The Shepherd's Voice with Archbishop George J. Lucas: Recent Episodes
Archdiocese of Omaha
This podcast brings you conversations with Most Rev. George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha, as he shares his pastoral vision with the local Church: "One Church: Encountering Jesus, Equipping Disciples, and Living Mercy."
Ash Wednesday is here - which means Lent has begun! Archbishop George J. Lucas expands upon the holy season.
"Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. For gracious and merciful is he." - Book of Joel
We should not ritualize Lent, but find our own meaning and purpose.
What is Jesus offering you? Listen!
The 2022 priesthood ordination is happening Saturday, June 4, 2022 at St. Cecilia Cathedral. Two amazing transitional deacons will be ordained in the Archdiocese of Omaha. The episode is divided into 3 parts: (1) Archbishop Lucas talking about the importance of priestly vocations, (2) both transitional deacons explaining their experience throughout the seminary, and (3) a conversation with retiring priest Father Lloyd Gnirk. Congratulations to Deacon Brett Jamrog and Deacon Minh Tran! A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & Jimmy Carroll Editor: Jimmy Carroll Special Guests: Deacon Brett Jamrog and Deacon Minh Tran.
We are full swing into the Easter season. The Most Rev. George J. Lucas explains how Catholics can better experience and encounter the Lord in his Resurrection. He also explains the upcoming feast days in the liturgical calendar. And yes, Pentecost is Sunday, June 5! A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & Jimmy Carroll Editor: Jimmy Carroll
The Journey of Faith is a new Pastoral Planning initiative within the Archdiocese of Omaha. Over the past three years, some rural and urban parishes have already joined together in groupings served by one pastor and one or more associate pastors, and with a sharing of resources. A projected 24% decline in numbers of priests over the next 10 years, only 22% of Catholics in the pews for weekend Masses, and shifting populations in both rural and urban areas – all resulting in imbalances that threaten the long-term viability of parishes and schools. Learn more about the Journey of Faith at www.JourneyofFaith.org. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & Jimmy Carroll Editor: Jimmy Carroll
Lent 2022 is here! What is the true meaning of the smudge of ash on our foreheads? Most Rev. George J. Lucas gives us his thoughts on how Catholics can deepen their spiritual lives during the Lenten season. Recalling the words of Genesis 3:19 used during the administering of ashes, “Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return,” how does that verse really put this awareness into people’s minds as something that they can really reflect upon? A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & Jimmy Carroll Editor: Jimmy Carroll
Catholic Schools Week was January 30 - February 5 and all 70 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha are celebrating the greatness of their school, through fun activities and what it means to attend a Catholic school in Northeast Nebraska. Jimmy Carroll, Most Rev. George J. Lucas and Superintendent of Catholic Schools Vickie Kauffold talk about why Catholic Schools Week is vitally important to the well-being of administrators, teachers and students. It's a week to celebrate! Have a listen. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & Jimmy Carroll Editor: Jimmy Carroll
A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & Jimmy Carroll Editor: Jimmy Carroll (Digital Media Specialist at Archdiocese of Omaha)
2021 is coming to an end....but will 2022 look any different? Most Rev. George J. Lucas talks about families and friends gathering for important feast days during the Christmas season. Furthermore, the New Year brings Catholics more exciting feast days to celebrate. Keep the volume up as Archbishop Lucas reflects on 2021 and what 2022 will bring for the Archdiocese of Omaha. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & Jimmy Carroll Editor: Jimmy Carroll
The Advent season is here. Archbishop George J. Lucas shares his thoughts on the incarnation of Jesus in history and what his taking on human form means for us today. Merry Christmas and Blessings to all! A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & Jimmy Carroll Editor: Jimmy Carroll
On June 5, Archbishop Lucas led a special hour of prayer for vocations at St. Cecilia Cathedral—an hour which was intentionally planned for what would otherwise have been the annual Mass of Ordination. This year, however, there were no men to be ordained. The Church prays for vocations all the time, so why does it seem we're not getting an answer? In this episode, Archbishop Lucas tackles the question of how to foster priestly vocations and asks us to look seriously at what we each can do to help young people listen to the One who calls. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & David Hazen Editor: Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com)
How do we know the Holy Spirit is present? Do we believe that He is present and that we can experience Him? As we celebrate Pentecost, Archbishop Lucas encourages us to put the Holy Spirit to work, and to go (back) to Mass with all our desire wide open. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & David Hazen Editor: Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com)
