St. Mary Parish in Orleans stands as a testament to the faith and perseverance of Nebraska’s early Catholic settlers. The first Mass in the area was celebrated in a dugout home in 1874, and just a few years later, in 1878, the first Catholic church in southwestern Nebraska was dedicated there.
By 1898, the Orleans community’s dedication led to the construction of the stone church that still serves as a place of prayer and worship today. The parish serves approximately 50 families. Father Maurice Current is pastor.
For nearly 150 years, generations of parishioners have built and sustained a strong Catholic presence in the Republican Valley. From its earliest days on the frontier, through years of growth, challenges, and countless blessings, St. Mary Parish has been a home of faith, family, and vocations. All are invited to pilgrimage to this site and the eight other Jubilee Pilgrimage sites across the Diocese of Lincoln.
SNR photos | Corbin Hubbell
