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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 the Archdiocese of Omaha.
This issue is filled with highlights from several of our recent activities, including the Ordination to the Priesthood, our annual Golf, Tennis, and Pickleball Outing, and the Institute for Priestly Formation Mass and donation presentation. Be sure to watch our annual video recap created by Rich Cupich, which showcases many of the ways Serrans have made a difference throughout the past year.
You'll also find important information about our upcoming meetings on July 13 (NOTE THE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE) and July 27, details about the Seminarian Send-Off, a reminder to return your notes of encouragement to our seminarians, information about the upcoming Serra USA Central Region Conference, and a complete calendar of upcoming events!
As always, we encourage you to review the prayer requests section and keep those intentions in your daily prayers. You can also stay informed about the work of our Board of Trustees through the meeting updates included in this issue.
Finally, on June 30, the 2026–2027 Board of Trustees gathered for our annual Board Transition Meeting. It was a wonderful evening as we welcomed our new Board members, reviewed our goals and responsibilities, and began planning for the year ahead. The enthusiasm, dedication, and spirit of collaboration present throughout the meeting gives us great confidence that this will be an outstanding year for the Serra Club of Omaha as we continue our mission of promoting and affirming vocations.
Thank you for all you do to promote and affirm vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. We look forward to serving alongside you in the year ahead.
*Recent Serra Club Events*
Throughout the past year, the Serra Club of Omaha has been blessed with many opportunities to support and promote vocations through service, prayer, fellowship, and outreach. To capture these special moments, Rich Cupich, Vice President of Communications, compiled a video highlighting the many activities and events our club has been involved in during 2025–2026. Click the box below to view the video.
Priesthood Ordination of
Fr. Michael Figura
Submitted by: Deb Jarosik, VP Vocation Affirmation
Archbishop McGovern la his hands on his newest priest.
Serran Bill Cheese welcome guests to the reception following the Ordination Mass.
Serrans help Ted Thompson serve his catered refreshments.
On Saturday, June 6th, 2026, Archbishop McGovern ordained Seminarian Michael Figura to the Priesthood at St. Cecilia's Cathedral. It was a beautiful Mass accompanied by the angelic St. Cecilia's choir. Archbishop McGovern was joined by Archbishops Ameriti Lucas and Curtiss, along with priests and seminarians of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
The Cathedral was full of family, friends, and faithful, all there to support now Fr. Figura on his most special day!
Serrans played a special role at the Mass and reception that followed. Greeting at the Ordination were Serrans Paul and Bernadette Esposito, Kathy and Lou D'Ercole, Angela Johansen, Sue Trigg, Linda and Vince Antonelli, Michala Jacobson, Deb Jarosik, Kathleen Mandina, Doug and Margaret Quinn, Linda Stubbs, and Mike Knier. Ushering people to their seats were Alan Neaderhiser, Dave Weist, and Ron and Regina Worthington. Leading guests to the Cultural Center were Serrans Bill Cheese and Jerry and Marilyn Buresh. Assisting fellow Serran Ted Thomsen in serving refreshments and cake after the Mass were Mike Knier, Linda Stubbs, Linda Thomsen, and Lynn Weist.
A special thanks to Ted and Pleasure Your Palate. Everyone's help on this special day in the Archdiocese was greatly appreciated!
The Cathedral was full of family, friends, and faithful, all there to support now Fr. Figura on his most special day!
Serrans played a special role at the Mass and reception that followed. Greeting at the Ordination were Serrans Paul and Bernadette Esposito, Kathy and Lou D'Ercole, Angela Johansen, Sue Trigg, Linda and Vince Antonelli, Michala Jacobson, Deb Jarosik, Kathleen Mandina, Doug and Margaret Quinn, Linda Stubbs, and Mike Knier. Ushering people to their seats were Alan Neaderhiser, Dave Weist, and Ron and Regina Worthington. Leading guests to the Cultural Center were Serrans Bill Cheese and Jerry and Marilyn Buresh. Assisting fellow Serran Ted Thomsen in serving refreshments and cake after the Mass were Mike Knier, Linda Stubbs, Linda Thomsen, and Lynn Weist.
A special thanks to Ted and Pleasure Your Palate. Everyone's help on this special day in the Archdiocese was greatly appreciated!
The Golf, Tennis and Pickleball Outing
Was a Success Again This Year!
Submitted by: Mike Knier, Co-President
This year’s annual Golf, Tennis and Pickleball Outing presented by the Serra Club of Omaha and the Serra Club of West Omaha was held on Monday, June 8th.
Joe Grier, the Chair for this event, reported that we again had the maximum number allowed at this course, 136 golfers, playing in wonderful weather for this outing!