Archbishop Lucas and David celebrate the joy of the Easter season with a conversation about how to stay amazed by things we've heard before. Each year, we hear the story of Jesus rising from the dead and we can become accustomed to it. We forget how miraculous that story really is! There is also a discussion on the dispensation from the Sunday obligation ending on Pentecost weekend, May 22-23, 2021 and the reasoning behind that. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & David Hazen Editor: Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com)
As we draw closer to Holy Week, Archbishop Lucas is posed the question, "Why did Jesus have to suffer?" This leads to a conversation on answering the problem of evil and why bad things happen to good people. If you've ever pondered this question or want to prepare your heart for Holy Week, this will be a thought-provoking listen. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & David Hazen Editor: Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com)
This Lent, Archbishop Lucas encourages us to "disconnect and reconnect"—disconnect from the perpetual outrage machine created by our current media and political climate, and reconnect to the Prince of Peace through His Body, the Church. "Disconnect" doesn't mean to bury our heads in the sand, but rather sifting more vigorously what media we consume and why, and what time we make for silence, for prayer, for others. "Reconnect" is an invitation to move closer (literally!) to those things that really give us life. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & David Hazen Editor: Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com)
This week, Archbishop Lucas introduces the Year of St. Joseph proclaimed by Pope Francis. He offers insights into the life of St. Joseph and how to lean into learning from and praying with the patron saint of the Universal Church this year. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & David Hazen Editor: Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com) Read Pope Francis' letter "Patris Corde": http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apostletters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap20201208_patris-corde.html
Archbishop Lucas shares how we can more fully enter into the celebration of Christmas in a year that has been strange and difficult. He also looks back on what 2020 has revealed about our individual and collective struggles to rely on Christ. We wish you and your families a blessed Advent and a beautiful Christmas! A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & David Hazen Editor: Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com)
How do Catholics remember the dead? Why do we pray for them? And what do these practices teach us about how we can live better lives here on Earth? Archbishop Lucas answers these questions and gives us practical ways for us to both grow in our faith and pray for those who we have lost. A production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Hosts: Most Rev. George J. Lucas & David Hazen Editor: Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com)
"Simple tolerance is easier, but the Holy Father is calling us beyond that to really create the bonds of social friendship within the human family." Archbishop Lucas offers an introduction to Pope Francis' latest encyclical letter, 'Fratelli Tutti'.
In America today, we hear people lament frequently about how divided people are. In the news media, we see and hear division constantly. Catholics, however, are supposed to be one--Jesus prayed that we would be one; we profess one faith, one baptism, one Lord. So what does it mean to be united with one another in a time of such evident divisions and disagreements? How do we engage in honest debate and discussion about matters of policy and morality without harboring uncharitable judgments against our fellow Christians?
As we mark the 4th of July, Archbishop Lucas tackles questions about the role of the Church in the political sphere. What does it mean to be a "faithful citizen"? How do we form our consciences? How should Catholics engage in public life? Discipleship demands that all Catholics work with others to build a civic society aligned with Catholic Social Teaching in which all people are able to reach their fullest calling in both personal and community life. The Archdiocese of Omaha has a number of resources available to help inform our political involvement at https://archomaha.org/faithful-citizenship/. Be sure to check out the small-group study guide on faithful citizenship here: https://archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Faithful-Citizenship-Manual-June-2020.pdf
Injustice. Violence. Division. The fallen-ness of humanity is obvious, and it can be easy to lose hope. But the formula for announcing the world's salvation is simple, says Archbishop Lucas: "The Holy Spirit and you." In this episode (recorded June 4, 2020), the archbishop reminds us that our mission is communion, and that it is possible. He also points out encouraging signs of the life of the Spirit here and now.
Archbishop George J. Lucas and communications manager David Hazen recall last year's ArchOmaha Unite celebration, where thousands of Catholics from across the archdiocese came together to ask for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Archbishop discusses how we see the Spirit at work now in very different circumstances, and how the encouragement experienced at that event can be very useful as we face the difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic.
