About

Since 1986, Prince of Peace church has been the spiritual home for Catholics residing on the West side of Kearney. Under the guidance of RDG, the parish took part in the design process, opting for a traditional yet simplified romanesque architecture. The resulting plan takes the shape of a crucifix, representing the community as the Body of Christ. The church's artwork, which is an integral part of its architecture, draws upon the Beuronese style - with historical ties to the faith and to Nebraska, as evidenced in the artwork of the state capital. Throughout the church, from the image of Christ as Pantocrator to the angels surrounding the assembly, visual expressions of liturgical truths are present.

In August 1985, Bishop Lawrence McNamara of the Grand Island Diocese announced the formation of a second Catholic parish in Kearney, to be named Prince of Peace. The Rev. John Schlaf was appointed as its pastor, effective January 1, 1986. During a meeting with around 130 parishioners, held after he had spoken at all Masses at St. James, a consensus was reached to rent the office building of the Eaton Corporation at the corner of 11th Street and Avenue M. The 11,000 square-foot building was converted to include offices, classrooms, and a worship area on the first floor, with additional space on the second floor for Fr. Schlaf. Minor renovations provided more classrooms and living space for Fr. Schlaf on the second floor.

The parish held its first Masses on February 1 & 2, 1986, and shortly after, a parish council was elected. During a general meeting, the majority of parishioners voted in favor of purchasing the rented building instead of building a new church or seeking a new site. The building was eventually bought in May 1986.

In July 1993, Fr. Schlaf moved to Ogallala., and Fr. Gerald Carlson took over as pastor. The parish purchased a rectory in January 1994. Fr. Carlson was transferred to Greeley in July of 1997, and Fr. Michael McDonald was assigned as pastor until his transfer in July 2012. Fr. Paul Colling V.F. and Fr. Abraham Kaduthodiyil began serving the parish on July 1, 2012, with Fr. Abraham being transferred to Valentine in 2014. From September 2014 – July 2016, Fr. Vidya Sagar Arikotla was assigned to the parish as an assistant pastor.

Ron Ridder was ordained Permanent Deacon in May 25, 2012, and served the parish until moving to Iowa in 2015. Thomas Martin was ordained Permanent Deacon in May of 2015 and currently serves the parish.

Sisters who have previously served the parish include: Sr. Grace Michael Perry, O. Carm., Sr. Mary Walling, OSM, Dominican Sr. Roberta Semper, Sr. Mary Chamberlain, OSM., Sr. Doris Durant, OSM and Sr. Jan Ludvik, N.D.

Prince of Peace Parish gathered at the Kearney High Auditorium and Kearney Catholic Cope Coliseum during the construction of the new church. The new building was dedicated August 5, 2011.