COMPLETE THE VISION
A campaign for Saint Cecilia Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Omaha Archdiocese. Saint Cecilia Cathedral
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts and grateful spirits.
You have blessed us abundantly with the gift of faith and entrusted us with the care of this sacred place, our Cathedral.
Grant us the wisdom to be faithful stewards of all You have given and to use our resources wisely and generously so our Cathedral may continue to be a beacon of hope and light.
May our Cathedral continue to always be a welcoming place of prayer and worship and a haven for all who enter its doors seeking to encounter You.
May this campaign be a spiritual journey that unites us as a community and deepens our commitment to the mission Your Son has given us.
Bless our gifts and contributions and make them a reflection of our love for You and a testament to the importance of this holy sanctuary.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son.
Amen.
COMPLETE THE VISION
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Initiative 439 is a proposal that would insert a right to late -pregnancy abortion in our state constitution. I am urging all Nebraskans, especially Catholics, to vote AGAINST Initiative 439. The proposal uses vague and abstract terms that would expand elec tive abortions well into the second and third trimester. It also risks eliminating fifty years of widely supported and common -sense health and safety laws intended to protect women and babies from unsafe and coercive abortion practices. Initiative 439 creates a culture of abortion that is simply too extreme for Nebraska.
Cecilia
As shepherds of our faith community, it is with great joy and anticipation that we share with you an important opportunity for us to come together as stewards of our faith to support the construction of an outdoor plaza and memorial garden at our cherished Cathedral.
In contrast, Initiative 434 was launched by medical professionals to provide some baseline protections in the state constitution for unborn babies beginning in the second and third trimester. While imperfect in its protection for all babies, this proposal provides an important step forward in safeguarding Nebraska laws enacted to ensure the health and safety of women and babies. I am asking Catholics to vote FOR Initiative 434, especially as a defense against the morally problematic Initiative 439.
Our Cathedral is much more than a building of brick and mortar. It is a sacred space where generations have gathered to worship, find comfort, and celebrate the sacraments. It holds a special place in the hearts of many, serving as a symbol of our journey of faith and the enduring presence of God in our lives.
The original vision of architect and designer Thomas Rogers Kimball included an outwardly focused plaza and gathering area at our west main entrance that was never completed.
As early voting begins soon, please take some time to learn more about why Initiative 439 would be bad for Nebraska. You can do so by visiting www.voteAGAINST439.com. I also call Catholics to take courageous action. Defeating Initiative 439 will take each and every one of us talking to family, friends, fellow parishioners and other Nebraskans and urging them to also vote AGAINST Initiative 439.
In the pages that follow you will find information describing the once-in-a-generation opportunity we have before us. “Complete the Vision” is our opportunity to build a new and welcoming plaza and garden, which will become a gathering space for Catholics as well as the Omaha community. These new elements will also celebrate the pillars of our faith community, our Archdiocese, and our Parish.
Stewardship is not merely about financial contributions. Stewardship is about embracing our sacred responsibility to care for and nurture the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. It is about recognizing that everything we have comes from God and responding with gratitude and generosity.
We rely on God’s help and ask for the Blessed Mother’s intercession for the protection of Nebraska’s women and babies.
May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and may He continue to watch over and protect our Cathedral and all who worship within its sacred walls.
With prayers and gratitude,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha
Most Reverend George J. Lucas
Archbishop of
Omaha
│ │
Reverend Jeremy Hans, Cathedral Rector and Pastor, Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish
Saint
Cathedral
HISTORY
On a site selected as one of the highest points on the Omaha horizon, Cathedral construction began in 1905 and the Church was consecrated in 1959. During these 54 years we experienced the Great Depression and two world wars which limited funding and construction. Regular services have taken place since November 1917.
Famed Architect and Designer Thomas Rogers Kimball died in 1934 and did not live to see the Cathedral completed. Kimball’s original vision included an extension to the west façade to create an embracing and welcoming space to the then westward expansion of the city.
