Offering Congratulations and Welcoming Newest Members of Our Parish

This month, we welcome our newest Catholics who have participated in the RCIA process and entered into our faith. We extend to them our warmest congratulations and welcome, from our entire St. Leo’s family!

Kaelan Michael Kent Anderson

My name is Kaelan Michael Kent Anderson and I was born in Central City, Neb. I grew up outside of New Prague, Minn. with my parents, John and Diane Anderson, and my younger brother, Chris. I currently reside in Central City with my wife, Alexa, and our dog Emmy Lou. We are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby Anderson who will join us in August! I am a seed production agronomist for Syngenta Seeds in Phillips, Neb. I did not grow up with religion, but I have always believed in and been interested in a higher power. Over the last few years, I’ve also really been looking for something to guide me through life that offers an example of how I should carry myself as a person. A few years ago, I was also blessed to meet Alexa, who introduced me to the Catholic Church and has been my guide and support along the way, along with her family and many others.

The RCIA process has been very helpful in introducing me to the background and structure of the Catholic faith. It has also given me a support group from which I have learned a lot, both from members of the church and other candidates. It has taught me ways to improve in my study, prayer, and overall understanding of what it means to have faith and follow Jesus. I chose Peter as my Confirmation name.

I have felt welcomed in so many ways. People have affirmed my choice to become Catholic after Mass and at church gatherings, including people who I don’t even know. People have also taken the time to offer their knowledge and perspective of faith to me as needed. Everyone is always so inviting and excited to share.

Kaelan Michael Kent Anderson

Alex Asche

My name is Alex Asche and I am from Elkhorn, Neb. I was born in Omaha and we moved to Columbus, Neb. I am a math teacher at GISH and am married to my wife, Shelby. We have a son, Liam.

I grew up Lutheran and my wife grew up Catholic. I had family friends that were Catholic and I always admired the religion. I wanted my family to grow up with God as part of their lives, so when my son was born, I made more of an effort to find a place of worship.

The RCIA process has given me insight into what it means to be Catholic, its beliefs, teachings and practices. I chose Matthew as my Confirmation name.

The parish community has been very friendly to me and my family. There are great people here to help me and my family get closer to God. I have felt comfortable coming to church every Sunday and have enjoyed the services.

Alex Asche

Melissa Kay Sack

My name is Melissa Kay Sack and I am from Dannebrog (St. Paul area), Neb. My dad is from Norway and my mother is from Denmark. I grew up Lutheran. I am married to my husband, Ryan, and we have two children, Isiah and Kaylee. I work in Accounts Payable in Heartland Ag Systems.

I wish to be Catholic, because of my marriage to my husband and our kids are baptized Catholic.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the RCIA process and have learned a great deal, not only about the Church and God, but also about myself. I chose the name Matilda as my Confirmation name.

I feel so welcomed by everyone at St. Leo’s — they always have a friendly greeting.

Melissa Kay Sack

Deidre Jensen

My name is Deidre Jensen and I am from Mandan, N.D. I grew up with my mom, Susan, dad, Aaron, and younger sister, Rachel. My dad is Catholic and my mom is Lutheran, so we went to both churches, back and forth for the holidays, but mostly Lutheran. When Vince and I got married, it was at my Lutheran Church in Bismarck, but when I moved here to Dannebrog, all his family went to Sts. Peter and Paul Church so that is where we have been attending now for years. I work for Good Samaritan Society Home Health Care in Grand Island as the Admissions Coordinator. I have been with them for 12 years. I wanted to know more about the Catholic church since I have been going to one for many years. At this time in my life, I want to work on my relationship with God and Jesus, and to be a better person for myself and my family.

The RCIA classes have been very important to me, I have learned so much and I find them very interesting.

Everyone has been so nice and welcoming to me and my family. Strangers stop us to say “hello” and welcome us to the church. I have gotten hugs and nice words from so many. Before, I was always scared (nervous to go to a Catholic Mass because I didn’t understand things and I would stick out and be judged, but that never happened at St. Leo’s).

I chose my Confirmation name, Bertha, because I had a great aunt named Bertha. I always thought she was a wonderful woman and I learned after looking her up that she was related to the Duke of Lorraine, and Lorraine is my middle name!

Deidre Jensen