Archdiocese of Omaha

Welcome to the Archdiocese of Omaha, where the faithful live both in the ancient tradition of Roman Catholicism and the young, unique heritage of northeastern Nebraska. The archdiocese’s vibrancy is rooted in diverse ethnic and cultural heritages extending from farms and ranches to towns and city centers.

The Archdiocese of Omaha originally covered all of Nebraska and Wyoming. Today, its territory includes 23 northeast Nebraska counties and an area of 14,051 square miles.

The general population of the 23 counties is approximately 889,000 and the Catholic population is about 220,000 people.

The archdiocese includes (see Fact Sheet for summary):

    • 147 parishes and missions

    • 286 priests (201 diocesan priests and 85 religious priests)

    • 197 deacons

    • 325 religious sisters and 25 brothers

    • 26,000 students attend two Catholic universities, 58 elementary schools
      and 18 high schools within the Archdiocese

    • Another 18,000 elementary and high school students receive instruction through
      parish-based religious education programs

Service agencies, including Catholic Charities, have made the Archdiocese one of the largest private social service providers in the region. Every year, thousands of people receive counseling, shelter, adoption assistance, health care, immigration, and a host of other services through the care of archdiocesan staff and volunteers. Ethnic services in a very culturally mixed environment are offered to different groups.

Increasingly, adult Catholics are participating in new and established educational and spiritual offerings in the Archdiocese. Parish-based programs and classes, increased opportunities for adoration of the Eucharist, evangelization outreach and small faith communities are filling their hunger to know Christ and their faith more deeply than ever.

The church of northeastern Nebraska is joined together primarily in the Eucharist, and through the ministry of the archbishop, who is the visible sign of its unity. Through him the Archdiocese is joined with the pope as universal pastor and with all the bishops of the Church, committed to a life of faith and love and service, to continue Jesus’ mission in the world.