Annual Report 2016

50th Jubilee Celebr ation &
Annual Report 2015-2016
January 2017

Celebrating 50 Years
As we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our parish, we were mindful of our history. On June 9, 1966,
Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan announced that Father Eugene Kerwin would become pastor of Omaha’s
newest parish. As a thank you to the Jesuit community and Creighton University for all the support they
had given to Omaha and the Archdiocese, Archbishop Bergan chose Saint Robert Bellarmine, as the patron
for the parish. The ground breaking ceremony took place on May 13, 1967, the then Feast of Saint Robert
Bellarmine. “The school of Christ is the school of love. On the last day, when the great general examination takes place, there
will be no question at all on the text of Aristotle, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or the paragraphs of Justinian. Charity will be
the whole syllabus.” Saint Robert Bellarmine
Father Kerwin and the founding members of the parish worked to develop parish life and the school. Planting
the seedlings of what would become our Blue Ribbon school, construction began ten days after the ground
breaking ceremony. The school was built first and Mass was said in the school gym for the next ten years.
Father Kerwin felt a parish needed a school to help grow the future church. The school was clearly a priority
for our Founding Pastor and his legacy continues with each Pastor.
Prior to the completion of the school and temporary church, daily Masses were held at the rectory, located at
117 & Leavenworth. Sunday Masses were celebrated in the Crestridge school gym. The permanent rectory
was completed along with the church in 1979.
Even before the buildings were completed, young and old parishioners reached out and formed organizations
and groups within the parish and community. The first parish census taken in July, 1966, showed 425
registered parishioners. These people united to form the Ladies’ Guild and the Men’s Club. With time, they
established other ministries both in the parish and in the community. The current parish directory and website
list over 60 ministries, groups and activities. The most recent parish census claims 2852 registered families.
“Charity is that virtue with which no man is lost, and without which no man is saved.” Saint Robert Bellarmine
Our current buildings, including the church, Mainelli Center and new gym were completed in 2005. The
rectory renovation followed in 2012. As with any human creation, time and use overtake so the church is in
constant flux and need of maintenance and repair. Parishioners have always stepped up and met the needs
of the church facilities and grounds. They have enhanced the church with the prayer garden, statuary,
Stations of the Cross, Adoration Chapel and state designated arboretum.
Spiritually, the pastors and parish have ministered to thousands over the year. Baptisms since the early years
through 2015 have totaled 5461. More than that, 5705 have been confirmed. First communions number 5712
and 1489 couples have been married since 1966. Fifteen-hundred students have graduated from our Catholic
school; nearly the same numbers have completed the Religious Education program for public school children.
Over one-thousand people have been buried out of Saint Robert’s. Many of the families were served funeral
meals donated and served by the women of the parish.
We have had four pastors in our 50 years as a parish, Father Kerwin, Monsignor Cupich, Father Shane and
Father Stillmunks. Twenty associate pastors have assisted the pastors with the sacraments and other church
activities. Our first deacon, Fred Alexander, was the first deacon in the Omaha Archdiocese. Besides Fred,
we have had eight other deacons. Monsignor Cupich’s stay was short, but his impact was great. He recently
was elevated by Pope Francis as a Cardinal in the church and remains the Archbishop of Chicago. All of our
priests have worked hard to enhance the parish during their tenure.
Our past has created our present. It has been quite a journey. But the journey continues and we will continue
to glorify God in the sacraments and in our love for one another. We celebrate our 50th Jubilee with gratitude
and thanksgiving as we move forward into the future, so our children can look back and say, “Charity and love
was the whole syllabus.” Saint Robert Bellarmine
(2016 Review introduction written by parishioner Sue Bristol)

Since 1985
Alumni
In 2016 we established a permanent Saint Robert Bellarmine Alumni Association
• Committee of seven began a year ago to form the permanent Alumni Association: Kelly Vasquez,
Theresa Kleinsmith, Fred Franco, Kelly Kohler, the late Jason Edwards, Sara Pohl and Mary Buttell
• First Task was to collect data of all the students who attended Saint Roberts School over the past
47 years. This was not an easy. Where to begin? The challenge was to find contact information
on students for the last 47 years. The committee began by trying to locate at least one student from
every class to serve as a contact person for that class. They reached out to classmates to contact
their friends through social media. Volunteers sat after church and at donut Sunday to get the word
out and registered Alums. Over 1,350 Alumni signed up in the first 6 months. Over 300 Alumni
attended the All Class Reunion in September of 2016.
Register
• as a Saint Robert Alumni today. You may register online
on the Saint Robert Bellarmine website www.stroberts.com or complete a
registration form and return it to the Parish Office, Attention: Mary Buttell,
Director of Stewardship and Development.
• If you are interested in serving on the Alumni Committee, please contact
Mary Buttell mbuttell@stroberts.com or (402) 333-8989

