Diocese of Lincoln

About the Diocese of Lincoln

The Diocese of Lincoln is the Roman Catholic diocese serving the southern portion of Nebraska — the 23,844 square miles of the state south of the Platte River — and is a suffragan see of the Archdiocese of Omaha. Erected on August 2, 1887, by Pope Leo XIII out of territory carved from the Diocese of Omaha, it was founded to minister to a population swelled by 19th-century Irish, German, and Czech Catholic immigration. It is currently served by 128 active diocesan priests in 84 parishes with resident priests and 50 mission parishes, serving roughly 97,550 Catholics (about 16.5% of southern Nebraska's population). The mother church is the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln, and the bishop since November 20, 2012 has been James D. Conley, the diocese's ninth ordinary. The diocesan offices (the Bonacum Chancery) are located at 3400 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE.

History of the Diocese

Nebraska Catholicism began under the Vicariate Apostolic of Indian Territory East of the Rocky Mountains (erected 1850); in 1857 all of Nebraska was placed in the Vicariate of Kansas, then in the Apostolic Vicariate of Nebraska. The Vatican erected the Diocese of Omaha in 1885 and, two years later, separated the southern portion of the state as the Diocese of Lincoln, naming Irish-born priest Thomas Bonacum of St. Louis as the first bishop. Bonacum's stormy tenure included a Nebraska Supreme Court victory over a pledge default and the first civil lawsuit ever brought against a U.S. Catholic bishop by one of his own priests. His successors — Tihen, O'Reilly, Beckman, Kucera, Casey, Flavin, Bruskewitz, and Conley — expanded the school system, opened the present Cathedral (1965), built a network of high schools, a chancery, a retreat house, a seminary, perpetual adoration chapels, and parishes for new immigrant communities, and weathered the world wars, the 1918 influenza, Vatican II, the abuse crisis, and the COVID-19 era.

• 1887 — Pope Leo XIII erects the Diocese of Lincoln from the Diocese of Omaha; Thomas Bonacum appointed first bishop.
• 1911–1917 — John Henry Tihen builds up the Czech and German parishes; promoted to Denver.
• 1918–1923 — Charles J. O'Reilly recruits Czech-speaking priests in Rome, builds six parochial schools.
• 1930–1957 — Louis B. Kucera serves 27 years, leading the diocese through WWII.
• 1957–1967 — James V. Casey builds the Cathedral of the Risen Christ (1963–1965), the Bonacum Chancery (1961), and many schools.
• 1967–1992 — Glennon P. Flavin founds the School Sisters of Christ the King (1976) and welcomes the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters.
• 1992–2012 — Fabian W. Bruskewitz founds St. Gregory the Great Seminary, takes over Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, and dedicates a Schoenstatt Shrine.
• 2012–present — James D. Conley, the ninth bishop, opens the permanent diaconate and ordains the first permanent deacon in 2021.

Chronology of Bishops

Nine bishops have led the Diocese of Lincoln since 1887, with tenures ranging from under six years (O'Reilly) to nearly three decades (Kucera, Bruskewitz). Three Lincoln bishops went on to higher sees in Denver (Tihen, Casey) and Dubuque (Beckman), while Flavin and Bruskewitz came from St. Louis and Milwaukee respectively, and Conley from an auxiliary post in Denver. The full succession is published on the diocesan 'Chronology of Bishops' page, including biography, consecration date, and death or translation date for each ordinary.

• Thomas A. Bonacum (1887–1911)
• John Henry Tihen (1911–1917)
• Charles J. O'Reilly (1918–1923)
• Francis J. Beckman (1924–1930)
• Louis B. Kucera (1930–1957)
• James Vincent Casey (1957–1967)
• Glennon Patrick Flavin (1967–1992)
• Fabian W. Bruskewitz (1992–2012)
• James D. Conley (2012–present)

Diocesan Offices and Institutions

The Chancery of the Diocese of Lincoln (the Bonacum Chancery) was built near the Cathedral rectory in 1961 under Bishop James Casey and houses the central administrative offices of the diocese, including the Offices of the Bishop, Vicar General, Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Finance, Insurance and Benefits, Communications, and the Tribunal. In 2001 the Blessed John XXIII Diocesan Center was acquired to expand diocesan offices. The Bonacum Chancery mailing address is 3400 Sheridan Boulevard, Lincoln, NE 68506-6125, with the Diocesan mailing P.O. Box 80328, Lincoln, NE 68501; the main phone is 402-488-0921 and fax 402-488-3569. The diocese publishes 'Diocese of Lincoln 2025 Financial Report' on its website and operates its nonprofit works through the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska.