We've seen unprecedented rises in the level of unemployment over recent weeks as many segments of the economy have ground to a halt. "It looks bad on a graph, but it's really a terrible experience for the people who are now out of work - those who may be furloughed, may be fired, without a clear sense of a path into the future for their own security and for their families," says Archbishop Lucas. The feast of Saint Joseph the Worker gives those of us who do have work the chance to appreciate it more fully, and should help us to notice and pray specifically for those who are suffering the loss of work at this time. Joseph is also a refuge and model for those who are facing the loss of gainful employment.
Archbishop Lucas gave this homily during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Cecilia Cathedral on April 11, 2020. Transcript: I wish a very happy Easter to all of you on behalf of Father Grewe, our pastor, my brother priests and deacons, and in my own name, the joy and the peace of our Risen Savior be with you. Thank you to all of you who are joining us via livestream on this holiest night of the year. We miss having all of you here at the cathedral. Such a beautiful liturgy has been prepared and it's such a privilege to celebrate it and a privilege to share it with you as we can, even as we all pray, asking God's mercy that before long, we can be delivered from the worst of the pandemic and can have the chance to come together again to celebrate all kinds of good things, but especially to celebrate the sacred liturgy together. I'm grateful that we've been able to bring these liturgies to you electronically these days of Holy Week, but I think we've all felt that we've been missing something as blessed as we have been to be together in this way. I know last evening when we celebrated the liturgy of the Lord's Passion and Death, that I missed being able to sit in the cathedra and watch so many people who always come here to the cathedral for Good Friday, missed being able to see each of them come forward and venerate the Lord's cross–so many different backgrounds, so many different kinds of piety, so many different stages of people in relationship to the Lord and to the church, but all welcome in the embrace of the crucified Lord. And tonight I miss in a special way what would have been the baptism of the elect here in the cathedral parish–those who have been preparing for the Easter sacraments, the others who are ready and anxious to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. We're missing the elect and these candidates in our parish churches all across the archdiocese tonight. Really, baptism is central focus of the liturgy of the Easter Vigil. So we're missing something, but of course the Lord is always offering us something. Always offering us an opportunity. I know when I'm performing the rites of baptism, –it's a great privilege to do that–I'm focused on what I'm doing. I'm focused on the one being baptized and others who are there witnessing it are also focused on the elect and focused on surrounding that person with prayer and with faith during the ceremony. Maybe tonight, then, since we're not participating in a baptism, we have the opportunity to think about ourselves, not to focus on someone else, but to recall our own Baptism, to recall the beautiful truth that we have been baptized into the death and resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity to reflect for a few moments on what this means for us. What does this fact that we have been baptized tell us about God? What does it tell us about ourselves? One of the things that it tells us about God–we've been baptized, you and I–it tells us that God has not given up on the human family, the family of Adam and Eve, and he's not giving up on you and me. We heard in the readings earlier in the liturgy how lovingly God created everything that we see in the world around us, but He gave special care in the creation of man and woman, creating them, creating us in his own divine image and likeness. But Adam and Eve turned their back on the plan of God, and we've all done that in turn. We created a separation between ourselves and God, but God's not ready to settle for that separation. God has not given up on the children of Adam and Eve. Rather, he claims us as his own sons and daughters. Through the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus, God's favor rests upon us and we receive in baptism promises of life in Christ, not only in this world, but eternal life in the world to come. Eternal life is ours if we'll take it. God's favor is on us if we'll receive it. You know on the day of your funeral and mine, the same symbols that are present on the day of baptism will be very evident then: the Paschal candle will be lighted and water will be sprinkled on our remains. And a white garment, recalling the garment of baptism, will be laid over our coffin as a sign to all present that once God has claimed us, once he has given us the promise of eternal life, he's not going back on his promise. We may turn away from God. We may sort of give up on that dignity that is offered to us as God's sons and daughters. But