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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 affirming vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
This month’s Mission Bell highlights the momentum of our Club. You’ll find recaps of our July meetings and a summary of the recent Serra International Convention which is inspiring to see how Serrans around the world share the same commitment to supporting vocations, reminding us that our local efforts are part of a much larger international mission. The wonderful Seminarian Send-Off Mass and Picnic were held August 2 - tune into next Month's Mission Bell for those highlights!
Looking ahead, we encourage everyone to join us on August 10 as we celebrate Always Forward Member Day. Whether you have been a Serran for decades or recently joined our club, this special gathering is an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our shared mission, and continue moving forward together.
Then, on August 24, we are especially blessed to welcome our own Chaplain, Fr. Harry Buse, as our program speaker. Fr. Buse has faithfully supported our club through his leadership, guidance, and prayers, and we know you will enjoy hearing his reflections.
You’ll also find information about the upcoming Serra Central Regional Conference, our calendar of events, and prayer requests. You are encouraged to keep these intentions close in your daily prayers.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the Serra Club of Omaha. Each invitation you extend, every seminarian or religious you encourage, every rosary you pray, and every meeting you attend helps strengthen the culture of vocations within our Archdiocese. Together, we continue to make a difference.
May God bless you and your families, and may St. Junípero Serra continue to inspire us as we joyfully move Always Forward.
*Recent Serra Club Events*
Monday, July 13th Club Meeting
Speaker: Fr. Richard Reiser
on the Art of Iconography
Co-President Michele thanks Fr. Reiser following his presentation.
After the presentation Serrans were able to join Fr. Reiser in the church sanctuary to view the icons in person.
Our club met at St. John Vianney Church, the location of several icons written by Fr. Richard Reiser, who joined us for lunch and gave a presentation on iconography. Father explained that the purpose of iconography is to draw viewers into the realm of the holy and invite them into contemplation. He described icons as being “written” rather than painted because, through Jesus, the Word entered the material world to draw humanity into the divine. In the same way, an icon is “written” because God speaks, and creation comes into being.
Like Creation, the process unfolds in stages. It begins with a wooden panel covered with muslin cloth, which is embedded onto the wood like a skin. The image is then built up in layers, beginning in darkness and becoming progressively lighter with each layer. Finally, gold leaf is added to represent Holy Heaven. Fr. Reiser explained that, unlike paintings, icons are not signed by their creators because they are not expressions of an artist’s individual vision but are draw from earlier images and prototypes.
Fr. Reiser displayed the three panels he wrote, titled Christ in Glory with All the Saints, identifying many of the figures chosen for their personal significance, connections to St. John Vianney Parish and to the state of Nebraska. Images included St. John Vianney, St. Cecilia, Venerable Fr. Flanagan, and St. Patrick, along with the traditional figures of Mother Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Baptist. Fr. Reiser invited us to notice the expressions on the faces, especially the eyes, which seem to draw the viewer into prayer.
Fr. Reiser’s presentation offered an interesting and inspiring look at the meaning behind icons, encouraging us to enter more deeply into prayer when encountering them.
For those unable to attend, click below for the link for his presentation.
Like Creation, the process unfolds in stages. It begins with a wooden panel covered with muslin cloth, which is embedded onto the wood like a skin. The image is then built up in layers, beginning in darkness and becoming progressively lighter with each layer. Finally, gold leaf is added to represent Holy Heaven. Fr. Reiser explained that, unlike paintings, icons are not signed by their creators because they are not expressions of an artist’s individual vision but are draw from earlier images and prototypes.
Fr. Reiser displayed the three panels he wrote, titled Christ in Glory with All the Saints, identifying many of the figures chosen for their personal significance, connections to St. John Vianney Parish and to the state of Nebraska. Images included St. John Vianney, St. Cecilia, Venerable Fr. Flanagan, and St. Patrick, along with the traditional figures of Mother Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Baptist. Fr. Reiser invited us to notice the expressions on the faces, especially the eyes, which seem to draw the viewer into prayer.
Fr. Reiser’s presentation offered an interesting and inspiring look at the meaning behind icons, encouraging us to enter more deeply into prayer when encountering them.
For those unable to attend, click below for the link for his presentation.
Monday, July 27th Club Meeting
Speaker: Dcn. Bart Zavaletta
Skutt High School Guardians
Deacon Bart Zavaletta joined us to speak about the Guardians, a spiritual fraternity for young men at Skutt Catholic High School.
The group’s mission is to form young men through prayer, study, and fraternity so they may grow in an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, from which their mission and vocation can flow.
The group’s mission is to form young men through prayer, study, and fraternity so they may grow in an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, from which their mission and vocation can flow.
He said each meeting begins with Oremus pro invicem, Latin for “Let us pray for each other,” and centers on three objectives: prayer through the Liturgy of the Hours, study of the Catholic faith, and fraternity.
He shared that early in his time at Skutt Catholic, he noticed a lack of interest among students during Mass. This inspired him to create a group that would help young men support one another in becoming more intentional with their faith.
He recruited nine freshmen to become the first Guardians, recognizing that friendship with one another could strengthen their friendship with God. As he noted, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the character of his friend.”
He shared that early in his time at Skutt Catholic, he noticed a lack of interest among students during Mass. This inspired him to create a group that would help young men support one another in becoming more intentional with their faith.
He recruited nine freshmen to become the first Guardians, recognizing that friendship with one another could strengthen their friendship with God. As he noted, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the character of his friend.”
