Lourdes Central teacher to receive St. John Cantius Award
Southern Nebraska Register
When Kris Lien reflects on his 26-year journey as an educator, he’s the first to admit it didn’t begin with a grand vision.
Raised on a farm, Lien said his parents – neither of whom were teachers – encouraged him toward a career that offered security.
“Growing up on a farm, sometimes you had good summers, sometimes you didn’t,” Lien recalled. “So security was something they really stressed in finding our future role.”
Teaching, they believed, offered that stability. At first, Lien’s decision to pursue teaching was tied to another passion – football.
“I wasn’t that great of a player, but I still loved the game,” he said. “So I wanted to ensure I had an opportunity to work within the passion of football somehow. And I saw teaching as being the easiest pathway to do that.”
What began as a practical choice became something deeper.
“As He does with all things, God made good out of something that was pretty imperfect by our human standards,” Lien said.
Lien’s first teaching position was at Fort Dodge High School in Iowa, where he spent 16 years. Raised Lutheran, he began exploring Catholicism during that time.
“I did not grow up Catholic. I grew up Lutheran – kind of JV Catholic, I guess, keeping the football theme going,” he joked.
As his faith deepened, he and his wife entered the Catholic Church, and Lien moved into Catholic education at St. Edmond in Fort Dodge.
At a public school, he said, “you really are handcuffed” when it came to being able to “speak openly about the truth and reality of God, of Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit,” he explained. “As I was starting my own personal faith transition, I knew I did not want that to be part of my reality anymore.”
A close friend later encouraged him to consider teaching in Nebraska City. This fall marks his sixth year at Lourdes Central Catholic School and his 26th overall in education.
Having taught in both public and Catholic schools, Lien believes Catholic schools allow students to ask the deeper questions of life. At Lourdes, students receive both a strong academic foundation and the freedom to explore faith.
“I love the fact that my own kids can go to a really awesome Catholic school like Lourdes and get exposure to the truths of our faith, as well as a good education in math, English, history. It’s not just about faith, although that is the most important thing.”
For Lien, teaching science provides a natural bridge between academics and faith.
“Within all of that is a pathway to deepen your understanding of God and build a relationship with Him. It’s His natural revelation. And that’s why I love it.”
He treasures times when faith conversations arise unexpectedly.
“I might have a plan for class, but then someone asks a question about the faith. For the next half hour, that’s what we’re exploring. By God’s grace, I’ve helped them come to a deeper understanding.”
When asked about validation as a teacher, Lien pointed to receiving the St. John Cantius Award.
“This literally came out of nowhere. It was not something I was ever wanting for,” he said.
Initially, he struggled with accepting recognition, but colleagues helped him see it was okay to accept with gratitude. Lien is quick to redirect praise, crediting mentors in Fort Dodge who taught him that creating joy in the classroom could be enough.
Above all, he thanks God for the gifts he has been given.
He also expressed gratitude for supportive administrators at Lourdes, for his wife who sacrifices time at home, and for his children, who see him as both a teacher and father in their school community.
“I’m sorry if I ever embarrass them,” he laughed, “but I truly love seeing them at school. It’s one of the little blessings I have as a teacher.”
Looking ahead, Lien is inspired by the growth of Catholic education, particularly classical liberal education.
“I think there’s more that can be done that will be even more fruitful for our students,” he said. “Within the Diocese of Lincoln, there are people and schools that are definitely on fire and ready for that. I’m excited to see where that goes.”
For Kris Lien, teaching began as a practical career choice. Over time, it has become a vocation – a way to serve God, his family, and his students. His recognition as the Diocese of Lincoln’s Secondary Educator of the Year is not just a personal honor but a testament to the quiet impact of faith-filled teaching – day after day, conversation after conversation, classroom after classroom.
Lien will receive his award Oct. 12 at the third annual “Saints & Scholars” dinner to celebrate Catholic schools, educators and benefactors in the Diocese of Lincoln. All are welcome to attend. See www.goodshepherdscholarship.com for more details.
