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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 local cultures. Serra truly represents the universal nature of the Catholic Church, and we are blessed to belong to such a powerful apostolate. I share this as the most recent issue of Serra Connect has just been published. I encourage you to take a moment to click this link and explore what fellow Serrans are doing around the world.
At the local level, our club continues to thrive. In this issue of The Mission Bell, you will find highlights from recent meetings featuring outstanding speakers, including Dennis Waggoner, CEO of EPS, and our shepherd, the Most Reverend Archbishop Michael McGovern. You will also find a recap of the Priest Jubilee celebration, details about the upcoming Serra International Convention, and information on our Golf, Tennis, and Pickleball Outing.
And to save the best for last, be sure to read about the upcoming ordinations of Caleb Kush and Thomas Matya to the transitional diaconate, and the priestly ordination of Deacon Michael Figura. What a tremendous blessing for our Church!
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your support during my year as President. It has truly been a remarkable experience, one I will always remember with gratitude. We are blessed with a strong Board of Trustees, a rich and fruitful history, and most importantly, devoted members who faithfully pray for and actively support vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Always forward!
*Recent Serra Club Events*
Archdiocese of Omaha Priests’ Jubilee Celebration
Submitted by: Lynn Weist, VP of Programs and President Elect
The annual Priests’ Jubilee Mass and Dinner was held on Thursday, April 16th, at St. Patrick’s Church in Fremont. This event celebrates ordination anniversaries.
More than 100 priests concelebrated at the Mass, during which the following
jubilarians were honored and are pictured above:
Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss, celebrated 50 years since his Episcopal ordination as a bishop,
Rev. Michael Malloy, 50 years of priesthood,
Rev. Timothy Lannon, S.J., 40 years as a Jesuit priest.
The 25-year jubilarians honored were:
Rev. Dan Andrews
Rev. Kevin Joyce
Rev. James Keiter
Rev. Vincent Sunguti.
Special-mention anniversaries honored were:
Rev. Ronald Battiato and Rev. Patrick McCaslin (65 years)
Msgr. James Gilig, Rev. Joseph Miksch, and Rev. Charles Swanson (60 years).
Jubilarians received a letter from the Serra Club of Omaha President, Michele Pohlman, along with a cash gift from our club.
Mass was followed by a cocktail reception hosted by the St. Pat’s Knights of Columbus, and then dinner. The priests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the St. Patrick’s Fremont Women's group. The menu included chicken cordon bleu with yellow rice, Caesar Salad, homemade bread, and apple pie with ice cream for dessert.
As a tradition, at the conclusion of the dinner, all priests rose and joined voices in singing the Regina Caeli.
Seeing the priests together in this manner reinforces the importance of fraternity and support within the clergy, impressing upon us Serrans our mission to pray for our priests and seminarians.
Thank you to the volunteers from our club who had the privilege of serving the meal to our priests who spiritually serve all of us so well throughout the year:
John Andrews, Marilyn and Jerry Buresh, Bill Cheese, Bernadette and Paul Esposito, Deb Jarosik, Mike Knier, Dale Kreher, Vic Stevenart, Ellen Weist, and Ron Worthington. Special thanks to Rich Cupich who took pictures of the event.
Click the link below to read the article and see more pictures in the Catholic Voice article entitled Still in awe: Archbishop Curtiss Among Jubilarian Priests.
More than 100 priests concelebrated at the Mass, during which the following
jubilarians were honored and are pictured above:
Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss, celebrated 50 years since his Episcopal ordination as a bishop,
Rev. Michael Malloy, 50 years of priesthood,
Rev. Timothy Lannon, S.J., 40 years as a Jesuit priest.
The 25-year jubilarians honored were:
Rev. Dan Andrews
Rev. Kevin Joyce
Rev. James Keiter
Rev. Vincent Sunguti.
Special-mention anniversaries honored were:
Rev. Ronald Battiato and Rev. Patrick McCaslin (65 years)
Msgr. James Gilig, Rev. Joseph Miksch, and Rev. Charles Swanson (60 years).
Jubilarians received a letter from the Serra Club of Omaha President, Michele Pohlman, along with a cash gift from our club.
