The Serra Club of Omaha traces its origin to the year 1947 when James Gavin of Chicago, Illinois, Serra International Past President, came to Nebraska to see about the creation of a Serra Club in Omaha.

During the period from October 1948 to February 1949, additional trips were made to Omaha by L.B. McDonald, District Governor from Saint Louis and Harry J. O'Hare, Executive Secretary of Serra International. At a meeting on February 18, 1949, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Gerald T. Bergen, Archbishop of Omaha, gave encouragement to Serra.

First Officers Chosen

On March 1, 1951, there was a further meeting with Archbishop Bergen, who encouraged Serra to proceed carefully, keeping its membership small. Francis McDermott, along with Dr. A.V. Murphy, Donald Keough, Edward Whelan, and William Hotz, Jr. attended that meeting. On March 19, 1951, the first formal luncheon meeting was held at which time then Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Monsignor Daniel E. Sheehan, was asked to speak.

On April 13, 1951, Mr. Hotz wrote to Serra International's Executive Secretary, that the Archbishop had approved Monsignor Sheehan's appointment as Chaplain of the Serra Club of Omaha. On May 31, 1951, the International Office was advised of its officers: Edward Whelan, President; Francis McDermott, Vice-President; Dr. Murphy, 2nd Vice-President; and William Hotz, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer. By that time, the following charter members had been added: Donald Eck, Ted Kalamaji, Dr. Hugh McDonnell, Emmett Curry, Dr. Robert Fitzgibbons, Jack Leary, and Al Ternus. On August 26, 1951, the first Seminarian picnic took place. On October 4, 1951, the Charter of the Serra Club of Omaha was granted, and it was presented at a formal dinner at the Blackstone Hotel on October 27, 1951.

Serra Club of Omaha Programs

Our focus is on promoting and sustaining religious vocation activities. The Board of Directors meet the first Monday evening of each month and Club meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at noon. Our mission is promoted through speakers asked to present at our club meetings. These twice monthly luncheons continue to be the heart of the club providing fellowship, emphasis on Catholic values, and education for members.

The clubs activities supporting religious vocations include; an annual seminarian picnic; annual tennis and golf outing (co-sponsored with the Serra Club of West Omaha); support of the Institute for Priestly Formation; the Altar Server Awards Program, which honors hundreds of students throughout the Archdiocese; the long running Mass for Shut-Ins, which began in 1964; Adopt-a-Seminarian; Clergy Connection; Seminary visits; Priest Appreciation Sunday; Priests Jubilee Dinner; and the Annual Consecrated Mass and Brunch in conjunction with the Archdiocese.

The dedication of the founding and past Serra members has built a strong foundation. Currents members continue to fuel and drive the clubs many worthy activities and programs.