Guardians Luke Stolinkski and Bryson Macaitis, Deacon Bart, and Serra Club of Omaha Co-President Mike Knier (left to right)
The Guardians take part in service projects, mission trips, and pilgrimages. Deacon Bart also shared testimonials from former Guardians Fr. Michael Figura and Fr. Matthew Pohlman, now priests of the Omaha Archdiocese.
Serra Club of Omaha Members Attend
the Serra International Convention
Omaha members in attendance included Greg and Mary Lynn Schwietz, Mike Knier, the new Serra International President - Margo Geddie, Sally and Tim O’Neil, and Mark Bonkiewicz
Six members of the Serra Club of Omaha traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the 83rd Serra International Convention, joining more than 220 fellow Serrans representing Clubs located in nine different countries from around the world! Hosted by the Serra Club of Indianapolis, this convention offered a rich opportunity for spiritual growth, inspiration and fellowship with Serrans dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
The convention featured a line up of renowned speakers, including Cardinal Thomas Collins (Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Toronto), Archbishop Charles Thompson (Archdiocese of Indianapolis), Fr. Michael Keucher (Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis), Eric Augenstein, (past Vocations Director of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis), Fr. Jeff Dufresne (promoting Hispanic Community
vocations), Fr. John Hollowell, Sr. Joni Luna (Congregation’s Director of Vocations) and Mark Yaconelli (writer, retreat leader and Spiritual director).
The convention featured a line up of renowned speakers, including Cardinal Thomas Collins (Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Toronto), Archbishop Charles Thompson (Archdiocese of Indianapolis), Fr. Michael Keucher (Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis), Eric Augenstein, (past Vocations Director of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis), Fr. Jeff Dufresne (promoting Hispanic Community
vocations), Fr. John Hollowell, Sr. Joni Luna (Congregation’s Director of Vocations) and Mark Yaconelli (writer, retreat leader and Spiritual director).
The Serra Club of Omaha also received special recognition. Co-President Mike Knier accepted an
award on behalf of our club for its generous contribution to the Serra International Foundation,
qualifying as a Padre Club member for a donation of $3,000 - $4,999.
Tim O’Neill, Past International President and Board Trustee, leads attendees in Serra’s Global Rosary for Vocations. This is a program Tim started in 2016
and he has led the rosary internationally on the last Saturday of the month for 10+ years!
One important Serra International Bylaw reference that was approved by the delegates at this convention is to add the following to Article II Objectives and Purposes: “to encourage and affirm vocations to the ministry of the permanent diaconate in the Catholic Church”. More information on this important change will be coming in the near future.
The Serra International Convention is a profound opportunity for spiritual enrichment, formation and connection. With workshops, keynote speakers,
daily liturgies and available Holy Hours, it allows Serrans to continue building a culture of vocations in their clubs and communities.
The Serra International Convention is a profound opportunity for spiritual enrichment, formation and connection. With workshops, keynote speakers,
daily liturgies and available Holy Hours, it allows Serrans to continue building a culture of vocations in their clubs and communities.
Save the Date: The next Serra International Convention will be held in Rome, Italy, June 24-27, 2027. Mark your calendars - you won’t want to miss it!
*Upcoming Events*
Monday, August 10th Club Meeting
Always Forward Members’ Day
August is the month of wrapping up summer vacations, resuming routines, fresh starts and new faces. And whether we are returning from a break or beginning anew, we are moving forward.
“Always go forward and never go back,” St. Junipero Serra said. As a club, we’ve adopted this motto—not as a call to constant change, but to persevere in faith and mission.
“Always go forward and never go back,” St. Junipero Serra said. As a club, we’ve adopted this motto—not as a call to constant change, but to persevere in faith and mission.
So, we are looking Forward and want to do so together as a Club on Monday, August 10th. The following are some of the things in store for you:
- Update your member photo
- Review your involvement in Club programs by revising your “Count On Me" volunteer form
- Meet the new seminarians and learn about the Adopt-a-Seminarian program
- Give feedback on luncheon speakers
It’s an Always Forward Members Day, just for you!
Monday, August 24th Club Meeting
Speaker: Fr. Harry Buse
Club Chaplain
We invite you to join us at our August 24th meeting where we will have the privilege of hearing Fr. Harry’s “Reflections on Fifty Years of Ordained Ministry.”
Fr. Buse has been a priest in the Archdiocese of Omaha since 1977, serving in both rural and urban parishes before retiring in 2021. His career has been marked by a deep involvement with parish life, Catholic organizations, and archdiocesan boards, as well as service to fellow priests.
Fr. Buse has been a priest in the Archdiocese of Omaha since 1977, serving in both rural and urban parishes before retiring in 2021. His career has been marked by a deep involvement with parish life, Catholic organizations, and archdiocesan boards, as well as service to fellow priests.
We are grateful to have him as our Serra Club of Omaha Chaplain for the past three years.
Please join us for what promises to be an inspiring look into a vocation journey marked by dedication to holiness, generous service to parish communities, and true Christian charity for brother priests.
Please join us for what promises to be an inspiring look into a vocation journey marked by dedication to holiness, generous service to parish communities, and true Christian charity for brother priests.
*Serran Opportunities*
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.
+ For the seminarians as they return to their seminaries for a grace-filled year of formation...
+ For the repose of the soul of Jerralyn Jarosik, mother-in-law of Serran Deb Jarosik...
+ 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
August - September 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.
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.