• Building Commission
• Communications and Press
• Diocesan Education Office
• Donor Relations (Charity & Stewardship Appeal, Bishop's Appeal for Vocations)
• Education Technology
• Evangelization and Catechesis (Religious Education)
• Evangelization & Spiritual Formation
• Family Life & Discipleship
• Finance Office
• Hispanic Ministry
• Insurance and Benefits Office
• Internet Safety & Freedom from Pornography
• Marriage Tribunal
• Missions
• Nebraska Catholic Conference
• Pro-Life Office
• Southern Nebraska Register
• Safe Environment / Protection of Youth
• Vocations Office
• Youth Ministry Office

Institutions and Apostolates

Beyond parishes and schools the Diocese of Lincoln runs an unusually broad network of apostolates and facilities serving southern Nebraska Catholics — from retreat houses and cemeteries to counseling, social services, mission radio, and a Newman Institute. Many of these were built up under Bishop Bruskewitz (1992–2012) and have been preserved and extended under Bishop Conley.

• The Chancery (Bonacum Chancery) — 3400 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln
• John XXIII Center — expanded diocesan offices (acquired 2001)
• Camp Kateri Tekakwitha — diocesan youth camp
• Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum
• Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska
• Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska — including St. Gianna Homes for Women
• Diocesan Archives and Museums
• Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies
• Health Care & Correctional Institutions ministry (including Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, sponsored since 1995)
• Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center
• Nebraska Catholic Conference (state public-policy liaison)
• Newman Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (UNL)
• Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House
• Southern Nebraska Register (diocesan newspaper)
• Schoenstatt Shrine (dedicated 2007)
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary (FSSP) and Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Discalced Carmelite monastery)

Cathedral of the Risen Christ

The Cathedral of the Risen Christ, located at 3500 Sheridan Boulevard in Lincoln, is the mother church of the Diocese of Lincoln. Ground was broken in June 1963 under Bishop James V. Casey and the cathedral was dedicated in August 1965. The cathedral is renowned for its extensive art, especially its tabernacle and its place in the focus of silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament — Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is maintained there. The phone is 402-488-0948.

• Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 6:00, 7:30, 9:00, 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Weekday Masses: Monday–Friday 6:30 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 6:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.
• Confessions: Mondays 7:40–8:10 a.m.; Wednesdays 4:00–5:00 p.m.; Saturdays 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 4:00–5:00 p.m., 8:00–9:00 p.m.
• Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
• Schoenstatt-style shrine presence on the cathedral grounds
• Also hosts the cathedral-rectory complex adjacent to the Chancery

Vocations and Seminary Formation

The Diocese of Lincoln has long emphasized priestly and consecrated vocations. Bishop Glennon P. Flavin in 1976 founded the School Sisters of Christ the King, a diocesan women's institute. Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz in 1996 convened a task force that led to the opening of St. Gregory the Great Seminary in 1997–1998 as the diocese's own college-level formation house. The diocese also welcomes Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), the Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Discalced Carmelite monastery), the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration, and the Nuns of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. The annual Bishop's Appeal for Vocations, plus a Rosary for Vocations and Rosary with the Sisters, are promoted on the diocesan Vocations page. Today the diocese's 128 active diocesan priests serve a Catholic population of more than 97,550.

• St. Gregory the Great Seminary (opened 1997–1998)
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary (Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter)
• Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration
• Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Discalced Carmelites)
• School Sisters of Christ the King (founded 1976)
• Bishop's Appeal for Vocations

Catholic Schools and Religious Education

Catholic education has been a signature ministry of the diocese since the early 20th century. Bishop O'Reilly (1918–1923) added six parochial schools, and Bishop Casey's 1957–1967 building boom added high schools, grade schools, a school for special-needs children, and the original Newman Center. The diocese today maintains a Catholic Schools Office under the Office of Catholic Education and Schools. The Good Shepherd Scholarship fund helps families afford Catholic education. The Office of Religious Education oversees grade-school, parish CCD, and high-school catechesis, as well as OCIA & Adult Education for catechumens and candidates. Curriculum Requirements and Catechist Resources are published on the diocesan website.

• Catholic Schools Office (Diocesan Education Office)
• Grade School and Parish CCD programs
• High School Religious Education
• OCIA & Adult Education (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
• Good Shepherd Scholarship
• School Employment and Safe Environment compliance
• Education Technology support

Family Life, Marriage, and Pro-Life Ministries

The diocesan Office of Family Life and Discipleship coordinates marriage preparation, marriage enrichment, Natural Family Planning (fertility awareness), bereavement and divorce ministry, post-abortion healing, and resources on internet safety and freedom from pornography. The Pro-Life Office and the diocesan 40 Days for Life campaigns and respect-life programming operate from this office. Engaged couples are required to complete diocesan marriage preparation, including FOCCUS-style inventories and witness couple mentoring.

• Office of Family Life & Discipleship
• Family Resources
• Fertility Awareness (Natural Family Planning)
• Marriage Enrichment and Ministries
• Marriage Preparation & Engagement
• Bereavement & Divorce
• Post-Abortion Healing (Project Rachel)
• Internet Protection & Freedom from Pornography
• Pro-Life Office

Youth and Young Adult Ministry

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry coordinates age-appropriate faith formation and outreach from grade school through young adulthood. Summer programs include Totus Tuus parish missions and diocesan Youth Camps at Camp Kateri Tekakwitha. The office organizes Youth Pilgrimages (including to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.) and Youth Retreats, plus Scouting & Awards for Catholic scouts. Salt & Light is the young-adult outreach for those in their 20s and 30s, and the diocese supports the construction of a new Newman Center, Catholic fraternity, and sorority near the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to serve UNL students.

