About St. Cecilia · Omaha, Nebraska
St. Cecilia Cathedral is the mother church and seat (cathedra) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska. Located at 701 N 40th Street on a hill overlooking midtown Omaha's historic Gold Coast neighborhood, it is the spiritual home of the archbishop and the site of major diocesan celebrations, ordinations, and citywide prayer gatherings. Completed in 1907's cornerstone and consecrated in 1959, the Spanish Renaissance Revival cathedral was designed by noted Omaha architect Thomas Rogers Kimball and, when finished, was one of the ten largest cathedrals in the United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1979), designated an Omaha Landmark (1979), and continues to function as a busy parish of roughly 960 households with an attached grade school and an active music and cultural ministry.
- Established
- 1888
- Patron
- St. Cecilia (patron saint of music)
- Rector
- Rev. Jeremy J. Hans (Parish Pastor / Cathedral Rector)
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Omaha
Why belong here
St. Cecilia Cathedral offers something rare in the Midwest: a working parish inside a building that is also a National Register landmark, with one of the country's largest and most architecturally distinctive cathedrals as its everyday worship space. The parish combines the richness of a cathedral liturgical tradition — sung Sunday Mass with choir, daily Mass in the Our Lady of Nebraska Chapel, perpetual-style Thursday Eucharistic Adoration, First Friday and First Saturday devotions, weekly Mother of Perpetual Help novena, and the citywide young-adult VENI holy hour — with the practical ministries of a neighborhood parish: a grade school of over 270 students (pre-K through 8), St. Vincent de Paul Society outreach, faith formation for children, lay liturgical ministries (altar servers, lectors, EMHCs, sacristans, greeters, ushers, gift bearers), and active Respect Life work. As the mother church of the Archdiocese of Omaha it hosts ordinations, installations, and archdiocesan-wide prayer vigils, so parishioners worship alongside the Archbishop and are part of the wider story of the Catholic Church in northeast Nebraska.
Mass times at St. Cecilia
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday–Friday: 11:50 am – 12:10 pm
- Saturday: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- By appointment — call the priests at 402-551-2313
Adoration times
- Thursdays: Noon – 6:00 pm — Eucharistic Adoration in Our Lady of Nebraska Chapel
History of St. Cecilia Cathedral
The Catholic story on the cathedral site begins in the late 1850s with a small brick church on Eighth and Harney that served as the only Catholic church in the entire Nebraska Territory and was elevated to cathedral status under Bishop James O'Connor. A second, larger cathedral was built at Ninth and Harney in the late 1860s but proved inadequate by the turn of the century. In 1887 Bishop O'Connor erected St. Cecilia's as a western Omaha parish; parishioners built a small wooden church with a 50-foot bell tower, dedicated in 1888. In 1901 Bishop Richard Scannell chose the 40th and Burt Street hilltop — then considered 'too far out' — as the site for a new cathedral, and in 1904 the wooden church was rolled across the property to serve the parish during construction.
Building the Present Cathedral (1905–1959)
Architect Thomas Rogers Kimball designed the cathedral in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style — almost a decade ahead of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition that popularized Spanish Colonial architecture in America. Excavation began in 1905, the general construction contract was awarded in April 1904 to William P. Deverell (with stonework to the Albert Schall Company), and the cornerstone was laid October 6, 1907 before 30,000 spectators. The first Mass was celebrated in the unfinished cathedral on December 21, 1916. Construction proceeded slowly to keep the diocese out of debt; the twin towers were capped with bronze crosses and bells consecrated in October 1958, and Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan, with eighty priests, consecrated the finished cathedral on April 9, 1959 — a 54-year build completed debt-free with more than two million dollars in donations.
Restoration and Renovation (2000–2002)
By the late 1990s decades of water infiltration through the original red Spanish roof tiles had damaged the interior. Architect Paul Jeffrey, A.I.A., of Bahr, Vermeer and Haecker led the project, aided by Brother William Woeger, F.S.C. Evergreene Studios of New York, with artist Jeff Greene, executed Kimball's rediscovered decorative scheme — stenciling combining Italian, Moorish, and Mesoamerican (Mayan, Inca, Aztec) motifs. The restoration was unveiled in 2000 and completed in 2002.
Art & Architecture
St. Cecilia's is recognized by the City of Omaha Landmark Heritage Preservation Commission as 'a fine and exceptionally early example of the Spanish Renaissance Revival style.' The building is 255 feet long, 138 feet wide, with twin domed cupolas topping towers that rise 187 feet; masonry walls faced with Bedford limestone; a red Spanish-tile roof; and a richly marbled interior. Kimball's exterior combines a strongly vertical nave gable with smooth tower bases and Baroque-scroll ornament; the interior nave with side aisles, apse, and ambulatory is finished in a variety of rich marbles.
