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A Message from
the President
Dear Serrans,
Easter season blessings to you and your families!
As we celebrate the joy of the Resurrection in the month of April, we also look back on an incredible March filled with meaningful and inspiring events. We were blessed to host two outstanding Altar Server Award Masses presided over by Archbishop McGovern, celebrate the induction of new members alongside our 75th anniversary, gather as a club to hear from Fr. Logan Hepp, ordained just nine months ago, and to vote in the election of the 2026-2027 Serra Club of Omaha Board of Trustees. Each of these moments reflects the strength and vitality of our mission to foster vocations.
And now, there is so much to look forward to in the months ahead. We eagerly anticipate the transitional diaconate ordination of Caleb Kosch, the priestly ordination of Deacon Michael Fugura, our annual Golf, Tennis, and Pickleball Outing, and welcoming Archbishop McGovern as our speaker at the end of April. I invite you to read on for a recap of the wonderful events we held and to learn more about what lies ahead for our club.
As we celebrate the joy of the Resurrection in the month of April, we also look back on an incredible March filled with meaningful and inspiring events. We were blessed to host two outstanding Altar Server Award Masses presided over by Archbishop McGovern, celebrate the induction of new members alongside our 75th anniversary, gather as a club to hear from Fr. Logan Hepp, ordained just nine months ago, and to vote in the election of the 2026-2027 Serra Club of Omaha Board of Trustees. Each of these moments reflects the strength and vitality of our mission to foster vocations.
And now, there is so much to look forward to in the months ahead. We eagerly anticipate the transitional diaconate ordination of Caleb Kosch, the priestly ordination of Deacon Michael Fugura, our annual Golf, Tennis, and Pickleball Outing, and welcoming Archbishop McGovern as our speaker at the end of April. I invite you to read on for a recap of the wonderful events we held and to learn more about what lies ahead for our club.
Looking ahead, Joe Grier shared with us that the annual Golf, Tennis, and Pickleball Outing is set for June 8 and open for registration! Save-the-date - more information to come in the following weeks.
Keep reading for so much more Serra information! And remember that as we journey through the Easter season, may our work for vocations begin in our own hearts. Prayer leads to generosity, and generosity leads to growth, both in our club and in our personal holiness.
*Recent Serra Club Events*
Faithful to the Call: Serra Club of Omaha Induction Mass and 75th Anniversary
Celebration
Submitted by: Michala Jacobson, VP of Membership
Recently inducted new members of our Club along with their sponsors and Archbishop McGovern
Congratulations to all our new Serra Club of Omaha members who were inducted at our March 10 Induction Mass, celebrated at Christ the King with Archbishop Michael McGovern and many priests from the Archdiocese of Omaha.
What a truly memorable evening it was! Following the beautiful liturgy, we gathered for a social hour, dinner, and our 75th Anniversary Celebration at the Christ the King Parish Center. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this special event through your presence, prayers, and sponsorships.
To recap, I would first like to thank Deacon Mike Conzett, who helped begin our celebration on Monday, March 9, by leading a Holy Hour for vocations at St. John Vianney, attended by 25 of our members.
We also extend our gratitude to Serra International President Emanuele Costa and our own President Michele Pohlman, who were interviewed by Spirit Catholic Radio about our Serra Club of Omaha, our milestone celebration, and Serra International.
A very special thank you goes to the incredible committee who planned and carried out our March 10 Induction Mass, dinner, and 75th Anniversary celebration: Sally & Tim O’Neill, Deb Jarosik, Ellen Weist, Linda Thomsen, Sherry Wittrock, Kathy D’Ercole, and Michele Pohlman. It was a true joy working alongside each of you - this was truly a team effort, and I couldn’t have done it without you.
One message we heard repeatedly that evening and in the days that followed was how the event renewed a deep sense of pride in being a Serran. With 115 attendees, including 16 clergy, dignitaries, and special guests, the evening was a powerful testament to our shared mission.
We celebrated 75 years of promoting and affirming vocations while growing in personal holiness. With the intercession of St. Junípero Serra, we now move forward with renewed purpose for the next 75 years and beyond.
For those who were unable to attend, commemorative 75th Anniversary wine glasses will be available for purchase at upcoming club meetings for $5 - be sure to get yours while supplies last!
Once again, congratulations and welcome to our new members. We are deeply grateful for your “yes” to living out the Serra mission.