Kimball conceived the Cathedral in a Spanish Renaissance Revival design in an age when European gothic designs were most common. Today the Cathedral remains an artistically striking and physically imposing structure that instills a strong sense of pride within the Archdiocese of Omaha, Saint Cecilia parishioners and the greater Omaha community.
“We have been given a great legacy in our beautiful Cathedral. However, the vision of its architect, Thomas Rogers Kimball, has never been completed. His hope was to have a welcoming plaza where people could gather. Now is the time to make this happen. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to see that his vision is fulfilled.”
- Rev. Michael Grewe Former Pastor and Rector of Saint Ceclila Cathedral
The Cathedral is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as an Omaha Local Landmark.
In 1940, after decades of fundraising efforts still left the Cathedral construction coffers short of funds, Fr. Edward Hunkeler asked his parishioners Fred Cotter, John Fitzpatrick, and J. Francis McDermott to serve as chairmen of the “Dollar a Month” collection plan. Working through block captains, the money collected was to be used to pay for the marble to cover the still bare red brick pillars.
Block captains each went door to door in their areas collecting the small weekly donations. “We literally walked our fool heads off,” said one captain, “But we paid for a lot of marble.”
Over eighty years later, we are called to step up and do our part to be Cathedral Builders, like generations before us, and leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
“Since my parents moved our family to Saint Cecilia’s parish in 1952, I’ve personally witnessed the never-ending work of building the Cathedral of Northeast Nebraska. I stood in the crowd watching the capping of the towers and the subsequent blessing of the bells by Msgr. Graham, the consecration of the Cathedral by Archbishop Bergan in 1959, and the renovation of the interior of the Cathedral in 2000. Over the years, I’ve also learned the meaning of community by witnessing firsthand that Saint Cecilia’s Cathedral is more than a monumental work of art, it’s also a place where people embrace one another as family. A family of love, support, compassion and faith. Truly, here live the “Living Stones” upon which Christ’s Church is built.”
- Bob Gerken, Parishioner
THE PARISH OF SAINT
CECILIA CATHEDRAL
Saint Cecilia Parish was founded in 1888 and today the Cathedral serves as the Mother Church for 230,000 area Catholics and over 900 families that call Saint Cecilia Cathedral their parish home.
Saint Cecilia Parish School, a prior Blue Ribbon academic excellence winner, provides academic and religious formation for 273 students preschool through 8th grade. In addition, 125 students are enrolled in parish religious education programs.
Saint Cecilia has produced generations of alumni who remain proud and thankful for the formation they were provided.
OUR ARCHDIOCESAN HOME
The Cathedral is known as the official seat of the Archdiocese and the designated “home” for the Archbishop, who serves as the main presider and celebrant. The Cathedral hosts numerous services and events including priest and diaconate ordinations, baccalaureate Masses, Catholic Schools Week Mass and other liturgical services throughout the year. Most importantly, the Cathedral serves as a sacred space for our faithful to experience and enrich their lives through prayerful reflection and celebration of the
The Cathedral is home to the annual Flower Festival, hosted by Cathedral Arts Project (CAP). CAP hosts multiple music and arts events at the Cathedral, adding thousands more to our estimated 80,000 to 100,000 annual visitors.
Photo Credit: John Derry
OUR MISSION TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY IS ACTIVE
AND VIBRANT
In addition to Archdiocesan, sacramental, and educational responsibilities, the Parish is actively involved in serving the needs of our community.
Our many service and social groups fulfill the temporal needs of those in most need in our society. Thousands of individuals and families have felt the healing touch of our faith in action, regardless of their affiliation with the parish or church. Anyone in need who knocks on our door finds comfort.
“I joined Cathedral, not just because the building is beautiful, but because there is a sense of the beauty of God, and the church and the people who are here. There is a true sense of service here, not just to our parishioners, but to our community. I am overwhelmed by the sense of pride I feel about this place, and I am awestruck with the incredible beauty and grandeur of the Cathedral. It is humbling to be part of this place.”