Mass was followed by a cocktail reception hosted by the St. Pat’s Knights of Columbus, and then dinner. The priests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the St. Patrick’s Fremont Women's group. The menu included chicken cordon bleu with yellow rice, Caesar Salad, homemade bread, and apple pie with ice cream for dessert.
As a tradition, at the conclusion of the dinner, all priests rose and joined voices in singing the Regina Caeli.
Seeing the priests together in this manner reinforces the importance of fraternity and support within the clergy, impressing upon us Serrans our mission to pray for our priests and seminarians.
Thank you to the volunteers from our club who had the privilege of serving the meal to our priests who spiritually serve all of us so well throughout the year:
John Andrews, Marilyn and Jerry Buresh, Bill Cheese, Bernadette and Paul Esposito, Deb Jarosik, Mike Knier, Dale Kreher, Vic Stevenart, Ellen Weist, and Ron Worthington. Special thanks to Rich Cupich who took pictures of the event.
Click the link below to read the article and see more pictures in the Catholic Voice article entitled Still in awe: Archbishop Curtiss Among Jubilarian Priests.
April 13th Club Meeting
Speaker: Dennis Waggoner
On April 13, we were pleased to welcome Dennis Waggoner, CEO of Essential Pregnancy Service, who shared his personal vocation story.
He reflected on how faith has guided his journey and shaped his leadership, reminding us that vocation is lived not only in religious life, but also through our work, families, and daily commitments.
His message was a meaningful reminder to listen for God’s call and to serve with purpose wherever we are.
He reflected on how faith has guided his journey and shaped his leadership, reminding us that vocation is lived not only in religious life, but also through our work, families, and daily commitments.
His message was a meaningful reminder to listen for God’s call and to serve with purpose wherever we are.
April 27th Club Meeting
Speaker: Archbishop Michael McGovern
On April 27, we were honored to welcome the Most Reverend Michael McGovern, the sixth Archbishop of Omaha, as our speaker. As he approaches his first anniversary as our shepherd, Archbishop McGovern shared his deep appreciation for the people of Omaha and his growing love for our community.
A true proponent of vocations, he spoke about his vision to reach 30 seminarians in the Archdiocese by 2030. He also emphasized that before asking the people of Omaha to embrace his vision, he must first embrace ours. That can be seen as a reflection of his humility and commitment to serve.
A true proponent of vocations, he spoke about his vision to reach 30 seminarians in the Archdiocese by 2030. He also emphasized that before asking the people of Omaha to embrace his vision, he must first embrace ours. That can be seen as a reflection of his humility and commitment to serve.
Archbishop McGovern’s message was both inspiring and encouraging, reaffirming his dedication to fostering vocations, and walking alongside the faithful of our archdiocese.
*Upcoming Events*
Monday, May 12th Club Meeting
Speaker: Fr. Brian Hula
Parochial Vicar/Hispanic Ministry, Heart of Jesus Catholic Parishes, Norfolk
Please join us for an inspiring story of Fr. Brian Hula’s journey of formation and discernment on his path to the priesthood.
Fr. Hula, ordained just last June, is currently the Parochial Vicar and the Hispanic Ministry Leader at both Sacred Heart Church in Norfolk and St. Patrick’s Church in Battle Creek.
A vibrant, well-rounded young priest, he loves the outdoors, sports, music, and literature. He encourages all who are discerning their vocation to fall in love with God, spending time with Him, simply for the joy of being close, and allowing His love to transform them.
Don’t miss this faith-filled talk from a young man who, over time, embraced God’s call.
We look forward to seeing you at the German American Club at noon next Monday!
Don’t miss this faith-filled talk from a young man who, over time, embraced God’s call.
We look forward to seeing you at the German American Club at noon next Monday!
Monday, May 25th
No meeting on Memorial Day
*Serran Opportunities*
Upcoming Ordinations
Saturday, June 6
Serrans to Assist at
Priestly Ordination
The Archdiocese of Omaha celebrates the formal completion of seminarian formation of Deacon Michael Figura. He will be ordained to the priesthood at St. Cecilia Cathedral at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 6th.