all through life, God's promise remains, and as long as we're open in some way to receive it, the promise is renewed again and again, and is renewed at the time of death if we are at all disposed to receive what God is offering us. God's not turned his back on us. He's claimed us. He never withdraws his favor. The fact of our baptism tells us something important about ourselves, and of course it's related to the favor of God that we enjoy. Now having been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are to see our primary identity as members of the household of faith. We have different vocations and different roles to play in life and in the human family and the family of the church. But we see ourselves first as sons and daughters of God and members of his household. We are entitled now to the inheritance that Jesus has won for us through the power of his cross and resurrection. In a sense we might say that we get to enjoy as baptized members of the church what Jesus himself enjoys as the glorified Son of God. We get to enjoy it up to our own capacity–Jesus has that perfectly–but everything that we can possibly take God gives to us in his son, Jesus Christ, this overwhelming inheritance that comes to the daughters and sons of such a loving father. Each of us now is eligible for the benefits of membership in the Holy Catholic Church. We're no longer outsiders. Through the waters of baptism, we pass from death to life, from darkness into light, and we are able then to enjoy the benefits of the other sacraments. Particularly, we look forward, having been baptized, to being confirmed, to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit; to be fed from the table of the Lord with his own body and blood; to be able to have our sins forgiven; to be anointed if we're sick or dying; and then to hear the call of the Lord in the Church to perhaps a vocation of service and witness in marriage or in Holy Orders. Again and again in our lives, the favor of God opens up to us once we have been baptized and have come into membership in the living body of Christ in the church. We're able to come to understand ourselves and as disciples of Jesus Christ, which means the Lord calls us by name and desires to have a deep personal relationship with each of us. He reveals to us the truth that we celebrate at this Easter vigil: that Jesus is alive and we encounter him in our Christian living, encounter him in the liturgy and the sacraments, but we encounter him in the details of daily life, too. We don't just think about him from a long time ago or remember what he did in ages past, but as disciples of Jesus, we have a living relationship with him here and now. And as his disciples, then, he sends us out to be his witnesses, to be known as his disciples, to be known by one another and those that we're just meeting, to be known by our faith in Jesus and by the good works that flow from our faith. Each one of us, then, having been baptized, having been incorporated into the body of Christ, each of us disciples of Jesus is responsible in some way for the mission of the church as the church proclaims the risen Jesus in our time and place. Those who have been ordained have special roles of leadership and service, it's true, but each of us is a full member of the church by baptism. Each of us has our rightful role. Each of us is responsible, we might say, for the health of the body of Christ in some way. It's easy enough sometimes to kind of stand back and criticize the church–the church should be doing this, or I'm mad at the church for that. And we should be able to give mature criticism of for what we experience in our life together in the church, and those of us in leadership should be ready to listen to that humbly. At the same time though, each of us needs to take responsibility for the holiness of the church, for the faith of the church, for the faithfulness of the church, for the charity that should always be a hallmark of the life of the church. It's the responsibility and the privilege that is given to us through our baptism. We take responsibility for the health of the body of Christ by living faithfully the commands of Jesus, by living up to our dignity as sons and daughters of God, and especially by making the charity of Jesus known and felt by the least among us in the community. On this Holy night in just a few moments, we have the privilege of renewing our baptismal promises, our baptismal profession of faith. Let this be a moment of gratitude to almighty God for choosing us, for adopting us. And let it be a moment of commitment to live now in freedom as God's beloved daughters and sons. May the peace of the risen Christ Mark your homes and your hearts during these Easter days. A blessed Easter to you all.
It can be easy to see the sacrament of penance as a chore, a sort of spiritual spring cleaning. But as we head into Lent, Archbishop Lucas invites us to see this sacrament as a path to freedom, as something great Jesus wants to do for us.
Archbishop Lucas reflects on his recent meeting with Pope Francis in Rome, and his subsequent trip to the annual March for Life with hundreds of young Nebraskans.