- Sheila Graham, Parishioner
OUR NEEDS
EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE:
The exterior of the Cathedral is in need of maintenance to the stonework and concrete for the safety of our visitors. The accessible ramp at the south entrance does not meet today’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, requiring it to be removed and rebuilt.
CATHEDRAL PLAZA:
Based on Kimball’s renderings, we have designed a new and respectful outdoor gathering space for services, reflections and performances. The plaza will serve as a prominent welcoming to all who enter and include a cornerstone courtyard, fountain and other educational elements recognizing the collective impact of the parishes and leaders across the Archdiocese of Omaha and Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish.
CATHEDRAL GARDEN:
The existing parking lot directly west and across 40th Street will be landscaped to include educational reflective spaces recognizing the legacy of the Archdiocese. Traffic calming elements will also be installed along 40th Street to improve pedestrian safety.
The expanded plaza and garden will create improved gathering spaces for religious services, weddings, graduations, and other community events hosted at the Cathedral.
OUR VISION
A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL:
The design of the plaza presents an opportunity to complete the vision of Cathedral architect Thomas Rogers Kimball. The plaza, garden, and streetscaping together provide a place that compliments and encourages beautification in the Joslyn Castle neighborhood and improves one of Omaha’s most prized historical landmarks.
FOSTERING UNITY AND FELLOWSHIP:
By expanding the plaza gathering areas to the west, we create opportunities for our community to come together in worship, fellowship, and service. Whether through shared liturgies, sacramental celebrations, or charitable initiatives, an expanded Cathedral will foster deeper connections among our parishioners and neighbors, uniting us in our shared commitment to living and practicing our faith.
PRESERVING ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE:
The architecture of our Cathedral is a testament to the skill and devotion of those who came before us. Adding the plaza and garden thoughtfully and respectfully expands our uses in harmony with the existing Church architecture.
The plaza and garden honor a rich legacy and ensure that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and sanctity of our sacred spaces.
“Five generations of McCarthy/Goggins and four generations of Fogarty/Donohoes have been baptized, prayed, taught, married and buried at Saint Cecilia Cathedral and schools. On behalf of all families who went before and at the nudging of the Holy Ghost, we are delighted to support this magical, majestic gift to generations to come.”
- Ed Fogarty,
Parishioner
“Cathedral Arts Project and Brother William Woeger gave me an understanding of the founding bishops, the architect, the artisans, the benefactors, and countless parishioners whose visionary ideas and generosity provided this magnificent landmark as a beacon not just for Catholics, but for all of our city’s citizens. I welcome the opportunity to join that long line of dedicated builders and parishioners to complete the vision of Thomas Rogers Kimball. The current plaza project promises to enhance 40th Street as it welcomes the public into the inspiring sacred space of Saint Cecilia Cathedral.
- Kate Bradley, Parishioner
CATHEDRAL PLAZA AND GARDEN COST ESTIMATES
Exterior Repairs, 40th Street Improvements, Lighting, etc.
Plaza Construction
Garden Construction
Accessibility Ramp Construction
Fees, Permits, and Professional Services
$896,000
$3,750,000
$1,893,000
$461,000
$502,000
10% Contingency $712,000
GRAND TOTAL $8,214,000
“Joyce and I and each of our five sons have such a special attachment to the Cathedral and the wonderful community that is centered around it. We consider ourselves very blessed to have lived in this faith community since 1984. We and our sons have shared in the many Sacraments offered in the Cathedral. The people we have come to know are as beautiful and inspiring as this architectural wonder.”
- John Pasarelli, Parishioner
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We cannot achieve this vision alone. Your financial support, whether through monetary donations, sponsorships, or grants, will make a tangible difference to turn Kimball’s original vision into reality.
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY DONATED.
We are grateful and appreciative to the early supporters of this project and wish to thank the Archdiocese of Omaha for helping underwrite the professional costs associated with this project.
HOW TO GIVE
God has blessed each of us with this faith of ours, and we should each reflect on and pray about how we can steward our blessings to draw more of our brothers and sisters into friendship with him. This campaign offers such an opportunity.
CASH
Donating by check, online, or by bank transfer may be the quickest and most convenient way to give.