Thank you all for your prayers and support, which made our March 10 celebration so meaningful and memorable.
What a truly memorable evening it was! Following the beautiful liturgy, we gathered for a social hour, dinner, and our 75th Anniversary Celebration at the Christ the King Parish Center. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this special event through your presence, prayers, and sponsorships.
To recap, I would first like to thank Deacon Mike Conzett, who helped begin our celebration on Monday, March 9, by leading a Holy Hour for vocations at St. John Vianney, attended by 25 of our members.
We also extend our gratitude to Serra International President Emanuele Costa and our own President Michele Pohlman, who were interviewed by Spirit Catholic Radio about our Serra Club of Omaha, our milestone celebration, and Serra International.
A very special thank you goes to the incredible committee who planned and carried out our March 10 Induction Mass, dinner, and 75th Anniversary celebration: Sally & Tim O’Neill, Deb Jarosik, Ellen Weist, Linda Thomsen, Sherry Wittrock, Kathy D’Ercole, and Michele Pohlman. It was a true joy working alongside each of you - this was truly a team effort, and I couldn’t have done it without you.
One message we heard repeatedly that evening and in the days that followed was how the event renewed a deep sense of pride in being a Serran. With 115 attendees, including 16 clergy, dignitaries, and special guests, the evening was a powerful testament to our shared mission.
We celebrated 75 years of promoting and affirming vocations while growing in personal holiness. With the intercession of St. Junípero Serra, we now move forward with renewed purpose for the next 75 years and beyond.
For those who were unable to attend, commemorative 75th Anniversary wine glasses will be available for purchase at upcoming club meetings for $5 - be sure to get yours while supplies last!
Once again, congratulations and welcome to our new members. We are deeply grateful for your “yes” to living out the Serra mission.
Thank you all for your prayers and support, which made our March 10 celebration so meaningful and memorable.
March 23rd Club Meeting
Speaker: Fr. Logan Hepp
On March 23, we were blessed to welcome as our speaker Fr. Logan Hepp, ordained just nine months ago and currently serving as Associate Pastor at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Omaha. It was truly inspiring to hear him share about life as a priest. We are so fortunate to have such a fine young man serving in our Archdiocese and look forward to many years of his priestly ministry ahead.
We were honored to present Fr. Hepp with a stole bearing the Serra International logo. He was very appreciative and expressed his sincere gratitude to the club for all that we have done, and continue to do, for him, for seminarians, and for priests.
We were honored to present Fr. Hepp with a stole bearing the Serra International logo. He was very appreciative and expressed his sincere gratitude to the club for all that we have done, and continue to do, for him, for seminarians, and for priests.
For those who were unable to attend, click below for the link to his talk.
Altar Server Awards Ceremonies
Recognizing Dedication Across the Archdiocese
Submitted by: Lynn Weist, VP of Vocation Affirmation
Photos from the Altar Server Awards Ceremonies at St. Mary's in Norfolk
Two inspiring Altar Server Awards Ceremonies were held in March to honor the dedication of young altar servers throughout the archdiocese. The first ceremony took place at St. Wenceslaus in Omaha on March 5th, followed by the second at St. Mary’s in Norfolk on March 24th. Both masses were presided by Archbishop Michael McGovern, with numerous parish priests from the archdiocese concelebrating. Over 100 Altar Servers were in attendance at both masses.
This year the Serra Club of Omaha took on a larger role in the planning and participation of the Mass in Norfolk due to the dissolution of the Norfolk Area Serra Club. SOC Board Members Michele Pohlman, Sally O’Neill, Michala Jacobsen, and Lynn Weist made the trip to St. Mary’s and served as greeters, lectors, and gift bearers.
Our Club President, Michele Pohlman, also addressed the honorees, expressing gratitude to them and their families for their faithful service to the Church. Reflecting on the evening, Michele, Sally, Michala, and Lynn agreed on the critical importance of continuing the Altar Serve Awards Mass annually in the Norfolk area. This is key to ensuring that parishes across the entire archdiocese receive the recognition they deserve - in rural communities as well as those in the Omaha area.
In total, 274 Altar Servers were recognized this year from more than half the churches in the Omaha Archdiocese.