For National Migration Week 2020, Archbishop Lucas reflects on our Christian responsibility to face the needs of migrants and refugees. He acknowledges the complexity of the issues surrounding immigration and invites us to look at them in light of the Gospel first, and not simply according to common political categories. NMW2020 -- See also * Matthew 25: http://usccb.org/bible/matthew/25 * Catholic Charities Omaha - Immigration Legal Services: https://www.ccomaha.org/program-and-services/immigration-legal-services * The US bishops' Justice for Immigrants campaign: https://justiceforimmigrants.org/
There are many distractions this time of year, but during Advent and Christmas, the Church repeatedly points us toward Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom. How can we receive this announcement anew this Christmas? How do we see the glory of the Lord here and now, especially in the faces of the poor? "The Lord was very clear in telling us that in the kingdom of God, as we experience it now, he reveals himself to us in the poor, and in the lonely, and in the outcast, and that's where we're to look for him. And if we're open to seeing him there, again, if we're humble enough to meet him as he reveals himself humbly, then something very beautiful is revealed to us. We experience something very powerful." -- Archbishop Lucas
Archbishop Lucas reflects on gratitude and the Christian's vocation to stewardship: "The challenge of the Scriptures and of our Catholic faith is to begin with a stance of recognizing our dependence on God, of giving thanks and then making an offering to him without a lot of fanfare. We say to him in our own minds, and practically in our checkbooks, or by whatever means we have, '“This significant portion of what I have received I am dedicating to you and to your purposes, and you will help me see how best to make use of it.'" In this episode: * Reflecting on the very successful Ignite the Faith (https://archomaha.org/ignitethefaith) capital campaign (0:00 - 4:10) * The connection between thankfulness and stewardship (4:15 - 6:00) * The use of goods (6:35 - 12:55) * Practical acknowledgement of God's presence (14:00 - 18:00)
Archbishop George J. Lucas discusses the listening session he attended in Omaha on Nov. 2, in which local Catholics shared how they have experienced racism. The conversation took its themes from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ recent letter, "Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love - A Pastoral Letter Against Racism". Later in the episode, the archbishop reminds us that it's especially urgent to work toward the common good in what promises to be a polarizing and divisive election year. References: "Open Wide Our Hearts" PDF: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf "Civilize It" initiative: https://www.wearesaltandlight.org/civilize-it "Civilize It is about making room in your heart for those with whom you disagree. We are called to recognize that each one of us is a beloved child of God and to respond in love to that reality. Civilize It is a non-partisan call to focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward."
Many Catholics struggle to "get something" out of their experience of Mass, with huge numbers reporting (according to recent surveys) that they don't believe the Church's pivotal claims about the Eucharist. Archbishop Lucas offers an introduction to the practice of Lectio Divina, and discusses why and how praying with the Word helps us to receive the Word both spiritually and physically.
In our second Respect Life Month podcast, Archbishop Lucas talks about how Catholics are called to bear public witness to the Church's teachings on the sanctity of human life, and tackles questions such as: * How ought we understand the church’s commitment to the so-called “life issues”? * What do you see as the most urgent threats to human dignity here and now? * Do laws really make a difference? Do they really help people to have a greater reverence for human life? _Do you have questions or comments about this podcast? _Please share them with us at communications@archomaha.org (mailto:communications@archomaha.org).
October is Respect Life Month! For the first of two podcasts on that theme, Archbishop Lucas talks with Whitney Bradley, coordinator of the Archdiocese of Omaha's Respect Life Apostolate, about how she goes about encouraging fellow Catholics to give witness to human dignity. Editor's note: Please pardon some inconsistencies in recording volume. We encountered some unexpected technical difficulties; the next episode will be much improved. Special Guest: Whitney Bradley.
The Society of St, Vincent de Paul is dedicated to living mercy by accompanying people in need. In this installment of The Shepherd's Voice, Omaha council president Diane Mead joins Archbishop Lucas to talk about the concrete ways in which the Society shares the love of Christ with thousands of people throughout our archdiocese. See the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's annual report infographic here (https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Adba6d39f-4c15-4b50-af9c-9a1c048297da). For more info, visit svdpomaha.com (svdpomaha.com). Special Guest: Diane Mead.
In this mid-summer episode, Archbishop Lucas talks about - the display of faith evident at the ArchOmaha Unite event - the US Bishops' June meeting in Baltimore - how he sees the local Church after 10 years in ministry here - advancing the vision and mission of our Archdiocese, and the key role the laity play in sharing the Gospel
Spring may be wedding and graduation season, but it’s also ordination season. In this episode, Archbishop Lucas takes this opportunity to tackle important questions about fostering a culture of vocations, such as: What are the biggest challenges facing young men who might discern a call to the priesthood? How can young people grow in certainty about their vocations? We often hear talk of a “priest shortage,” but how do we know whether or not we have the right number of priests?
The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this episode, Archbishop Lucas talks about Mary as the "first, best disciple," and how to relate to her in the here-and-now, not simply as an important historical figure.
