Category: General

Looking In From the Outside

Do you remember filling out a survey back in February? Many Catholics across the globe took part in a survey for a 2023 Bishops synod (conference) that would help Bishops understand the state of their flocks. My fiancé was part of the team for our Archdiocese who compiled our answers and assessed them. One general reaction they had I found striking: Every age group feels that parish programs are excluding them. EVERY age group thinks that the parish programing is excluding THEM.

Most of us are experiencing a phenomenon of looking in from the outside. I assure you that I can sympathize with this, and am possibly the cause of it. This is an opportunity for self-reflection. What lies do I believe that prevent me from participating in the life of my parish? Whether it is thinking a different age group would not benefit from your witness, that you are not educated enough to participate in a group, that no one else is having an experience of loneliness in practicing their faith, or that parish involvement is limited to school and youth groups- you have believed a lie.

I remember when I was child being upset that a neighbor had not invited me over to play in the sprinkler. Only when it was over did I learn he had invited no one, they had just come.

Demons want you to feel isolated, alone, and misunderstood. Your life has a purpose, and you have a story to share that others need to hear. Our lives bear witness to Christ in our midst. Taking part in a parish community involves getting to know others, sharing our experiences, and hearing their experiences. Sharing our lives together is not an option for a parish- it is a given for a Christian community to thrive. Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2 describes the first Christian community:

“And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2: 43-47 RSV

So what part do you have to play in the story of salvation? Only God knows the full answer. What I can tell you that it is from the inside looking out, not the outside looking in. You never know what impact you may make from joining a small group or going through a parish study. Certainly, if your only communal exercise is the Mass, then you are missing out.

Do you know someone involved with a small group? That Man is You? The Lady’s Guild? Return? Alpha? Ask them what their experience has been like and if you would enjoy it. If it has enhanced their life, it is certainly worth looking into.

If you don’t know where to begin, I want to personally invite you to The Search. This parish-wide study is for everyone. I was impressed with the level of conversation at our first meeting last week. Whether it is for you or not it is your style, it is a place to start. Please feel free to join us for any of the upcoming sessions:

The Search 6:30 p.m. St. Joan of Arc Cafeteria. Join us for a video and discussion with food. Upcoming dates: September 22^nd, October 6^th, October 13^th, October 20^th, November 3^rd, November 10^th.

Peace in Christ,

T.J. Simpson
Director of Evangelization

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

• Parishioners at STM will begin in the gym & process to the church at both Masses
• Parishioners at SJA will receive palms in the church at both Masses

Archdiocese Chrism Mass

• Monday, April 11th, 11:00 am at St. Cecilia’s

Holy Thursday – April 14th

• 7:00 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper at both churches

Good Friday – April 15th

St. Joan of Arc

• Noon -Rosary
• 12:30 pm -Stations
• 1:00 pm – Tre Ore (Last 7 Words of Christ)

St. Thomas More

• Noon -Tre Ore
• 3:00 pm -Stations

7:00 pm Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at both churches

Holy Saturday -April 16th

• 8:30 pm Vigil Service at both churches

Easter Sunday -April 17th

• 8:00 am Easter Mass at both churches
• 10:30 am Easter Mass at both churches

Director of Evangelization

Description

Midtown Catholic is a family of parishes in the center of Omaha, Nebraska. Starting in 2020, St. Thomas More and St. Joan of Arc parish came together and share a pastor, parish office, and staff. We are looking for an energetic Director of Evangelization who will help the pastor create and implement a Clear Pathway for discipleship for our parishioners and anyone who is interested in joining the Church. The Director of Evangelization will report directly to the pastor and give support to our coordinator for religious education and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, as well as a number of small groups and ministries.

Duties

• Developing and supporting evangelization initiatives in both parishes
• Building a Clear Path of Discipleship and create and support teams leading each step of the path
• Building relationships with school leaders and teachers to find ways to help them grow spiritually
• Work with school leaders to find ways to help parents grow spiritually
• Directly support coordinators of Religious Education, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, junior high and high school ministries
• Recruit, train, and support small group leaders
• Attend Senior Leadership Team meetings and collaborate with SLT members to execute team decisions. Identify and develop leaders who can help lead evangelization efforts.
• Reports directly to the pastor

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Enthusiastic worker with an openness and desire to learn new skills
• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church
• People person who does not mind meeting and speaking with new people
• Ability to work either with a team or independently with little direct supervision
• Previous work in Evangelization preferred
• Experience leading small groups and classes

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Philosophy, Evangelization, or related field preferred.

Must be Safe Environment certified and background check completed or complete within first month of employment.

Application Instructions
Send resume and cover letter to Eric Keisling, Director of Finance and Operations, at ejkeisling@midtowncatholic.church

Understanding what it means to be a Christian man is harder than ever in our world today. The Midtown Catholic That Man is You group gives men clarity about their identity and purpose around what it means to be a husband, a father, a son, and a brother to other men.

The group of men watch a thirty-minute video every week and discuss what they learned and how it might impact their lives. It is a forum where men get together hoping to learn something from one another’s life experiences. It is a group of “Good Men Trying to Get Better”. 

There is no obligation to speak up in the group.  You are welcome to just sit and listen. 

All men are welcome from any parish, any background, or faith.

The group meets every Saturday at 6 a.m. in the St. Thomas More cafeteria. Each session normally concludes around 7 a.m.  Please enter through the door on the West side of the cafeteria. 

Coffee and donuts are provided. 

Any questions, please call Jerry Hassett at 402-650-0360.