• Totus Tuus summer parish missions
• Youth Camps at Camp Kateri Tekakwitha
• Youth Pilgrimages
• Youth Retreats
• Scouting & Awards (Catholic Scouting)
• Salt & Light (Young Adult Ministry)
• Newman Center construction at UNL

Lay Organizations and Apostolates

The Diocese of Lincoln sanctions an unusually large number of lay and ecclesial movements, including both traditional societies and newer ecclesial movements. Knights of Columbus councils, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, the Legion of Mary, the Serra Club for vocations, the Catholic Medical Association, Catholic Lawyers Guild, Magnificat, the Seven Sisters Apostolate, and St. Vincent de Paul Society are active across the parishes. Ecclesial movements and newer communities present include Communion and Liberation, Regnum Christi, Ecclesial Carmelite Movement, Legatus, Schoenstatt, Masses and Tears / Marian Mantle, and the Apostleship of Prayer. Calix Society supports Catholic recovery, and 'More Mercy' works with those affected by broken marriages and wounded families.

• Knights of Columbus
• Catholic Daughters of America
• Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
• Legion of Mary
• Serra Club
• Magnificat
• Seven Sisters Apostolate
• St. Vincent de Paul Society
• Catholic Medical Association
• Catholic Lawyers Guild
• Calix Society
• Communion and Liberation
• Regnum Christi
• Ecclesial Carmelite Movement
• Legatus
• Schoenstatt
• Masses and Tears / Marian Mantle
• Apostleship of Prayer
• Salt & Light (Young Adults)
• More Mercy

Safe Environment and Youth Protection

The diocesan Safe Environment Office oversees background checks, training, victim assistance, and the published list of credibly accused clergy in accordance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Tools for Parents are also published to help families recognize and respond to abuse.

• Protection of Youth policies
• Safe Environment Policies
• Report Concerns
• Victim Assistance
• Safe Environment Coordinator
• Tools for Parents
• Published List of credibly accused clergy

Charity and Stewardship Appeal

The annual Charity and Stewardship Appeal supports diocesan ministries (Catholic Social Services, retired priest care, seminary formation, camps, and grants for parish outreach). The Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska exists to receive planned gifts, endowments, and donor-advised funds for parishes, schools, and charities. The Bishop's Appeal for Vocations, Good Shepherd Scholarship (Catholic school tuition aid), and the Joy of the Gospel initiative round out diocesan giving channels. The 2025 Diocesan Financial Report is published on the website.

• Charity and Stewardship Appeal
• Bishop's Appeal for Vocations
• Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska
• Good Shepherd Scholarship
• Joy of the Gospel initiative
• 2025 Diocesan Financial Report

Diocesan Communications

The Diocese of Lincoln publishes the Southern Nebraska Register, its official diocesan newspaper, online via the News and Media section. A Guide to Watch and Stream Sunday and Daily Mass is maintained on the homepage, and the diocese maintains a YouTube channel for streaming Masses. The Sunday Mass Prep resources support families preparing the liturgy of the Word at home. A calendar of events and an op-ed section keep Catholics across the diocese connected.

• Southern Nebraska Register (news, op-ed, calendar)
• Sunday Mass Prep
• Diocesan YouTube channel
• Masses streamed and recorded
• Calendar of Events

Mission and Hispanic / Vietnamese Ministry

The diocesan Missions Office and Hispanic Ministry support parishes and outreach to Hispanic Catholics across the diocese; Cristo Rey is the Spanish-language parish in Lincoln. Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Lincoln serves the Vietnamese Catholic community with a Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses in Vietnamese. The diocese also collects support for foreign missions from parishes and schools.

• Hispanic Ministry Office
• Cristo Rey (Spanish) — Lincoln
• Immaculate Heart of Mary (Vietnamese) — Lincoln
• Missions Office

9 Things to Know About Former Bishops of the Lincoln Diocese

A diocesan '9 Things to Know' op-ed series profiles lesser-known facts about each former ordinary: Bonacum's civil lawsuits, O'Reilly's transatlantic recruiting trip to Rome, Beckman's rise to Dubuque, Kucera's 27 years during the Depression and WWII, Casey's massive building program, Flavin's founding of the School Sisters of Christ the King and his prohibition of women lectors, and Bruskewitz's 1996 disciplinary decree and founding of St. Gregory the Great Seminary.

• Bonacum — first U.S. Catholic bishop sued in civil court
• O'Reilly — recruited Czech priests in Rome
• Kucera — 27-year tenure
• Casey — Cathedral of the Risen Christ (1965)
• Flavin — School Sisters of Christ the King (1976)
• Bruskewitz — 1996 disciplinary decree and St. Gregory the Great Seminary (1997)