The Church has great riches to share with us during the celebration of the Triduum, says Archbishop Lucas. In this episode, he unpacks the Paschal Mystery for us and invites us to enter into these holy days with heightened expectations. Highlights: 0:00 - 4:27 - Holy Week as the pivotal point of the Church's calendar 4:28 - 7:08 (https://archomaha.fireside.fm/32?t=268) - Understanding Christ's love by walking the Way of the Cross 7:09 - 9:20 (https://archomaha.fireside.fm/32?t=428) - Why we don't celebrate Mass on Good Friday 10:22 - 15:13 (https://archomaha.fireside.fm/32?t=622) - Living the tension between the Cross and Resurrection; the meaning of suffering 15:14 - 18:14 (https://archomaha.fireside.fm/32?t=913) - The single most important fact of the Faith 19:05 - 21:51 (https://archomaha.fireside.fm/32?t=1145) - Being attentive and bearing witness to the Resurrection
During the month of April, communities across the country are encouraged to increase awareness and provide education and support to families through resources and strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect. In this episode, Archbishop Lucas discusses the Archdiocese's widespread efforts to foster safe environments. "I want our entire community of faith to know and understand how we strive to lead the way in protecting children." For more information about the Archdiocese of Omaha's Safe Environment programs, visit wordofhonor.archomaha.org (https://wordofhonor.archomaha.org).
Archbishop Lucas shares what he's heard and seen in his visits to the flood-damaged communities of our archdiocese. Please click here (https://archomaha.org/2019-flood-relief-collection/) to donate to our flood relief efforts.
Archbishop George J. Lucas explores the Gospel readings from Luke for the first two Sundays of Lent to help us immerse ourselves into this liturgical season. Highlights: * How Jesus faces down the devil, and what that has to do with our own temptations ("Just push the Father out of the way for a moment...") * Why the glory of the Transfiguration fits with this penitential season
We are flooded with communications. It's increasingly clear that the technology we rely on--social media, the smartphones we carry everywhere--can help us to build up real human communion and can just as readily thwart it. How can we begin to critically engage our relationship with media and technology? As Archbishop Lucas says in this episode, "We have to step back every so often like I’m doing with you now, and ask, 'What is this tool and how do I use it as a member of the body of Christ to deepen the bonds of communion?'"
"Because Jesus has sent us into the world to bring the light of the Gospel and to let it shine everywhere, the three bishops of Nebraska feel a responsibility to not only participate in the internal affairs of the church, but also to share the truth with our neighbors across this state," says Archbishop Lucas. "One of the ways in which we do that very effectively is through the work of the Nebraska Catholic Conference." The Nebraska Catholic Conference represents the Church in matters of public policy pertaining to four key areas of concern: human life and dignity, education, marriage and family life, and social and human development. Visit necatholic.org (http://necatholic.org/) for more information. LB 209 (Abortion Pill Reversal) fact sheet: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Abf8ca45c-ce33-42c0-8fda-c12a2573c3a2 LB 670 (Opportunity Scholarships) details: https://investinkidsnebraska.org/
In several parts of archdiocese - both metro and rural - populations have shifted or are declining. We also know that the number of active priests will continue to decrease over the coming years. It is easy to fall into a defensive posture: "How will we protect what we have? How are we going to keep our parish open?” But that isn't the attitude of the Gospel, which is always missionary.
Happy new year, and happy Feast of the Epiphany! "The coming of the Magi reminds us that there might be an opportunity to share Jesus with people who seem to us unlikely to be looking for him. It is God who creates an opening in the minds and hearts of others and we shouldn’t be reticent or stingy about sharing the joy of the Gospel." In this first episode of 2019, Archbishop Lucas talks about the importance of the Feast of the Epiphany (Jan. 6) and what it tells us about our mission as Christians.
In the face of challenges - those facing the Church, those facing us personally - it's easy to feel that God is distant from us. What the Church proposes, however, is that the Lord is near and that He enters into our particular circumstances. This time of year, our primary task is to ask for Him to come near, and to be open to how He wants to make Himself known to us. A few highlights: * [0:00] Celebrating Advent in times of difficulty * [6:19] "We talk about Jesus coming, so where is He?" https://archomaha.fireside.fm/24?t=379 * [9:05] "...Jesus is supposed to be so present in the Church, but I don't see Him..." https://archomaha.fireside.fm/24?t=545
In October, Archbishop George J. Lucas conducted listening sessions on the sexual abuse scandals with parishioners across the Archdiocese of Omaha. In this week’s interview, communications manager David Hazen speaks with him about what he learned at those meetings and his commitment to even higher standards of ministerial and personal conduct on the part of bishops and priests.