Stained Glass & Chapels
Fifty-two stained-glass windows illuminate the cathedral. The first 27 are by Charles Connick Studios of Boston (Connick was the dean of American stained glass in the early 20th century); the rest by the Rambusch Decorating Company of New York. Highlights include the rose window of St. Cecilia, the clerestory 'singing windows' honoring Veni Sancti Spiritus, Pange Lingua, Dies Irae–Dies Illa, Te Deum, Magnificat, Gloria in Excelsis Deo, and Stabat Mater; nine rosary windows; and three 16th-century Spanish windows reassembled from the Cathedral of Pamplona in the Our Lady of Nebraska Chapel. The Nash Chapel (gift of Catherine Barbeau Nash) is decorated in Arabesque designs. Kimball originally planned four chapels; only two were built.
- 52 stained-glass windows total
- 27 windows by Charles Connick Studios, Boston
- Remaining windows by Rambusch Decorating Company, New York (1958)
- Rose window of St. Cecilia
- Three 16th-century Pamplona Cathedral windows in Our Lady of Nebraska Chapel
- Nash Chapel (gift of Catherine Barbeau Nash) — Arabesque decoration
Sanctuary Furnishings
Sanctuary appointments include a bronze altar rail with Carrara marble altar, the High Altar Crucifix, a white Carrara marble baldachin, the wooden cathedra (bishop's chair), an antiphonal choir riser, bronze Stations of the Cross, and a pulpit depicting Saints Peter and Paul and the Four Doctors of the Church (Jerome, Gregory the Great, Ambrose, Augustine).
Worship & Liturgy
The cathedral celebrates the Mass daily and hosts a rich round of devotions that give it a year-round liturgical rhythm. Sunday Masses are sung, with the Cathedral Choir leading the 10:30 am liturgy; weekday Mass is offered in the Our Lady of Nebraska Chapel. First Friday and First Saturday observances, weekly Mother of Perpetual Help devotion, and Thursday afternoon adoration extend the Cathedral's traditional worship pattern. The VENI Holy Hour on second Fridays brings young adults (20–39) from across Omaha for Eucharistic adoration, confession, music, and fellowship.
Sacramental Schedule
Confessions are heard Monday through Friday from 11:50 am to 12:10 pm and Saturday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, with appointments available by calling 402-551-2313. Baptisms are scheduled through Kay Garfield after completion of the baptism class. Marriage preparation requires at least six months of registered-active parish membership plus six months of marriage preparation as required by the Archdiocese of Omaha. The Anointing of the Sick is available upon request.
- Confession: Mon–Fri 11:50 am – 12:10 pm; Sat 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Baptism: contact Kay Garfield, [email protected]
- Marriage: 6 months registered-active membership; 6 months of marriage prep
- Anointing of the Sick: by request
Devotions
Devotions open to the public include Mother of Perpetual Help (Tuesdays following 11:15 am Mass, Our Lady of Nebraska Chapel), First Friday Mass and First Saturday Mass (Our Lady of Nebraska Chapel), the Rosary prayed before weekend Masses, and the weekly 'Praying for Our Ministers/Ministries' intention at 2:30 pm Thursday.
- Mother of Perpetual Help — Tuesdays after 11:15 am Mass
- First Friday Devotion — 11:15 am Mass
- First Saturday Mass — 7:30 am
- Rosary before Saturday 5:30 pm and Sunday 8:30 am Masses
- Praying for Our Ministers/Ministries — Thursdays, 2:30 pm
- VENI Holy Hour — 2nd Fridays, 7:30 pm (young adults 20–39)
Cathedral Leadership & Clergy
The cathedral is led by a Rector (currently Rev. Jeremy Hans) whose primary responsibility is to maintain the tradition of prayer and worship that has continued on this site since 1916. The Most Rev. Michael G. McGovern serves as Archbishop of Omaha. Associate pastors and two deacons assist in parish ministry, while lay staff oversee music, formation, communications, development, facilities, finance, and the school.
- Most Rev. Michael G. McGovern — Archbishop
- Rev. Jeremy J. Hans — Pastor / Rector
- Rev. Georges K. Sokpo — Associate Pastor
- Rev. Zachary Eischeid — Associate Pastor
- Rev. Andy Phan — Associate Pastor
- Deacon Tim Bloomingdale
- Deacon Jack Miller
Parish Staff & Administration
Lay staff include Gerard Alemdjrodo (Campus Business Manager), Kay Garfield (Sacraments/Scheduling/Business Office), Sheila Graham (Messaging/Membership/Ministry), Theresa Lehn (Campus Development Director), Kjia Meduna (Children's Faith Formation Director), Denise Leibert (Childcare Director), Michael Emmerich / Marie Rubis Bauer (Music Director / Cathedral Organist), Jason Epperson (Facilities Director), and Jessie Stoffel (Grade School Principal).