We had 4 hole-in-one sponsors (sorry to say there were no winners here) along with 36 hole sponsors and four generous underwriting gifts! Forty priests joined Serrans and friends as guests golfing at the Pines Country Club in Valley.
Vic Stevenart organized the tennis with six players competing in fun matches on beginner and advanced courts at the Westroads Genesis Health Club.
Over at the Ace Pickleball Club, Harry Capadano reported that 26 players enjoyed the fun competition.
All expenses were fully underwritten for the tennis and pickleball with many of these participants joining the dinner at The Pines.
At the end of play, over 180 participants and guests had dinner at The Pines. With Greg Schwietz as emcee, winners for the day were awarded their prizes!
This is a special event involving Serrans from both Serra Clubs in Omaha who volunteer to plan and work this event to raise funds supporting Vocations in our Archdiocese. Look for information on the results of this event to be announced when the final total on the funds raised becomes available.
A heartfelt thank you to Joe Grier, his committee, and all of those who made this event such a success - from the volunteers, sponsors, and donors, to the players. We also ask for prayers for the generous family, who wishes to remain anonymous, that provided all of The Pines golf course beverages. They just request that we keep them in our prayers.
Together, through fun and fellowship, we continue to support vocations and build on the Serra mission in our community.
Joe Grier, the Chair for this event, reported that we again had the maximum number allowed at this course, 136 golfers, playing in wonderful weather for this outing!
We had 4 hole-in-one sponsors (sorry to say there were no winners here) along with 36 hole sponsors and four generous underwriting gifts! Forty priests joined Serrans and friends as guests golfing at the Pines Country Club in Valley.
Vic Stevenart organized the tennis with six players competing in fun matches on beginner and advanced courts at the Westroads Genesis Health Club.
Over at the Ace Pickleball Club, Harry Capadano reported that 26 players enjoyed the fun competition.
All expenses were fully underwritten for the tennis and pickleball with many of these participants joining the dinner at The Pines.
At the end of play, over 180 participants and guests had dinner at The Pines. With Greg Schwietz as emcee, winners for the day were awarded their prizes!
This is a special event involving Serrans from both Serra Clubs in Omaha who volunteer to plan and work this event to raise funds supporting Vocations in our Archdiocese. Look for information on the results of this event to be announced when the final total on the funds raised becomes available.
A heartfelt thank you to Joe Grier, his committee, and all of those who made this event such a success - from the volunteers, sponsors, and donors, to the players. We also ask for prayers for the generous family, who wishes to remain anonymous, that provided all of The Pines golf course beverages. They just request that we keep them in our prayers.
Together, through fun and fellowship, we continue to support vocations and build on the Serra mission in our community.
Ready (golf registration) ...
...Get Set (practice makes perfect) ...
...Go (and they're off)!!!
Tennis Camaraderie
Action on the Pickleball courts!
Serra Club Supports the Mission of IPF
Submitted by: Deb Jarosik, VP of Vocation Affirmation
The Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) celebrated its patron, Our Lady of Guadalupe, at a morning Mass on Creighton’s campus on Wednesday, June 24. Friends of IPF were invited to join the seminarians, and after the homily, selected clergy and laity were honored for their dedication to IPF’s mission and service to the Church. At the conclusion of Mass, Mike Knier gave an announcement about the Serra Club of Omaha’s donation to IPF and Deb Jarosik presented a letter to Executive Director Fr. Rafferty indicating the intent of the Serra Club’s donation. Eight Serra Club of Omaha members attended the Mass. After it's conclusion, a brunch was held in honor of those who received the Our Lady of Guadalupe Award. Fellow Serrans Vince and Linda Antonelli received this award which made it a special time to visit with them and the other honorees. It was truly a special event to attend. (To learn more about IPF, visit their website https://priestlyformation.org/)
*Upcoming Events*
Monday, July 13th Club Meeting
Speaker: Fr. Richard Reiser
on the Art of Iconography
NOTE LOCATION CHANGE:
St. John Vianney Social Hall, 5801 Oak Hills Drive
Fr. Richard Reiser, a retired priest from in the Omaha Archdiocese will explain Catholic Iconography and share with us the process he used to write the icons displayed at St. John Vianney Church in Omaha, Nebraska.
A native of Butte, Nebraska, Fr. Reiser served as pastor and later as senior associate at St. John Vianney from 2013 until his retirement in 2025.
Three panels, titled Christ in Glory with All the Saints were written between 2022 and 2025 for permanent display at St. John Vianney.
For Fr. Reiser, iconography is first and foremost a form of prayer. As he explains, “The entire creative process is an act of listening to God and allowing the sacred story of a saint or mystery to take shape through layers of contemplation, color, and symbolism.”