Archbishop Lucas is joined by Fr. Jeff Lorig to talk about the archdiocese's upcoming ArchOmaha Unite event.
On Oct. 17 the church celebrates the feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch (35 – 108 A.D.). In one of his letters, he wrote, “See that you all follow the bishop just as Jesus Christ does the Father,” and “Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop.” While we have talked a lot recently about the sins and failures of church leaders, Ignatius brings us back to fundamental questions: What is a bishop, and what is his vocation? In this episode, Archbishop Lucas helps us understand what it means to be charged with teaching, governing, and sanctifying the people of God in a particular local Church.
It is obvious that recent scandals in our church have demoralized, confused and wounded many of the faithful. How can we begin to move toward some kind of healing? Archbishop Lucas says, "This is precisely the time when we should be looking for Jesus and asking how we might come closer to him, how we might invite him into the places where individual people and the whole church are feeling burdened and broken." In this episode: * Why and how we need to beg for the grace of healing * How people are responding to Archbishop's invitations to prayer * An example of reparation for past hurts at Sacred Heart in Omaha * How the attorney general's request for files from the 3 Nebraska dioceses is a "moment of grace."
Archbishop Lucas addresses the twin evils of clerical sex abuse and the abuse of power in our Church. Highlights: * Acknowledging the problems, resolving to address accountability of bishops (0:00 - 5:00) * "I think it's fair to say the institutional Church has failed our people in this area." (5:15 - 5:48) * Ensuring a safe environment in the Archdiocese of Omaha through training, reporting, and cooperation with law enforcement (5:49 - 9:50) * Auditing and compliance with the Dallas Charter, archdiocesan Review Board (10:07 - 11:24) * What's broken in the system of reporting bishops' misconduct? (11:25 - 14:28) * Archbishop Lucas' experience in his previous diocese dealing with a bishop's scandalous conduct. (14:29 - 17:21) * Prayer as an active response to sin and scandal. Not just "pious talk". (18:03 - 22:15) * The challenge our seminarians face. Archbishop's conversation with them, expectations for formation (22:20 - 23:49) * Archbishop's instruction to seminarians: "Raise hell" if you see grave offenses against chastity. (23:50 - 26:35) * Be free and live in the truth. Don't cooperate with evil. Encourage one another in virtue. (27:16 - 30:46) * Archbishop offers a closing prayer for victims of abuse and for the whole Church. (31:33 - 33:07) This episode was recorded on August 24, 2018. _Abuse by a member of the clergy or another Church employee should be reported to law enforcement. Additionally, anyone concerned about the actions of clergy or any Church worker should contact our Manager of Victim Outreach and Prevention, Mary Beth Hanus, at 402-827-3798 or toll-free at 1-888-808-9055. _
In this month's episode, Archbishop Lucas chats with his predecessor, Archbishop Elden Curtiss, on the occasion of the latter's 60th anniversary of priestly ordination. Archbishop Curtiss recalls his own vocation to the priesthood, shares how his relationship with Jesus has grown over the years, and talks about some of the new challenges facing priests and seminarians today.
Archbishop George J. Lucas ordained three men to the priesthood on Sunday, June 3 at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha. This is the homily he preached, exhorting the newly-ordained to be shepherds after Christ's own heart.
"After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples were praying on the day of Pentecost. They then had a powerful experience of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Their response is striking and instructive: They went out the door of the place where they had been gathered, and they began to talk about Jesus. They used their own words, gave examples of their own life with Jesus, they witnessed their faith in him as the risen Son of God, and an amazing thing happened: People believed them." Archbishop Lucas expounds on the importance of this feast, and a brand new one established this year by Pope Francis which celebrates Mary, Mother of the Church.
Archbishop Lucas unpacks Pope Francis' latest exhortation, "Gaudete et Exsultate," pointing out first of all that we should actually read it (instead of just reading about it). The pope is very clear: Jesus wants to make a saint out of each and every person. Read "Gaudete et Exsultate": (https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html#SIGNS_OF_HOLINESS_IN_TODAY%E2%80%99S_WORLD)
The central question of the Easter season is the central question of our entire lives: Do we really believe that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead?
The first-ever RCIA class at the new JPII Newman Center saw 5 college students enter the Church this Easter. Archbishop Lucas talks with Fr. Joe Taphorn about the beautiful community of students that's growing on the UNO campus. Special Guest: Fr. Joe Taphorn.