Parish Ministries & Outreach
The cathedral runs an unusually broad slate of lay liturgical ministries and outreach programs, reflecting its dual role as a busy neighborhood parish and the mother church of the archdiocese. Liturgical ministries are open to adults and (in several cases) high-school students after archdiocesan training.
- Cathedral Music Ministry / Choir / Cantors
- St. Cecilia Institute — piano, organ and voice instruction
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Altar Servers (6th–12th grade)
- Lectors
- Sacristans
- Greeters
- Ushers
- Gift Bearers
- St. Vincent de Paul Society (St. Cecilia Parish Conference — rent, food, utility, emergency assistance)
- Respect Life
- Children's Faith Formation
- VENI (young-adult holy hour, ages 20–39)
Faith Formation & School
The Children's Faith Formation program is directed by Kjia Meduna. The attached St. Cecilia Cathedral Grade School, in continuous operation for over a century, currently enrolls more than 270 students from pre-kindergarten through grade eight under Principal Jessie Stoffel. The campus also houses the Childcare Center under Director Denise Leibert.
Music Ministry & the St. Cecilia Institute
The Cathedral Music Ministry, directed by Marie Rubis Bauer (Cathedral Organist) and formerly Michael Emmerich, forms adults, youth, and children for lifelong praise of God through weekly rehearsals and liturgical service. Opportunities include the Cathedral Choir and Parish Cantors. The St. Cecilia Institute also offers individual instruction in piano, organ, and voice.
Cathedral Gallery & Culture Center
Adjacent to the cathedral, the Cathedral Gallery and Culture Center houses a history museum, an art gallery, and a gift shop. Viewing tours of the cathedral can be arranged by appointment at 402-551-4888 for a $10 fee.
Visiting the Cathedral
The cathedral is open for visits and personal prayer throughout the week. Visitors are encouraged to see the rose window of St. Cecilia, the 16th-century Pamplona stained glass in Our Lady of Nebraska Chapel, the Nash Chapel's Arabesque decoration, the Charles Connick and Rambusch clerestory windows, the bronze altar rail and Carrara marble baldachin, and the Spanish Renaissance stenciling added during the 2000–2002 restoration.
- Sundays: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturdays: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Administration Office: weekdays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tours by appointment: 402-551-4888 ($10)
Recognition & Significance
Beyond its role as a working parish, St. Cecilia Cathedral is one of the most significant religious landmarks in Nebraska. Its 1979 dual designation on the National Register of Historic Places and as an Omaha Landmark recognizes both its architectural singularity and its importance to the Catholic history of the Great Plains.
Archdiocese of Omaha
St. Cecilia Cathedral is the mother church and seat of the Archdiocese of Omaha, which encompasses twenty-three counties in northeast Nebraska. The diocese was elevated from the Diocese of Omaha to the Archdiocese of Omaha by Pope Pius XII in 1945; the cathedral was consecrated ten years later. The Most Rev. Michael G. McGovern currently serves as archbishop.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Daniel Harrington1899–1919
Born 21 Dec 1872 in Eyeries, Ireland; ordained 24 Jun 1896; assigned to St. Cecilia in Oct 1899; died in office 4 Feb 1919.
- Rev. George Smiskol1921–1925
Born 5 Aug 1895 in Chicago; ordained 28 May 1920; came to the (now cathedral) parish Dec 1921; later served at St. Charles Borromeo (North Bend) and Our Lady of Lourdes; died 7 Apr 1953.
- Rev. James Aherne1927–1936
Born 9 Jul 1867 in Ireland; ordained 11 May 1890; made a Domestic Prelate (Monsignor) two years into his pastorate; later chaplain at St. James Orphanage and Notre Dame Motherhouse; died 9 Dec 1955.
- Rev. Edward Hunkeler1936–1945
- Rev. Ernest Graham1945–1968
- Rev. Edward Schad1968–1970
- Rev. Paul Peter1971–1983
- Rev. Martin Conley1983–1986
- Rev. Vincent Mainelli1986–1995
- Rev. Norman Hunke1995–2005
- Rev. Michael Gutgsell2005–2017
Ordained at St. Cecilia Cathedral 25 May 1974; Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia under Archbishop Elden F. Curtiss; also Defender of the Bond for the Archdiocesan Marriage Tribunal.
- Rev. Michael Grewe2017–2023
Ordained at St. Cecilia Cathedral 2 Jun 1979; previously pastor at St. James, Holy Ghost, and St. Patrick (Gretna); served as Vicar General of the Archdiocese and Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries.
- Rev. Jeremy J. Hans2023–present
Current pastor/rector.
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