Join us in the Social Hall at St. John Vianney at noon on Monday, July 13th for a special lunch catered by Serran Ted Thomsen and Pleasure Your Palate, and for the inspiring and informative presentation by Fr. Reiser.
For Fr. Reiser, iconography is first and foremost a form of prayer. As he explains, “The entire creative process is an act of listening to God and allowing the sacred story of a saint or mystery to take shape through layers of contemplation, color, and symbolism.”
Join us in the Social Hall at St. John Vianney at noon on Monday, July 13th for a special lunch catered by Serran Ted Thomsen and Pleasure Your Palate, and for the inspiring and informative presentation by Fr. Reiser.
Monday, July 27th Club Meeting
Speaker: Deacon Bart Zavaletta
and The Guardians
Deacon Bart Zavaletta is a deacon at St. Vincent de Paul Parish and theology teacher at Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha.
Deacon Bart will speak to us about the Skutt Guardians, a group he founded in 2012 to help young men deepen their faith and discern vocations.
Deacon Bart will explain the goals and requirements of the group and share stories of how it has touched the lives of these students and those around them.
Join us for this dynamic and inspiring speaker at the German American Society at noon on July 27th.
Join us for this dynamic and inspiring speaker at the German American Society at noon on July 27th.
*Serran Opportunities*
A Reminder on Letters to Seminarians
As we discussed at our last Serra Club meeting, remember to write an encouraging note to your “Adopt-a-Seminarian” seminarian and 1 or 2 other seminarians, insert each note in the envelopes that were provided, with only the seminarian’s name on and seal it. Then place your sealed notes in the large manila envelope you received. Bring the manila envelope with you to the next Serra Club meeting on July 13th.
Our seminarians go on retreat with Archbishop McGovern starting the week of July 27th. This will be a great way to let them know that they are in our thoughts and that we’re praying for them! We will make sure all notes are available to be distributed to each seminarian during their retreat!
Contact Mike Knier if you have any questions or were not able to attend our June 22nd Club meeting. If you were not at the June 22nd Club meeting and want to write notes to our seminarians, below is the list of all 25, with the 8 new seminarians at the end of the list. Please bring your notes with you to the July 13th Club meeting or contact Mike Knier to make arrangements for him to pick up the notes from you.
Our seminarians go on retreat with Archbishop McGovern starting the week of July 27th. This will be a great way to let them know that they are in our thoughts and that we’re praying for them! We will make sure all notes are available to be distributed to each seminarian during their retreat!
Contact Mike Knier if you have any questions or were not able to attend our June 22nd Club meeting. If you were not at the June 22nd Club meeting and want to write notes to our seminarians, below is the list of all 25, with the 8 new seminarians at the end of the list. Please bring your notes with you to the July 13th Club meeting or contact Mike Knier to make arrangements for him to pick up the notes from you.
2026-2027 Seminarians
Deacon Caleb Kosch – St. Paul Seminary
Thomas Matya – North American College
Brian Johnson – Kenrick-Glennon
Andrew Nigro – St. Paul Seminary
Ethan Menning – Mundelein
Thomas LaSala – Mundelein
Casey LaMotte – Mundelein
Harrison Elhabbal – St. John Vianney
Stephen Driscoll – Kenrick-Glennon
Kyle Snodgrass – St. Paul Seminary
John Schroll – Kenrick-Glennon
Andrew Melliger – St. Gregory the Great
Peter Ginn – St. Gregory the Great
Samuel Wiegand – St. Paul Seminary
Max Brown – St. Gregory the Great
Michael Baumert – St. Gregory the Great
Jack Van Moorleghem – St. John Vianney
Ryan Allen – St. Gregory the Great
Sean Boyd – St. John Vianney
Jake Demuth – St. Gregory the Great
Joshua Franco – St. John Vianney
Isaiah Miller – St. Gregory the Great
Levi Riedel – St. Gregory the Great
Caleb Ridder – St. John Vianney
Lloyd Warren – St. John Vianney
Thomas Matya – North American College
Brian Johnson – Kenrick-Glennon
Andrew Nigro – St. Paul Seminary
Ethan Menning – Mundelein
Thomas LaSala – Mundelein
Casey LaMotte – Mundelein
Harrison Elhabbal – St. John Vianney
Stephen Driscoll – Kenrick-Glennon
Kyle Snodgrass – St. Paul Seminary
John Schroll – Kenrick-Glennon
Andrew Melliger – St. Gregory the Great
Peter Ginn – St. Gregory the Great
Samuel Wiegand – St. Paul Seminary
Max Brown – St. Gregory the Great
Michael Baumert – St. Gregory the Great
Jack Van Moorleghem – St. John Vianney
Ryan Allen – St. Gregory the Great
Sean Boyd – St. John Vianney
Jake Demuth – St. Gregory the Great
Joshua Franco – St. John Vianney
Isaiah Miller – St. Gregory the Great
Levi Riedel – St. Gregory the Great
Caleb Ridder – St. John Vianney
Lloyd Warren – St. John Vianney
All Serrans are invited to join us for the Archdiocese of Omaha Seminarian Send-Off Picnic on Sunday, August 2, at St. Patrick's Church in Elkhorn. Mass begins at 11:30 a.m., with a picnic to follow on the grounds honoring our seminarians and their families. Come send them off with prayer, food, and fellowship as they begin their new year of formation.