Archbishop Lucas shares his hopes for those who are entering the Church this Easter, and invites all Catholics to take responsibility for these newest members of the family of faith.
The Church established by Our Lord is both a spiritual and a physical organism. We live out the Gospel and we proclaim and promote the Kingdom of God in this world. We do not do it in our imagination, and we do not do it in some totally spiritual world; we do it here. - Archbishop Lucas In this episode, Archbishop Lucas talks about the meaning of stewardship and how that is reflected in the Archdiocese of Omaha's annual financial report.
There's a lot talk about studies showing a rapid rise in the number of religiously non-affiliated young people -- the "nones" for short. But Archbishop Lucas recently attended two events which clearly demonstrate the zeal and faithfulness of large numbers of teenagers and young adults. He had the privilege of accompanying groups from our archdiocese at both the 2018 FOCUS Student Leadership Summit in Chicago--a conference which aims to train college students to evangelize their peers--and the 2018 March for Life in Washington, D.C. "We sometimes make the mistake of saying that younger Catholics are the 'future of the Church,' but anybody who is baptized is very much a part of the Church now. The Church depends on every baptized person, no matter their age."
January 7-13, 2018 is the USCCB's National Migration Week (#NMW2018). In this first episode of the new year, Archbishop Lucas and Fr. Scott Hastings discuss what it means for Catholics to welcome, understand, and accompany the immigrants and refugees living in our communities. Special Guest: Fr. Scott Hastings.
In the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent this year, Jesus tells us, "Watch!" This is difficult for most of us for whom--if we're honest--preparation for Christmas often feels more like a project than anything else. While getting ready to celebrate Christmas isn't a bad thing, we may miss what Jesus and His Church want to point out to us in the coming days, namely: 1. that we should watch for His coming now, in our everyday lives, 2. that we ought to prepare "in joyful hope" to meet Him at the end of our lives, and 3. that we're waiting for His triumphant return and the end of all things.
Lourdes. Fatima. Santiago de Compostela. Eternity. Archbishop Lucas offers reflections on his recent pilgrimage to several holy places in Europe, and how such a journey illuminates the earthly journey each of us must make.
Jesus tells us to go and "make disciples" of all nations, and thus our archdiocesan vision emphasizes the need for equipping them for their mission. In this episode, Archbishop Lucas tackles the question, "What makes somebody a disciple?"
Evangelization. Though we hear the word a lot, we often don’t have a clear grasp of its meaning. In this episode, Archbishop Lucas is joined by Jim Jansen, director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, to talk about the challenges we face in announcing the Good News. Highlights: - Says Jim, "Even though I served as a missionary for many, many years, I always struggled with that 'announcement' part." - Insights from the Divine Renovation Conference - Baking vs. dating: analogies for our mission Special Guest: Jim Jansen.
"The Father didn't send us a book of rules... but a Person." In this episode, Archbishop Lucas unpacks 'encountering Jesus' as the heart of our archdiocesan vision and the mission of the universal Church. Highlights: - Jesus is a real person, not our imaginary friend. - An authentic encounter should lead to an ongoing relationship. - Vocation is the work He has for us, and He isn't in competition with us. Jesus gives us a particular invitation designed for our flourishing.
Archbishop Lucas responds to Pope Francis' invitation for bishops and all of the Catholic faithful to take part in "Share the Journey," an effort to raise awareness and improve the lives of refugees and migrants. Highlights: The global campaign kicks off Sept. 27. That same day, Archbishop Lucas will hold a listening session with a group of immigrants and refugees at the Juan Diego Center in Omaha What the archbishop saw in the Bidi Bidi refugee camp in Uganda (pop. 300,000+) A few thoughts on DACA, love of neighbor, and exhorting Congress to find a just resolution to current immigration issues
Most Rev. George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha, discusses the Christian response to racism, hate speech, and similar forms of division in light of recent events in Charlottesville and elsewhere. "The Gospel has a response that is not simply reaction, but it's the response of the Gospel through the ages. It's important at this particular moment in our country that we focus the truth of the Gospel on this particular challenge." Dr. Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (PDF): http://okra.stanford.edu/transcription/document_images/undecided/630416-019.pdf US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism cover art: "The Good Samaritan" by Van Gogh