Michael was born the third of four children to parents, Trish and the late, Randy Figura. He grew up at St. Stephen the Martyr Parish in Omaha and attended Skutt Catholic High School. Michael spent his freshman year at the University of Nebraska at Omaha while living at the St. John Paul II Newman Center. During that year, he began to recognize how God was at work in his life - and in the lives of others - each day. Through frequent prayer and reception of the sacraments, he grew in his relationship with Christ, and his desire to serve God and the Church became clear.
He graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota following four years there attending the St. John Vianney Seminary. Michael completes his formation at the North American College in Rome, having been ordained to the transitional diaconate in October of 2025.
Michael was born the third of four children to parents, Trish and the late, Randy Figura. He grew up at St. Stephen the Martyr Parish in Omaha and attended Skutt Catholic High School. Michael spent his freshman year at the University of Nebraska at Omaha while living at the St. John Paul II Newman Center. During that year, he began to recognize how God was at work in his life - and in the lives of others - each day. Through frequent prayer and reception of the sacraments, he grew in his relationship with Christ, and his desire to serve God and the Church became clear.
He graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota following four years there attending the St. John Vianney Seminary. Michael completes his formation at the North American College in Rome, having been ordained to the transitional diaconate in October of 2025.
Deacon Michael Figura is pictured at his October 2, 2025 ordination in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend the Ordination Mass on June 6th. For those interested, members of the Serra Club of Omaha will greet guests and assist with a reception in the Cathedral Cultural Arts Center immediately following Mass.
To help, contact Lynn Weist at Lweist@cox.net or call/text 402-880-5960.
To help, contact Lynn Weist at Lweist@cox.net or call/text 402-880-5960.
Registration and Sponsorships are now available for the...
Wednesday, June 17
Mass with the Institute for Priestly Formation
Submitted by: Lynn Weist, VP of Programs and President Elect
Please plan to join the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) on Wednesday, June 17, at 8:30 a.m. for Mass honoring its patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass, celebrated at St. John’s on the Creighton University campus, will recognize the clergy and laity whose dedication to IPF’s mission and service to the Church is a tangible sign of Our Lady’s grace at work.
Following Mass, the Serra Club of Omaha will present IPF with a donation to its foundation.
It will be wonderful for seminarians and Serrans to be there together.
Following Mass, the Serra Club of Omaha will present IPF with a donation to its foundation.
It will be wonderful for seminarians and Serrans to be there together.
Whether you are new to Serra or are a long time member, the Serra International Convention is a great place for you to renew your commitment to Serra’s mission. Just an eight hour drive east on I-80 will take you to Indianapolis for Serra’s 83rd International Convention, July 9-12. The convention is a powerful opportunity for fellowship, inspiration, and deeper engagement in promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life while meeting other Serrans from around the world. There will be dynamic speakers, opportunities for break out sessions with relevant topics, and prayer opportunities. Use the following link to learn more and to register: Convention 2026 - Serra International.
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 Caleb Kosh who will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 29…
+ For Deacon Michael Figura who will be ordained to the priesthood on June 6th…
+ For the repose of the soul of former Serran Dr. Edward Gatz…
+ For Caleb Kosh who will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 29…
+ For Deacon Michael Figura who will be ordained to the priesthood on June 6th…
+ For the repose of the soul of former Serran Dr. Edward Gatz…
+ In thanksgiving and gratitude for the healthy birth of Michala Jacobson’s granddaughter…
+ For safe and dignified living conditions for Jim and Jeane O’Brien…
+ For a friend of Corinne Anderson’s having a biopsy this week…
+ For health and strength for Fr. Craig Loecker…
+ 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 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 safe and dignified living conditions for Jim and Jeane O’Brien…
+ For a friend of Corinne Anderson’s having a biopsy this week…
+ For health and strength for Fr. Craig Loecker…
+ 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 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
May 2026 – July 2026
Past Communications
Jul 07, 2026
Mission Bell - Serra Club of Omaha - July 2026
A Message from our Co-Presidents Dear Serrans, As we begin a new Serra year together, we are grateful for your continued commitment to supporting vocations and fostering a culture of prayer, service, and fellowship throughout... read more.
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.
Apr 08, 2026
Mission Bell - Serra Club of Omaha - April 2026
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... read more.