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The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal helps to build One Church throughout the Archdiocese of Omaha. Your support of the annual appeal directly impacts parishes, schools and ministries throughout northeast Nebraska as they work to become missional communities. It also ensures that the Good News and mercy of Jesus Christ spread beyond the walls of our parishes and schools.

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Stories of Mission

Deacon Don Blackbird

Deacon Don Blackbird’s not a mechanic. But the St. Augustine Indian Mission principal’s ministry to those in need often involves a blanket on the ground and a tire jack in hand. 

 

“That's where you'll find me a lot is lying on the side of the road, changing tires,” said the career educator and novice mechanic from Hubbard. 
 
The self-giving example of so many saints fuels Blackbird’s drive to help others through adversity, whether they’re students at his school, men striving for a sober life or a stranded motorist. 

 

“Wherever God puts me, I'm trying to be present in that moment and put aside what I think I have to be doing to simply be what God needs me to be.” 

 

His parents modeled lives of service to their community, and his education at the school he now leads fostered his Catholic faith. 

 

Currently 24 men are being formed by the Archdiocese of Omaha to join Blackbird in the permanent diaconate, helping extend Christ’s mercy to others. 

 

“God has blessed me with people to help me be creative and learn how to find solutions to obstacles that are placed in front of me,” he said.  

Karen Eischeid

Karen Eischeid encourages any parent whose child is discerning a vocation to “leave it to the Holy Spirit,” as difficult as that might seem. 

 

“There are situations when you think you should do something, but it’s not you. It’s God.” 

When Karen’s son Zach was 10, he told her he thought he might be a priest. 

 

“Inside, I was just jumping for joy,” Karen said. “From that day on, I prayed every day that he knew what his vocation would be.”   

 

The Elgin family had a strong devotion to the Divine Mercy, but Karen won’t take credit for Zach’s vocation. She knows it was between God and Zach, who was recently ordained a transitional deacon for the Archdiocese of Omaha, his first step into ordained ministry.  

 

While Karen is thrilled Zach answered God's call, as a mother, “there were always things that I worried about.” She is grateful that the archdiocese’s vocation office has been there for Zach – and her – on his road to the priesthood. 

Archdiocese of Omaha Annual Operating Budget Revenue Sources 2023-2024

The goals for the 2023-2024 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are $5 million and 20% participation.

Appeal Impact at a Glance

  • 230,000: Catholics served in our 23 counties 
  • 280,000: People who receive food assistance from Catholic Charities annually 
  • 18,780: Students attending an archdiocesan Catholic elementary or high school 
  • 24: Men in permanent diaconate formation 
  • 10-12: Events held each year to foster vocations 
  • 1,500: People prepared for a baptism by the Hispanic Ministry Office annually 
  • 100+: Graduates of the mentorship program within the past three years 

 

2022-23 Annual Appeal by the Numbers 

  • $412: Average household gift to the Annual Appeal 
  • 32%: Percentage of the archdiocesan budget that the Annual Appeal funds 
  • 11,471: Households that contributed to the Annual Appeal 

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Now, more than ever, our experience as One Church invites us to recognize that everything we have is provided to deepen our faith and to bring us closer to Jesus and to one another. Take the Holy Spirit up on the gifts that are being offered to you. We know that to use those gifts means to help others take a step in the direction of Jesus and a fuller life in him.

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