Thank you to all the SCO members who helped with mailings, award certificates, Mass ministries and the reception. They are: Linda Thomsen, Sherry Wittrock, Ron and Regina Worthington, Lora and Kevin Cooper, Mary Feda, Sally and Tim O’Neill,
Kathy and Lou D’Ercole, Deacon Mike and Valerie Conzett, Bernadette and Dr. Paul Esposito, Jean and Art Hastings, John Andrews, Dave Latenser, Alan Neaderhiser, Margaret Quinn, Linda Stubbs, Marilyn and Jerry Buresh, Mike Knier, Michele
Pohlman, Ellen Weist, Dave Weist, and Michala Jacobsen.
This year the Serra Club of Omaha took on a larger role in the planning and participation of the Mass in Norfolk due to the dissolution of the Norfolk Area Serra Club. SOC Board Members Michele Pohlman, Sally O’Neill, Michala Jacobsen, and Lynn Weist made the trip to St. Mary’s and served as greeters, lectors, and gift bearers.
Our Club President, Michele Pohlman, also addressed the honorees, expressing gratitude to them and their families for their faithful service to the Church. Reflecting on the evening, Michele, Sally, Michala, and Lynn agreed on the critical importance of continuing the Altar Serve Awards Mass annually in the Norfolk area. This is key to ensuring that parishes across the entire archdiocese receive the recognition they deserve - in rural communities as well as those in the Omaha area.
In total, 274 Altar Servers were recognized this year from more than half the churches in the Omaha Archdiocese.
Thank you to all the SCO members who helped with mailings, award certificates, Mass ministries and the reception. They are: Linda Thomsen, Sherry Wittrock, Ron and Regina Worthington, Lora and Kevin Cooper, Mary Feda, Sally and Tim O’Neill,
Kathy and Lou D’Ercole, Deacon Mike and Valerie Conzett, Bernadette and Dr. Paul Esposito, Jean and Art Hastings, John Andrews, Dave Latenser, Alan Neaderhiser, Margaret Quinn, Linda Stubbs, Marilyn and Jerry Buresh, Mike Knier, Michele
Pohlman, Ellen Weist, Dave Weist, and Michala Jacobsen.
Photos from the Altar Server Award Mass and Ceremony at St. Wenceslaus in Omaha
*Upcoming Events*
Monday, April 13th Club Meeting
Speaker: Dennis Waggoner
EPS, Executive Director
We invite you to join us at our April 13th meeting, where we have the privilege of hosting Dennis Waggoner, Executive Director of Essential Pregnancy Service, as our guest speaker.
Dennis is a devoted father, husband and faithful Catholic . Together with his wife, they prayed and discerned a calling that led him from a corporate career to a mission-driven role at EPS. Though initially hesitant, after deep prayer and reflection, he embraced this calling.
Please join us for what promises to be an inspiring and informative luncheon as Dennis shares his vocation and journey with us.
Dennis is a devoted father, husband and faithful Catholic . Together with his wife, they prayed and discerned a calling that led him from a corporate career to a mission-driven role at EPS. Though initially hesitant, after deep prayer and reflection, he embraced this calling.
Please join us for what promises to be an inspiring and informative luncheon as Dennis shares his vocation and journey with us.
Thursday, April 16th
Archdiocese of Omaha Priests’ Jubilee Celebration
Submitted by Lynn Weist, VP Vocations Affirmations
The annual Priests’ Jubilee Mass and Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 16th at St. Patrick’s Church in Fremont. All priests in the diocese are invited to attend this event which celebrates Ordination Anniversaries.
Special jubilarians are Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss who celebrates 50 years of his Episcopal Ordination, along with those celebrating Priestly Ordination anniversaries of 65 years (Rev. Ronald Battiato), 60 years (Rev. Patrick McCaslin, Rev. Msgr. James Gilg, Rev. Joseph Miksch, Rev. Charles Swanson), 50 years (Rev. Michael Malloy), and 40 years (Rev. Timothy Lannon, S.J.).
Jubilarians will receive a letter from Serra Club of Omaha president, Michele Pohlman, along with a cash gift from our Club.
Additionally, our Club members will have the privilege of serving the meal to the priests who spiritually serve all of us so well throughout the year. Volunteers will arrive at St. Patrick’s in Fremont by 2 o’clock in the afternoon, with the dinner wrapping up around 5:30 pm.
We are looking for a few more volunteers. If you are interested in helping, contact Lynn Weist at Lweist@cox.net.
