The Ryan Foundation recently donated $1,000,000 to St. Benedict Catholic Church of Nebraska City in May of 2022.
St. Benedict Parish was founded in 1856. The brick church structure finished in 1860 is the oldest Catholic Church in the State of Nebraska. Since its founding, St. Benedict has sought to share the Love of God with those in the greater Nebraska City community, reaching out to the marginalized and forgotten, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. This mission spirit has stood the test of time and the parish continues to serve and empower the under-served. The congregation has continued to grow over the years, and currently has 200 registered families from 7 different countries of origin. Mass is offered in Spanish and English each week, and the church is continually adapting their programs and outreach to serve its neighbors in the Kearney Hill neighborhood.
St. Benedict Catholic Church of Nebraska City requested $1 million from the Ryan Foundation to build a new space to gather as a parish family and host outreach events to better serve the community. Currently, outside of the actual worship space, the parish only has the church lobby, a small outdoor plaza, and a small school cafeteria that is inaccessible to anyone with any mobility issues. The proposed St. Benedict Parish and Community center will fulfill one of the biggest needs, providing a space to gather as a parish family for fellowship and enrichment, and will allow the parish to continue and expand their mission.
As building costs have increased, the St. Benedict community is continuing to fundraise for this project and hopes to break ground in the Spring of 2023.
For more information from St. Benedict Catholic Church of Nebraska, please visit their website.