Shine An Evening with Friends
The name Shine was chosen to celebrate the light we all have been given through our Catholic
faith. When we work together as a parish family, we Shine. We Shine our light on those in need,
we Shine our light in joy and celebration, and we Shine our light in thanksgiving for our many
blessings. This event is an opportunity to join as a parish Family and Shine our collective lights
to build a brighter future in Christ. 2015 Chairs: Erica and Aaron Bryant,
Debbie and Mike Marcil and Sara and Paul Smith 2015
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30

2016 Chairs: Theresa and Joe Thibodeau
and Denise and Darren Snodgrass
2016
Save the Date: SHINE 2017: November 3, 2017
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Spirit of Saint Robert Award
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
2015 Award Recipients
2016 Award Recipients
Thomas and Joan Heafey
Dorie and the Late Jim Mainelli
Joe and Ruth Sullivan
Bob and Betsy Reed
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Concert Series
The first concert was held October 1, 2015 featuring the Nebraska Wind Symphony under the direction of
Larry MacTaggart. The highlight a special arrangement of “On Eagles Wings”
The second concert was December 3, 2015 celebrating Advent directed by Rick Jacobi featuring musicians
and Vocalists from the Omaha Community and Parishes in the Omaha area. Along with the Creighton Prep
Choral Ensemble.
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Parish Mission & Youth Concert
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

School
In September 2015 an All-School Assembly to celebrate the announcement that Saint Robert Bellarmine
School has been nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon
School. Archbishop Lucas, Pastor Father Stillmunks and Principal Sandra Suiter presided at the event in
the School Gym.
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Religious Education and Adult Formation
Saint Robert Bellarmine Religious Education Program aims to develop the qualities of the whole
student. This program is for elementary students who attend public school or who are home
schooled.
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Adult Formation includes R.C.I.A., Bible study, Alpha, Adult Education and the Parish Library.
R.C.I.A. the Rite of Christian Initiation
Alpha is an opportunity to explore and question the of Adults, is the process where
meaning of life in a friendly, open, and informal atmosphere. Catholics return to the church and
people choose to be baptized into the
Catholic Church.
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry is a comprehensive program that fosters an inner movement toward adult understanding
and formation of the Catholic faith. It includes social, spiritual, and community service for middle school
and high school youth.
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Founders Dinner
In April 2016, Saint Robert Bellarmine hosted a Parish Founders Dinner for the founding
members, featuring: Jack Minton, Father Andy Alexander, S.J. and Pastor Emeritus, Father
Donald Shane. Father Stillmunks unveiled the newly restored Chalice of Monsignor Kerwin to be
used at the Anniversary Mass. We also premiered the 50 Years Celebrating Faith, Family and
Friendship Parish Video.
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Original Chalice used by Father Kerwin
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Anniversary Picnic
The Parish Picnic was organized by Angela & David Patterson
and Mindy & Tim Reed along with a host of parish volunteers on
Saturday, June 4, 2016
• Featuring Food from Godfather’s Pizza, Chick-fil-A and
Omaha Dawg House
• Beer Garden under the direction of the Knights of Columbus
• Desserts Compliments of the Ladies Guild
• Carnival Games and the Band, Pink Kadillac
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Anniversary Mass
Solemn 50th Jubilee Anniversary Mass Sunday, June 5, 2015 at 11:00.
Celebrant: Archbishop of Omaha, the Most Reverend George Lucas.
Concelebrant and Homilist: Archbishop of Chicago, the Most Reverend Blase Cupich
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Concelebrants: Archbishop Emeritus of Omaha, the Most Reverend Elden Curtiss, Bishop Emeritus of Great
Falls-Billings, the Most Reverend Anthony Milone, Pastor Emeritus, Reverend Donald Shane, and Pastor,
Reverend Steven Stillmunks.
Associate Pastors: Reverend Theodore Richling, Reverend Matthew Gutowski, Reverend Patrick Harrison,
Reverend Andrew Roza, Reverend Jeremy Hans, Weekend Celebrant: Reverend Andrew Alexander S.J.
Deacons: Michael Fletcher and Joe Laird
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Parish Leadership
Development Board supports the Pastor
and serves Saint Robert’s members and
its many organizations, committees, and
ministries.
At the time of the picture not all board members were available
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Total Education Board advises the Pastor,
Principal and Director of Religious Education
& Youth Ministry on matters essential to
maintain the school and religious education
for our parish youth.
Parish Council is a consultative body of
parishioners who share with the pastor vision
and direction for the parish.
Finance Committee advises and assists the
Pastor in all financial matters concerning the
parish and school.
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Organizations & Prayer Groups
Ladies Guild: Circle 3: Been There, Done That, are women many of whom have been active members
of Saint Roberts for many years, some from the very beginning of the parish. Circle 3 is about fostering
friendships and keeping them going as we meet, visit, and enjoy entertainment and goodies.
Ladies Guild Martha volunteers donate and deliver food items for parish funeral lunches. Martha
volunteers also help serve the funeral lunches. You may choose to donate, serve or do both.
Money Counters provide accurate counts of all Sunday and Holy Day financial contributions made
through the church offertory, prepare receipts for deposit and post contributions to the parish records.
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Organizations & Prayer Groups
Heart of Jesus Prayer Group is a spirit
filled prayer group that fucuses on praise,
thanksgiving and listening to the Heart of
Jesus who speaks to our hearts through the
Holy Scripture.
Moms of Faith meets to offer spiritual
enrichment to mothers. Spiritual topics are
investigated through speakers and discussion
to fill the spiritual cup of moms in the parish.
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Catholic Daughters is a religious, charitable,
and education apostolate open to all women of
the parish.
Ladies Guild: Circle 2: On a Wing and a
Prayer: Organizes the “Unto Us a Savior is
Born” Nativity Display each December.
Ladies Guild has been thriving at Saint Robert’s since 1967. Its two purposes are to provide
opportunities to gather as a faith community and foster friendship within the parish.
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Prayer Shawl Ministry create prayer shawls to be distributed to members of the parish and the Omaha
Community who are in need of healing and compassion.
Legion of Mary is the glory of God and the holiness of its members, developed by prayer and active
cooperation in Mary’s and the church’s work.
Knights of Columbus is a family-based, fraternal service organization dedicated to serving the Catholic
Church and the community.
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Sacred Places
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Faith, Family & Fellowship

