A beautiful modern church in Omaha

I spent Saturday in Nebraska, where I gave a talk to some of the deacons of Omaha and their wives. It was a glorious autumn day, and the welcome couldn’t have been warmer. The experience was enhanced by being able to take a quick look at the church of the parish that was hosting us: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont, Nebraska.

It sits in the middle of what New Yorkers would consider wide open spaces. Most of what you see on the approach consists of cornfields and sky.

[img attachment=”124433″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6463″ /]

The church is huge, with offices, a parish hall and abundant space. A big school sits across the street. It’s clearly designed for a growing community.

[img attachment=”124434″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6464″ /]

The interior blends both the traditional and the contemporary.

[img attachment=”124435″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6465″ /]

Here’s a closer look at the sanctuary.

[img attachment=”124441″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6467″ /]

The stained glass windows are lovely and flood the space with color and light.

[img attachment=”124436″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6470″ /]

I liked this greeting above the main entrance.

[img attachment=”124437″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6475″ /]

This statue near the front door offered another welcome—and seemed to invite people to sit with Jesus.

[img attachment=”124438″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6476″ /]

[img attachment=”124439″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6478″ /]

Oh, and St. Patrick was there, too.

[img attachment=”124460″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6473″ /]

These signs were on every door.

[img attachment=”124461″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6480″ /]

I’m impressed. Well done, Omaha. I’d love to come back.

Meantime, my short visit to Nebraska was blessed in many ways above and beyond the ecclesial.

My hosts—Deacon Tim Leininger and his wife Ruth—could not have been kinder or more generous.

[img attachment=”124463″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6452″ /]

They took me out for a memorable dinner at an Omaha landmark, Johnny’s Cafe.

[img attachment=”124464″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6462″ /]

Joining us were Deacon James Keating and his wife Mary Ann—a Brooklyn girl!

[img attachment=”124465″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6455″ /]

A good time was had by all. Thank you, Nebraska, for making this New Yorker feel at home amid the cows and corn.

[img attachment=”124466″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”img_6488″ /]