatia, and BosniaHerzegovina, a region rich in Catholic history and tradition, where you will experience a culture of deep faith and spirituality.
From the island Church of the Assumption on Lake Bled to the shrine of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, you will visit the most important sites dedicated to the Blessed Mother in Slovenia. In Croatia, venerate the relics of St. Simeon, explore the UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir, and marvel at Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic.
Spend five days in the peaceful Bosnian village of Medjugorje, which many say it feels like Heaven on earth. Return home refreshed and renewed in your faith.
To learn more about the trip itinerary, cost, and related details go to: https://www.tektonministries.org/ pilgrimage pages/ pilgrimage-to-slovenia-croatia-and-medjugorje/
Our Spiritual Director is Father Michael Grewe, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha, and our Group Leader is Jolene Jefferies, Parish Manager of St. Patrick in Gretna.
Please be sure to attend our upcoming Pilgrimage Info Meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 508 W. Angus Street in Gretna in the Parish Center.
Father Grewe will be in attendance. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as you discern this pilgrimage opportunity.
If you cannot attend the meeting, a Zoom video can be emailed to you for viewing at a time convenient for you.
How will you respond to our Blessed Mother’s loving invitation? For questions, please contact Jolene Jefferies at 402-521-0717 or jolenejefferies@gmail.com.
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.
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