Past Events

Every home a safe haven… that is the goal of Safe Haven Sunday, a movement inspired by the United States’ Bishops 2015 Pastoral Response to Pornography, Create in Me a Clean Heart.¹  The US Bishops recognize that the impact of pornography is far reaching.  In the words of Archbishop Charles Chaput, “Pornography is a problem and is causing great confusion in our culture, marriages, homes and faith communities. Children are the most vulnerable; their brains are still developing and are most impressionable.^”2   
READ MORE 
(page 24 of the January / February 2023 WNC Magazine)

Join us at weekend Masses March 5, 2023 to pray together in support of parents, the protection of youth, and the building of safe havens within every domestic church.

One in four people will be affected by a mental health problem at some point in their lives, yet the stigma surrounding mental health silences many and prevents faith communities from responding compassionately and effectively (The Sanctuary Course for Catholics).  May is Mental Health Awareness Month and May 15 is the Feast Day of St. Dymphna, patron saint of nervous and mental disorders.  Find ways to provide outreach and promote awareness in the month of May HERE

Pope Francis Prays for Those with Mental Illness and Victims of Suicide

"I would like to remember our brothers and sisters who suffer from mental illness, and also victims – often young people – of suicide. Let us pray for them and their families, so that they are never left alone, or discriminated against, but instead are welcomed and supported."

Angelus on World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2021

• Checking phone, email, or social media accounts without permission
• Frequent put-downs, especially in front of others
• Separation from friends or family
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive outbursts, temper, or mood swings
• Any form of physical harm
• Possessiveness or controlling behavior
• Pressure to engage in sexual activity or forced sexual contact.

The Diocesan Chid Protection Office entry in Stuhr Museum's Fantasy of  Trees Exhibit is now on display.  The theme of this year's tree is Heroic Virtue.  The tree features ornaments hand-crafted from recycled office supplies  including outdated CDs, cardboard shipping boxes, newspapers, scrap paper, and discarded transparency film. 

Children need heroes, but not the kind that have superpowers.  Children need adults in their lives who live their vocation... adults who are on the path to sainthood... adults who exhibit heroic virtue.   Living a life of heroic virtue does not entail being perfect, but rather striving to live a life of virtue despite sinful tendencies and temptations.  Children imitate adults who live lives of heroic virtue, not because they never fall, but because, through the grace of God, they don't stay down when they fall.  When we strive to exhibit heroic virtue we not only create a safe environment for our children, but teach them how rise up, brush off the dirt, and move forward.  


View the tree now through January 3, 2023 at The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 US-34, Grand Island, NE.     For more details on the exhibit go to:   https://stuhrmuseum.org/experience/current-exhibits/fantasy-of-trees/

Learn more about Heroic Virtue here.

Time of Lament and Hope: Join the bishops in reflection and lament in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This special program was designed in cooperation with Spirit Fire ministry and includes reflections from Cardinal Joseph Tobin and a survivor, and prayer. This will be offered during public session of the November Plenary on Tuesday November 15th. The best estimate is sometime between 4:00 and 5:00 pm Eastern Time.  Final agenda on the USCCB homepage www.usccb.org .  
WATCH HERE:  https://www.usccb.org/plenary-assembly-meeting-november-14-17-2022

Healing Masses:

June 1, 2022 10:00 AM MDT - St. Patrick's Chadron

June 12, 2022 10:00 AM MDT - St. Patrick's Sidney

To join the Mass via livestream go to:
https://www.facebook.com/Diocese-of-Grand-Island-CPO-106138805462926

Find worship guide here

Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt will be celebrating a Mass for Healing and Reparation on April 19, 2020.  This annual mass during Child Abuse Prevention Month offers prayers of healing  and reparation for all affected by abuse.   Please join us at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 112 South Cedar, Grand Island, Nebraska, on Tuesday, April 19, at 5:15 pm or pray along with us via livestream at:  https://www.facebook.com/CatholicDioceseofGrandIsland/ or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGUv8gOMByRuNm-tsrE0NQw

Download Worship Guide HERE

"Violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified. Violence in any form-physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal is sinful; often, it is a crime as well." 
USCCB, When I Call for Help, 2002.

Domestic violence is a hidden scourge on our families and communities. Those who are victimized often keep it a private matter for various reasons: fear, shame, well-intended efforts to preserve the family. Aggressors, if they even recognize their problem, are not likely to have it addressed. Yet it touches many, and knows no boundaries of race, social class, ethnicity, creed or age (most victims are first abused as teens). Statistics suggest one in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and three in four Americans are reported to know a victim, though most episodes are not reported to the authorities. Although the majority of victims are female, an estimated 15% are males.
read more at USCCB Life Matters

The Catholic Bishops of the United States affirmed their stance against domestic violence, and their support for victims of domestic violence, in their 2002 statement, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women, an updated version of their 1992 statement.
read more at USCCB When I Call for Help

What’s the difference between normal conflict and domestic violence? Conflict is part of every intimate relationship–that’s why conflict resolution skills are important. Domestic violence, however, has no place in a healthy relationship, whether the couple is dating, cohabiting, engaged, or married.
read more at USCCB For Your Marriage

Around the globe, governments have implored residents to stay home to protect themselves and others from the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19. But for domestic violence victims—the vast majority of whom are women and children—home is a dangerous place.
read more at Catholics for Family Peace

Help is available. 
Go to The National Domestic Violence Hotline  (https://www.thehotline.org/) 
Call  1-800-799-SAFE (7233)  or  911 for emergency assistance.

For support within the Church and help finding local resources call our Victim Assistance Ministry at 1-800-652-2229