Please RSVP using the link on the invitation or email Kathie Weinfurtner knweinfurtner@archomaha.org so we can plan food and activities.
New this year: Immediately following the picnic, we'll hold our first annual Vocations Cup - a friendly bags (cornhole) tournament just for the seminarians, held right on-site at St. Patrick's. Come stay and cheer them on. It promises to be a fun new tradition and a great way to celebrate them before they head off.
Volunteers needed! We're looking for helpers with lunch service, greeting, and clean-up throughout the afternoon. Please sign up to volunteer below using the link provided.
Questions? Contact Adam Herink at 402-637-4845 or aherink@aftonenergy.com.
Please RSVP using the link on the invitation or email Kathie Weinfurtner knweinfurtner@archomaha.org so we can plan food and activities.
New this year: Immediately following the picnic, we'll hold our first annual Vocations Cup - a friendly bags (cornhole) tournament just for the seminarians, held right on-site at St. Patrick's. Come stay and cheer them on. It promises to be a fun new tradition and a great way to celebrate them before they head off.
Volunteers needed! We're looking for helpers with lunch service, greeting, and clean-up throughout the afternoon. Please sign up to volunteer below using the link provided.
Questions? Contact Adam Herink at 402-637-4845 or aherink@aftonenergy.com.
Serra USA Central Region Conference
Join fellow Serrans from across the Central Region for the 2026 Serra USA Central Region Conference, hosted by the Serra Clubs of Wichita, Reno County, and Southeast Kansas.
The conference will take place September 25–26, 2026 at The Vail by Hotel at Old Town, a beautifully remodeled historic hotel located in Wichita, Kansas. Conference check-in begins at 1:30 p.m.
This year's gathering is centered around the themes of Stewardship, Service, and Brotherhood, with the inspiring theme, “I Have Called You Friends” (John 15:15).
The planning committee, together with District and Regional Serra leadership, warmly invites Serrans throughout the region to come together for a weekend of fellowship, inspiration, and renewed commitment to supporting vocations.
The Central Region Conference provides an excellent opportunity to connect with Serrans from neighboring clubs, share ideas and best practices, and strengthen our collective mission of fostering vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life.
Learn more and register here: Serra USA Central Region Conference Registration and Information
The conference will take place September 25–26, 2026 at The Vail by Hotel at Old Town, a beautifully remodeled historic hotel located in Wichita, Kansas. Conference check-in begins at 1:30 p.m.
This year's gathering is centered around the themes of Stewardship, Service, and Brotherhood, with the inspiring theme, “I Have Called You Friends” (John 15:15).
The planning committee, together with District and Regional Serra leadership, warmly invites Serrans throughout the region to come together for a weekend of fellowship, inspiration, and renewed commitment to supporting vocations.
The Central Region Conference provides an excellent opportunity to connect with Serrans from neighboring clubs, share ideas and best practices, and strengthen our collective mission of fostering vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life.
Learn more and register here: Serra USA Central Region Conference Registration and Information
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.
+ In thanksgiving for the Priestly Ordination of Father Michael Figura...
+ For Brother Charlie Jarosik as he continues formation with the Capuchins in San Antonio, TX...
+ For all priests and religious that they find peace in their new assignments…
+ For health and strength for Fr. Craig Loecker…
+ 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 can be written in the binder at our club meetings, or you can email prayer requests to mpohlmanserraomaha@gmail.com.
Calendar of Meetings
and Events
July - August 2026
Past Communications
Sep 09, 2026
Mission Bell - Serra Club of Omaha - September 2026
September 2026 A Message from our Co-Presidents Dear Serrans, As summer comes to a close, and we head into fall, there is a lot happening at Serra and so much to be grateful for! In this issue of The Mission Bell, we look back... read more.
Aug 05, 2026
Mission Bell - Serra Club of Omaha - August 2026
A Message from our Co-Presidents Dear Serrans, As summer continues, our Serra Club remains anything but quiet. While summer may be a time to slow down, Serra continues to move Always Forward in our mission of promoting and... 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.