Capital Campaign
Saint Roberts Parish is dedicated to
loving and serving God through word and
deed. It is vital that as a community we
ensure we can continue to gather, worship,
educate and evangelize. One of the key
needs of the Jubilee Campaign is for
repairs and maintenance of the parish and
school, so they may serve us for years to
come.
With a strong history of giving and
worship, Saint Roberts has become a
beacon of faith for thousands of families.
At this milestone of 50 years, the Parish
is undertaking a campaign to ensure the
legacy of Saint Roberts. We have raised
over half of our jubilee campaign goal.
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Faith, Family & Fellowship
Out with the Old
and
In with the NEW!

Financial Comments
Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Financial Review
This year the annual financial report will cover three items:
1. Operational funds of the Parish and School
2. Jubilee Capital Campaign Financial
3. Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Foundation
Operational Funds Income:
Total income for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 (FY15/16) was $4,489,797, a 5.6% increase from
$4,249,165 last Fiscal Year. The increase is largely attributed to the successful return of Shine
(formerly Bella Festa) parish benefit dinner and an estate gift. A further detailed breakdown can be
found in the “Operational Funds Detail” section on the following page.
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Operational Funds Expenses:
Total expenses for Fiscal Year 15/16 were $4,181,584, a 4.1% decrease from $4,362,346 last
Fiscal Year. The reduction in expenses is largely attributed to a decrease in maintenance and
repairs expenditures.
Fiscal Year
2015/2016
Fiscal Year
2014/2015
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Fiscal Year 2015 / 2016 Fund
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Financial Comments
Fiscal Year 2015 / 2016 Operational Funds Details
Income
Education Related Income 1,392,967.76
Sunday, Holy Day, and Church Income 2,272,595.89
Memorials, Wills, Charitable Checkbooks 269,882.12
Mainelli Center/Rental Income 47,601.35
Income from Endowment 150,000.00
All Other Income 356,750.50
Total Income 4,489,797.62
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30
Expense
Wages, Benefits, Payroll Taxes 2,784,135.01
Utilities 239,822.39
Liturgical 80,604.61
Archdiocese Support 332,249.68
Education Related Expenses 68,230.86
Parish Maintenance, Equipment & Supplies 393,299.26
Property and Liability Insurance 57,776.00
All Other Expenses 225,466.52
Total Expense 4,181,584.33
Net Ordinary Income 308,213.29
Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

July 2015 - June 2016
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Capital Improvements 1,747,343.00
Debt Reduction 35,574.00
Interest 559.00
Total Income 1,783,475.01
Expense
Repairs and Maintenance 1,135,976.00
Campaign Expenses 2,352.00
Total Expense 1,138,328.03
Net Income 645,146.98
Fiscal Year 2015 / 2016 Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Foundation
After much effort the Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Foundation was established. The Foundation is
a separate legal entity with the sole purpose to financially support Saint Robert Bellarmine Church and
School. The Foundation structure provides legal protection and oversight to the Msgr. Kerwin Parish
Endowment and Fr. Shane Education Endowment to ensure longevity and growth through prudent
investments and distributions.
June 30, 2016
Father Kerwin Endowment 3,524,691.00
Father Shane Endowment 92,347.00
Faith, Family & Fellowship

Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish
11802 Pacific Street
Omaha, NE 68154
www.stroberts.com
(402) 333-8989