Special jubilarians are Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss who celebrates 50 years of his Episcopal Ordination, along with those celebrating Priestly Ordination anniversaries of 65 years (Rev. Ronald Battiato), 60 years (Rev. Patrick McCaslin, Rev. Msgr. James Gilg, Rev. Joseph Miksch, Rev. Charles Swanson), 50 years (Rev. Michael Malloy), and 40 years (Rev. Timothy Lannon, S.J.).
Jubilarians will receive a letter from Serra Club of Omaha president, Michele Pohlman, along with a cash gift from our Club.
Additionally, our Club members will have the privilege of serving the meal to the priests who spiritually serve all of us so well throughout the year. Volunteers will arrive at St. Patrick’s in Fremont by 2 o’clock in the afternoon, with the dinner wrapping up around 5:30 pm.
We are looking for a few more volunteers. If you are interested in helping, contact Lynn Weist at Lweist@cox.net.
Monday, April 27th Club Meeting
Speaker: Most Rev. Archbishop Michael McGovern
Our guest speaker for April 27th will be Archbishop Michael McGovern.
This May 7th will mark one year since he was installed as the sixth Archbishop of Omaha by Pope Francis. Previously, he served in the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois.
Let us come together and open our hearts to his words of faith and wisdom.
Please plan to join us to give Archbishop a resounding welcome.
This May 7th will mark one year since he was installed as the sixth Archbishop of Omaha by Pope Francis. Previously, he served in the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois.
Let us come together and open our hearts to his words of faith and wisdom.
Please plan to join us to give Archbishop a resounding welcome.
*Serran Opportunities*
REGISTER ON CLUB EXPRESS:
Registration and Sponsorships are now available for the...
Welcome to Our Newest Serrans
Jim Patterson
Jim Patterson brings more than four decades of legal and executive leadership experience to his professional and community endeavors. Over a distinguished 48-year career with WoodmenLife, he served in various roles within the organization’s legal division and also held positions on the board of directors and as an officer for several of its subsidiaries. His expertise spans business law, real estate, insurance, non-profit law, and he has also shared his knowledge as an adjunct professor at Metropolitan Community College.
Deeply committed to civic and faith-based service, Jim is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and serves on the Archbishop’s Committee for Development. His community leadership includes service as a board member and former President of the Kiwanis Club of Omaha, charter membership on the Parent Council at Creighton University, and past service as a two-term president of the St. Robert Bellarmine Parish Council. He has also contributed to the Governance and Staffing Committee for the North Central Association review of Creighton Preparatory School and served on the Executive Board of the Neighbors of Ironwood. Jim’s career reflects a consistent dedication to leadership, education, and community stewardship.
Mary Patterson
Mary Patterson is an accomplished business owner and dedicated community leader with a strong record of service throughout the Omaha area. For 35 years, she owned and operated Premier Table Pad & Linen Company, building a respected local business grounded in quality and customer service.
Mary has been actively involved in numerous civic, educational, and charitable organizations. As a member of the Junior League of Omaha, she served as the League’s representative to Volunteers in Partnership and as a member of the Projects Council, where she reviewed and selected projects for League support and also advised members volunteer placement as a placement advisor. She is also a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and serves on the Archbishop’s Committee for Development.
Mary has been actively involved in numerous civic, educational, and charitable organizations. As a member of the Junior League of Omaha, she served as the League’s representative to Volunteers in Partnership and as a member of the Projects Council, where she reviewed and selected projects for League support and also advised members volunteer placement as a placement advisor. She is also a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and serves on the Archbishop’s Committee for Development.
Her leadership extends to area schools and nonprofit organizations, including serving as Executive Team Chairman for BASH at Creighton Preparatory School and Committee Chair for MarianFEST at Marian High School. As a member of the Law League, she served on the Board of Directors, chaired the Membership Committee, and acted as Parliamentarian. Mary has also contributed extensively to the Omaha Symphony’s Designer Showhouse and has been involved in committee and fundraising efforts supporting Clarkson Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and the Joslyn Art Museum. Her longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community engagement reflects a passion for service and leadership.
Steve Patterson
Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Steve is the son of Jim and Mary Patterson, whose lifelong example of leadership, faith, and generous service to both Church and community deeply shaped his personal and professional path. Steve and his wife, Dana, have built their life around those same values and are the proud parents of three children: Megan, who is pursuing a career in dentistry; Grace, who is attending Creighton University and pursuing a business degree in accounting and finance; and Stephen, a senior at Creighton Preparatory School and a left-handed pitcher preparing for graduation in May 2026. Family life, Catholic education, and active parish involvement remain central pillars of their home.
