ABOUT US
The mission of St. Mary's Parish is to proclaim the
Good News of Jesus Christ by worshiping God in word and Sacrament.
We provide on-going opportunities for growth in the Catholic Faith so that the Risen Christ may become more real for each one of us, enabling us to go forth and be leaven in society. We are all to become Holy Disciples on the path to heaven. In the midst of a welcoming community we learn the teachings of our faith by celebrating Word and Sacrament as we grow in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Father Brian Connor
Pastor
Fr. Brian Connor: our new pastor, comes to us from North American Martyrs parish in Lincoln. He was ordained in 1989. He has served in several parishes throughout the diocese, including St. Francis Center and as a past superintendent of Aquinas High School. We welcome him.
Father Tony Schukei
Assistant Pastor
My name is Fr. Tony Schukei, I am excited to be assigned to St. Mary ’s and Assumption parishes as the new parochial vicar. I was born and raised in Norfolk, NE. After high school I moved to Lincoln while studying Landscape Architecture at UNL. Once I finished my studies at the University, I decided to stick around Lincoln and worked for a few years before I found my way to the seminary. I completed my first two years of study at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, NE and concluded my seminary formation with four years at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. on May 28, 2022, I was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. I look forward to meeting you all soon
Fr. Michael Ventre: our priest in residence, hails from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was ordained in 2015 and was most currently pastor at Presentation Parish, rural Bellwood. He will be Administrator of Aquinas High School and assisting at St. Mary ’s with weekend Masses. Welcome!!
Ranil Weerackoon: entering his third year of theology at Mount St. Mary ’s Seminary in Maryland this fall. Ranil grew up in So. California, but after moving to Nebraska for graduate studies in sports statistics at UNL, he discerned the call to the priesthood for the Diocese of Lincoln. He enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, tennis, and ping pong. Ranil will be at St. Mary’s for the summer before he returns to Mount St. Mary ’s where he will be ordained a deacon in May of 2023 and a priest in May 2024.
Heather Oltmer
Parish Secretary/Office Manager
Heather has been the Parish Secretary/Office Manager since May 2019.
Heather was born and raised in David City, NE. She is a graduate of Aquinas High School and attended Wayne State College obtaining a Counseling Degree in 2004.
She did some work for Child Protective Services and Haven House(a women's shelter) during her college years.
After college she worked on the Corporate and Agency side of the insurance industry for 15 years.
Heather is married to Adam and they have 5 children, AJ, Avery, Anthony, Andrew, & Alyvia.
In her free time she likes to indulge in spiritual reading, enjoys playing board games with her family, and dabbles in photography.
402-367-3579
Sr. Mary Kansier, M.S.
Evangelization Coordinator
Sr. Mary Kansier is a Marian Sister from Waverly, NE. After professing her vows in 1986, she taught for 14 years, worked at the Diocesan Education Technology office for 16 years and is now working at St. Mary’s as the Evangelization Coordinator. Currently enrolled in the Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence School of Spiritual Direction, she looks forward to spiritually supporting women of all walks and encouraging growth in prayer and discipleship. Outside of work, Sr. Mary enjoys praying, spending time with other Marian Sisters, reading, and coloring.
Parish Council
Paul Gahan
Jennifer Hein
Andrew Buresh
Sharon DeWispelare
Andrew Daro
Cherie Kobza
Members serve a three-year elected term as a parish representative who supports and advises the pastor and works for the continued unity and success of all organizations within the parish. Meetings are often held the last Monday of every month. Parishioners are invited to contact a council member with any questions or concerns.
St. Mary's
Assumption
Chuck Andel, Kevin Andel, Jerome Andel, Lori Focher, and Sharon
Kovar & Michelle Woolsey