NEBRASKA CITY (SNR) – St. Mary Parish in Nebraska City celebrated its 150th anniversary Aug. 30 with Mass celebrated by Archbishop George Lucas, apostolic administrator.
The homilist was Father Mike Volkmer, C.PP.S., a native of the parish who celebrated his first Mass of thanksgiving in St. Mary Church June 9, 1968.
The 150th anniversary Mass, which parishioners could attend either in person, with social distancing, or via livestream, was the culmination of a year-long celebration in numerous ways.
Pastor Father Thomas Schultes described many activities that helped the parish mark the anniversary: “150 minutes for 150 years” evening Eucharistic adoration held on the 27th of each month – the anniversary date was Aug. 27; a fall pilgrimage to the home parishes of current resident priests; a candlelight feast day Mass for the Immaculate Conception.
Miraculous medals were distributed, cookies and candy bars were handed out after Mass for the Blessed Mother’s birthday and the church dedication anniversary, and commemorative t-shirts and ornaments were available.
Priests celebrated Mass for many of the parish’s deceased alumni clergy, and they also celebrated the ordination of “native son,” Father Brian Wirth. Father Wirth also celebrated his first Mass of thanksgiving in St. Mary Church.
“Events like parish birthdays, feast days, and building dedications are important events in a parish’s history, to connect the people at that event in that time, but also to connect to our ancestors who laid the foundation – sometimes literally – for our current day life as a parish community,” he explained. “Parishes exist for those in physical proximity to come together to worship our amazing God, in thanksgiving for the works of His Son, Jesus Christ. In this parish, we also honor our Blessed Mother for all she did in the life of Christ and in protection over our parish named in her honor.”
The first Mass celebrated in Nebraska City was in 1855. The early settlers – mostly of German and Irish descent – first established St. Benedict Church, St. Mary’s neighboring parish. St. Benedict Church is the oldest brick church in continual use in the state
The community decided to form another parish for English-speaking Catholics in 1869, and St. Mary Church was established in 1870. The first church building for St. Mary Parish was used until 1879. The current church was constructed in 1941 and dedicated in 1942.
The parish school, founded by the Benedictine Sisters in 1880, eventually merged with St. Benedict School. Up until 1963, St. Mary and St. Benedict operated separate grade schools, but the two were consolidated. Today, students from both parishes – and the area – are now served in grades preschool through 12 at Lourdes Central.
After Mass Aug. 30, the celebration moved to the parking lot of Lourdes Central, which allowed for more social distancing as parishioners enjoyed food, fellowship, games and a raffle.
The celebration has not really ended, however. A parish photo and history book is planned for the fall and winter. And a parish-wide consecration to St. Joseph is also planned, in conjunction with our parish feast day and the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX entrusting the universal church to the protection of St. Joseph.
Father Schultes thanked all the people who helped lead the celebration, and in particular the “unsung heroes” of the daily parish needs, such as those who empty the trash, clean the floors, put up and take down seasonal décor, those who work the rummage sale and cook meals.
“Please know you are so greatly appreciated,” he said. “In fact, we owe a bit of thanks to every single soul that has crossed over the threshold of our church buildings since 1870.”
