Welcoming Blake Vajgrt As Our New Parish Catechist

We want to offer a big welcome to new Parish Catechist Blake Vajgrt — but it’s actually a combination of “welcome” and “welcome back”! Blake and his wife, Kellie — both Nebraska natives — are moving to the area from Emporia, Kan. Blake hails from Seward and Kellie from Holdrege.

Although they’ve spent time living in several cities in Kansas, before settling and becoming part of the community at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Emporia — where Blake had served as Director of Evangelization for about four years — both are really glad to be coming home to the Cornhusker State.

“There’s just no place like Nebraska,” Blake says. “We feel that in our bones. We’ve just always known we wanted to come back here.”

Ever since Blake and Kellie met at Concordia University here in Nebraska and married, they have been open to following God’s will.

“We have given God all of the small moments, and the Holy Spirit has always led us to the next place,” Blake says.

For Blake, taking the role of Parish Catechist here at St. Peter even has a beautiful story behind it. Having grown up in Seward, Blake wasn’t really familiar with St. Peter Catholic Church. His niece, Clare, wanted to use her birthday money to light a candle. Clare and Blake’s mother ended up at St. Peter, where they lit a candle and struck up a conversation with Fr. Eric Clark. This brief, but friendly and hospitable interaction with Fr. Clark led to Blake and his family visiting St. Peter a few more times for Mass. They got to know Fr. Clark a little better, and, one time, Kellie came right out and said, “If you ever have an opening here for Blake, let us know.” Fr. Clark replied, “Keep your eyes open in the next few weeks. We will be hiring.”

Blake Vajgrt and his wife, Kellie

“If my niece, Clare, hadn’t given Fr. Clark that money for lighting a candle, all of this may have never happened,” Blake says.

Blake and Kellie are staying with Blake’s family for a bit while looking for a house in the St. Peter boundaries. They can’t wait to be back in the Diocese of Lincoln. Blake is excited to be doing this work at St. Peter Catholic Church, which is home to many strong ministries and programs.

“This is such a vibrant parish — we noticed that right away,” Blake says. “Everyone is smiling and happy to be there. I can’t wait to be able to contribute to that.”

Blake’s faith has really flourished through praying Lectio Divina, which is a form of contemplative prayer while meditating on Scripture. He hopes to introduce this prayer form to more people at St. Peter. He also wants to make sure our young people know what it means to be Catholic.

“The youth play a part in the greater landscape of the church,” he says. “We want to help them find their role. They have a special place here.”

An athletics enthusiast and a lifelong Husker and Denver Broncos fan, Blake loves to play sports, walk, lift weights and just be active. He also enjoys chopping wood. Blake looks forward to being back in the snow in the winter.

So, let us all offer a big welcome — and welcome back — to Blake and Kellie Vajgrt!