About St. Patrick · Manley, Nebraska
St. Patrick Catholic Church is a rural parish in the village of Manley, Nebraska, in Cass County, serving the area east of Lincoln and south of the Platte River. It is partnered with its mission parish, St. Mary in nearby Elmwood, and the two share most ministries and a single pastor, Father Jason Doher. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Lincoln (Plattsmouth Deanery) and offers weekend Masses in Manley alongside daily Masses that rotate between the two churches. Worship is supported by a long tradition of lay involvement — including K-8 CCD, OCIA (formerly RCIA), a men's group, altar society, choir, and a parish cemetery.
- Established
- 1881
- Patron
- St. Patrick
- Rector
- Rev. Jason Doher
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lincoln (Plattsmouth Deanery)
Why belong here
St. Patrick offers the warmth of a small, family-sized rural parish with the full sacramental and devotional life of the Catholic Church. Families can grow in faith through K-8 CCD and the youth group, adults can journey toward full initiation through OCIA, and men, small groups, and a prayer chain foster ongoing spiritual support. Sharing ministries with St. Mary in Elmwood means parishioners are part of a tight-knit Catholic community that spans two villages in the heart of Cass County.
Mass times at St. Patrick
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:15–4:50 p.m.
- Sunday: 30 minutes before each Mass
About St. Patrick Parish
St. Patrick Catholic Church serves the village of Manley in Cass County, Nebraska, in the rural countryside east of Lincoln and south of the Platte River. The parish operates as a two-church cluster with its mission, St. Mary in nearby Elmwood, sharing a pastor and most ministries under one pastoral team. The Diocese of Lincoln places St. Patrick within the Plattsmouth Deanery.
- Located at 101 Broadway Street, Manley, NE 68403
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 27, Manley, NE 68403
- Parish phone: 402-234-3595
- Outreach email: [email protected]
- Deanery: Plattsmouth
- Mission parish: St. Mary, Elmwood
Parish History
St. Patrick's Catholic Church was established in 1881, in the same years the Missouri Pacific Railroad pushed through Cass County and gave rise to the village of Manley. The original church was struck and destroyed by lightning. A second, brick church then served the parish until 1978, when the cornerstone for the present-day church was laid on September 17, 1978. Completed at a cost of $350,000, the new church was ready in time for the parish's centennial in 1981. Generations of rural Nebraska Catholics have worshipped here, most recently guided by a pastor who also serves the mission parish at Elmwood.
- Founded 1881
- First building destroyed by lightning
- Second brick building used until 1978
- Cornerstone of present church laid September 17, 1978
- Current church completed for the parish's centennial in 1981
- Construction cost: $350,000
Clergy & Staff
St. Patrick is shepherded by Father Jason Doher, who also serves as pastor of the mission parish, St. Mary in Elmwood. A parish engagement coordinator supports outreach and communication across both parishes. According to diocesan coverage, Father Doher has spoken publicly about the parish's deep musical and lay traditions.
- Rev. Jason Doher — Pastor (St. Patrick, Manley and St. Mary, Elmwood)
- Mollie Sundermeier — Parish Engagement Coordinator ([email protected])
Parish Ministries
St. Patrick and St. Mary share most of their ministries, drawing on the gifts of parishioners of all ages. Programs range from faith formation for children and teens, to adult initiation, small Christian communities, liturgical service, and outreach.
- K-8 CCD & Youth Group
- OCIA Classes (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Men's Group
- Prayer Chain
- Small Groups
- Choir and Musicians
- Altar Society
- Mass Greeters
- Altar Servers
- Lectors (Readers)
- Acolytes
Faith Formation & OCIA
Faith formation for parish children is provided through K-8 CCD and a youth group. Adults preparing to enter the Catholic Church or to complete their initiation sacraments are welcomed into OCIA — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — which corresponds to the traditional RCIA process.
- K-8 CCD & Youth Group
- OCIA Classes for adults seeking full initiation
Liturgical Service & Music
Liturgical ministry at St. Patrick is carried by an active team of lay parishioners serving at the altar, in the sanctuary, and in the music ministry. The parish's musical tradition is particularly storied — Regina Colbert served as organist for 78 years, accompanying an estimated 10,000 Masses before retiring in March. Father Doher has called such long lay service 'an incredible gift to the Church.'
- Altar Servers
- Lectors (Readers)
- Acolytes
- Mass Greeters
- Choir and Musicians
Community Life & Outreach
Beyond liturgy, the parish fosters ongoing community through small groups, a men's group, and a prayer chain that supports parishioners in times of need. The parish engagement coordinator helps connect parishioners with these opportunities and with outreach to the wider Cass County community.
- Small Groups
- Men's Group
- Prayer Chain
- Altar Society
- Parish Engagement Coordinator outreach
Sacraments & Cemetery
St. Patrick celebrates the sacraments of the Catholic Church in the ordinary life of the parish, including Baptisms, the Eucharist, Confession, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and funerals. The parish also maintains St. Patrick's Cemetery, where parishioners and family members continue to be laid to rest following Requiem Masses at the church.
- Baptism preparation and celebration
- OCIA sacraments of initiation
- Confession before weekend Masses
- Funeral Masses (e.g., Father Doher officiating, with burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery)
Visiting & Contact
Visitors and parishioners are warmly welcomed to St. Patrick for any weekend Mass or by reaching out to the parish office. The parish notes that the most reliable way to stay informed about events and any schedule changes is through the weekly bulletin.
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 27, Manley, NE 68403
- Parish phone: 402-234-3595
- Outreach email: [email protected]
- Website: https://stspatrickmary.com/
- Weekly bulletin referenced as the source for current events and schedule changes