Prince of Peace 1986-present

Since 1986, Prince of Peace Catholic Church has been the spiritual home for Catholics on the west side of Kearney. Under the guidance of RDG Planning & Design, the parish participated in the design process, choosing a traditional yet simplified Romanesque architectural style.

The resulting church is built in the shape of a crucifix, symbolizing the community as the Body of Christ. Its artwork, an integral part of the architecture, draws upon the Beuronese artistic tradition, with historical ties to both the Catholic faith and the State of Nebraska, as seen in the artwork of the Nebraska State Capitol. Throughout the church, from the image of Christ the Pantocrator to the angels surrounding the assembly, sacred art reflects the beauty and truths of the liturgy.

The Founding of Prince of Peace

In August 1985, Bishop Lawrence McNamara of the Diocese of Grand Island announced the formation of a second Catholic parish in Kearney to be named Prince of Peace. Fr. John Schlaf was appointed as its first pastor, effective January 1, 1986. Following meetings with approximately 130 parishioners, a consensus was reached to rent the former Eaton Corporation office building at the corner of 11th Street and Avenue M. The 11,000-square-foot building was renovated to include offices, classrooms, a worship space, and living quarters for Fr. Schlaf.

Prince of Peace celebrated its first Masses on February 1–2, 1986. Shortly thereafter, the parish elected its first parish council. During a general parish meeting, parishioners voted to purchase the rented building rather than construct a new church or seek another location. The building was purchased in May 1986 and faithfully served the growing parish for the next twenty-five years.

Pastors and Parish Growth

In July 1993, Fr. Schlaf was transferred to Ogallala, and Fr. Gerald Carlson became pastor. The parish purchased its first rectory in January 1994. Fr. Carlson was transferred to Greeley in July 1997, and Fr. Michael McDonald was appointed pastor, serving until July 2012. On July 1, 2012, Fr. Paul Colling, V.F., became pastor, joined by Fr. Abraham Kaduthodiyil as associate pastor until his transfer in 2014. From September 2014 to July 2016, Fr. Vidya Sagar Arikotla served as associate pastor. Fr. Scott Harter was appointed pastor on July 1, 2025, and Fr. Lawrence Kawagga joined the parish as associate pastor in August 2025.

Building a Permanent Church

As the parish continued to grow, plans were made for a permanent church that would better serve future generations. During construction, parishioners gathered for Mass at the Kearney High School Auditorium and the Kearney Catholic Cope Coliseum. The present church was dedicated on August 5, 2011, providing a beautiful and lasting home for the parish.

Phase II Building Project

The parish continued to expand with the completion of Phase II of the building project, dedicated on April 4, 2024. This phase included a remodel of the lower level, providing additional meeting and classroom space and allowing the parish to establish a dedicated area for Little Fish Preschool North. The upper level included the addition of the gathering space (narthex) and new parish offices, creating a more welcoming entrance and better serving the growing needs of the parish community.

Deacons

Prince of Peace has been blessed by the faithful service of Deacon Ron Ridder who was ordained to the permanent diaconate on May 25, 2012, and served the parish until moving to Iowa in 2015. He returned to Kearney in 2026 and once again serves the parish. Deacon Thomas Martin was ordained in May 2015 and continues his ministry at Prince of Peace.

Religious Sisters

The parish has also been enriched through the ministry of many religious sisters, including 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.