Steve is a financial advisor specializing in comprehensive financial planning and investment management for individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President with a Registered Investment Advisory firm in Omaha. Over the course of his career in banking, capital markets, and wealth management, he has developed a practice grounded in long-term relationships, disciplined investment strategy, and a strong commitment to ethical stewardship. He views financial planning not simply as asset management, but as helping families align their resources with their values, responsibilities, and long-term goals.
A devoted Catholic leader in the Omaha community, Steve is a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and leads the Archdiocese of Omaha Retirement Board. He is also a member of Legatus and has served in numerous leadership roles at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, including Parish Council President and Finance Committee member. His service has extended to Catholic Charities, Creighton Preparatory School, Omaha Marian High School, and Creighton University. Through these roles, he seeks to strengthen the Church locally, support Catholic education, promote vocations, and ensure responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to Catholic institutions. His life reflects a consistent desire to integrate faith, family, professional excellence, and service to the Church.
A devoted Catholic leader in the Omaha community, Steve is a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and leads the Archdiocese of Omaha Retirement Board. He is also a member of Legatus and has served in numerous leadership roles at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, including Parish Council President and Finance Committee member. His service has extended to Catholic Charities, Creighton Preparatory School, Omaha Marian High School, and Creighton University. Through these roles, he seeks to strengthen the Church locally, support Catholic education, promote vocations, and ensure responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to Catholic institutions. His life reflects a consistent desire to integrate faith, family, professional excellence, and service to the Church.
Serran Prayer Requests
United in prayer, we lift up the following intentions shared by members of the Serra Club of Omaha. We entrust these needs to God’s loving care and invite you to join us in prayer.
+ For the repose of the soul of Jeremy Zeigler, son-in-law of Ellen Weist and brother-in-law of Dave and Ellen Weist, who passed away after a long battle with cancer…
+ For health and strength for Fr. Craig Loecker…
+ For the repose of the soul of Jeremy Zeigler, son-in-law of Ellen Weist and brother-in-law of Dave and Ellen Weist, who passed away after a long battle with cancer…
+ For health and strength for Fr. Craig Loecker…
+ For continued healing for Mary Feda…
+ For a special intention that the Lord’s will be done…
+ For the repose of the soul of Deacon John Zak and consolation for his family…
+ For our former Chaplain, Msgr. Bill Whelan, as he ages and navigates the challenges of life at this stage of life (he is 95)…
+ For Ron Baxter, father of Fr. Greg Baxter, for relief from pain and comfort as he faces various health challenges…
+ For men and women who are discerning the call to consecrated life…
+ For seminarians, that they may grow in wisdom, holiness, and joy as they continue their formation…
+ For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life…
Prayer intentions may be written in the binder at our club meetings, or emailed to mpohlmanserraomaha@gmail.com.
+ For a special intention that the Lord’s will be done…
+ For the repose of the soul of Deacon John Zak and consolation for his family…
+ For our former Chaplain, Msgr. Bill Whelan, as he ages and navigates the challenges of life at this stage of life (he is 95)…
+ For Ron Baxter, father of Fr. Greg Baxter, for relief from pain and comfort as he faces various health challenges…
+ For men and women who are discerning the call to consecrated life…
+ For seminarians, that they may grow in wisdom, holiness, and joy as they continue their formation…
+ For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life…
Prayer intentions may be written in the binder at our club meetings, or emailed to mpohlmanserraomaha@gmail.com.
Calendar of Meetings
and Events
April 2026 – July 2026
Past Communications
Jun 04, 2026
Mission Bell - Serra Club of Omaha - June 2026
A Message from our Co-Presidents Dear Serrans, As we write this month’s President’s Article, we do so with gratitude and excitement as the first message from both of us serving together as Co-Presidents of the Serra Club of... read more.
May 06, 2026
Mission Bell - Serra Club of Omaha - May 2026
A Message from the President Dear Serrans, Did you know there are more than 30,000 Serrans worldwide? And among the many Serra Clubs across the globe, we share a common mission, each expressed in ways that reflect our unique... read more.
Mar 06, 2026
Mission Bell - Serra Club of Omaha - March 2026
A Message from the President Dear Serrans, As we progress through this Lenten season, the Church invites us to slow down, to reflect, and to return our hearts more fully to the Lord. I hope you are able to take some extra... read more.