STOCKS
Transferring stock offers the opportunity to save on capital gains and income taxes and allows you to deduct the value of the stock at current market rates regardless of your original purchase price.
QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS FROM YOUR IRA/RMD
Those over 70.5 years of age can make charitable donations paid directly to Saint Cecilia Cathedral from their IRA account and avoid personal income tax liabilities. Individuals 72 years of age and older may consider making their required minimum distribution (RMD) payable to Saint Cecilia Cathedral.
DONOR ADVISED FUND
Charitable contributions to your donor-advised fund can easily be transferred by submitting Saint Cecilia Cathedral information to your fund representative.
REAL ESTATE
Gifting real estate to Saint Cecilia Cathedral can be accomplished by working with staff and advisors prior to making a transfer. Gifting real estate offers tax advantages, avoids capital gains, and allows you to claim the current fair market appraised value of your property as a tax deduction.
PLEDGES
Making a three or four-year pledge to Saint Cecilia Cathedral can spread your gifts over time.
MATCHING GIFTS
Consider asking your employer if they offer matching gifts.
REMEMBER A LOVED ONE
Please talk with a staff member to recognize a loved one in perpetuity at Saint Cecilia Cathedral.
ESTATE GIFTS
“I am constantly in awe of the people of St. Cecilia, who gifted this amazing building to us. My generation has never been asked to do something like this for our children and grandchildren, as well as our community; now it’s our turn.”
- John Wees, Parishioner
Name Saint Cecilia Cathedral as a beneficiary in your will by listing a specific gift, property, or specific amount of money or stock. Name Saint Cecilia Cathedral as a beneficiary in your insurance policies, IRAs, and other investments. Consider transferring paid-up insurance policies into the Saint Cecilia Cathedral name.
“As a proud alumnus of both Saint Cecilia Grade School and Cathedral High School, and now having the honor of representing my beloved childhood parish on the Omaha City Council, I am thrilled to support the Cathedral Plaza and Garden Project to ensure our beautiful and historic Cathedral remains the anchor and pillar of our community for decades to come!”
- Danny Begley, Omaha City Council
“At the heart of this project lies the restoration and enhancement of a historic piece of Omaha architecture: Saint Cecilia Cathedral. The plaza and memorial garden will provide residents and visitors with a tranquil retreat in the middle of a bustling city – a place where everyone feels welcome. By preserving and elevating the city’s architectural and cultural heritage, we enrich the fabric of our community and unlock new opportunities for tourism and economic growth. The Cathedral Plaza and Garden project, with its blend of history, artistry, and scenic beauty, has the power to captivate visitors from near and far, enticing them to explore all that Omaha has to offer.”
- Deborah Ward, Executive Director, Visit Omaha
“A long-time, devoted and dedicated Saint Cecilia parishioner once suggested to me that the plaza and garden is one of the many ways we can leave a lasting legacy. After much dreaming and discussion, now is the time for action.”
- Rev. Norm Hunke, Former Pastor and Rector of Saint Cecilia Cathedral
GIFT RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES
CATHEDRAL PLAZA | $1,500,000
CATHEDRAL GARDEN | $1,000,000
CORNERSTONE COURTYARD | $500,000
GOOD SHEPHERD COURTYARD | $500,000
FOUNTAIN | $250,000
THE DAIS | $150,000
GATHERING WALL | $100,000
COMMEMORATIVE
PARISH STONE | $100,000
ARCHDIOCESAN
SEAL | $75,000
PILLARS OF FAITH | $50,000 each
• Father Flanagan
• Mother Mary Magdalene Bentivoglio
• Padre Juan de Padilla
• Religious Orders
• Priests of the Archdiocese
• The Laity
• Saint Katherine Drexel
OUTDOOR SEATING | $25,000
LANDSCAPED AREAS IN GARDEN | $10,000
Reverend Jeremy Hans Cathedral Rector and Pastor jjhans@archomaha.org
North 40th Street Omaha, NE 68131
402-551-2313 www.stceciliacathedral.org
