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Pope names three CSC alumni as Monsignorsby Lisa Maxson, Omaha Catholic Voice Three priests of the Archdiocese of Omaha have been named Chaplains of His Holiness with the title of monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI. Fathers James Gilg, Ralph Steffensmeier and William Whelan received the diploma from Archbishop Elden Francis Curtiss at a service Thursday, Dec. 13, at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha. Archbishop Curtiss recommended the three priests to the pope for their long standing and dedicated service to the people of Northeast Nebraska. Father Gilg is pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Parish in downtown Omaha and superintendent of Catholic schools for the archdiocese. Father Steffensmeier is pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Cedar Rapids and St. Mary Parish in Primrose. Father Whelan is retired from active ministry, but serves as chaplain to the downtown Omaha chapter of the Serra Club. The role of a monsignor is a ceremonial one and not a functional role with additional duties. Father James Gilg He was ordained May 21, 1966, by Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan. After ordination, his first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Cecilia Cathedral. In 1970 he was assigned as assistant pastor at St. Boniface Parish in Elgin before being appointed principal of Dominican High School in Omaha two years later. He served in that capacity for 20 years. In 1991 Father Gilg was named superintendent of V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha. He oversaw every aspect of construction, fundraising, employment and recruitment for the new school, which currently enrolls more than 700 students. Father Gilg, 66, became pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Parish in 1998 while he continued his duties at Skutt Catholic. He was appointed superintendent of Catholic schools in 2006. Father Gilg said he is "very surprised, humbled and grateful" to receive the title of monsignor. Having served as a priest for 41 years, he said many of his favorite memories are connected to his work in schools. "It was such a thrill to open Father Flanagan High School in 1983 and Skutt Catholic in 1993 and being named superintendent of Catholic schools," Father Gilg said. "And being named pastor of St. Mary Magdalene was a thrill, too." Father Ralph Steffensmeier He was ordained May 16, 1959, by Archbishop Bergan. His first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Augustine Parish in Winnebago. In 1962 he became assistant pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Norfolk, where he served until 1968. Father Steffensmeier then served as assistant pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Omaha for one year. He was appointed pastor of St. Francis Parish in Neligh in 1969 and served there until 1976. He went on to serve as pastor of St. Leonard Parish in Madison. In 1986 he became pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Bow Valley. One year later he was appointed pastor of St. Rose Parish in Crofton and St. Joseph Parish in Constance. In 1996, Father Steffensmeier was named pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Omaha. He then went on to his current assignment as pastor at St. Anthony Parish in Cedar Rapids and St. Mary Parish in Primrose. From 1989 to 1994, he served as an archdiocesan consultor. Being named a monsignor, he said, is a boost. "Hopefully it will help me carry on the next 20 years," he said. "I appreciate the honor." Father William Whelan He was ordained a priest May 11, 1957, by Archbishop Bergan. After his ordination, he was assigned as assistant pastor at St. Michael Parish in South Sioux City. In 1961 he was named assistant pastor at Assumption Parish in Omaha where he served until 1969. Father Whelan then served as pastor of St. Michael Parish in Coleridge for three years. He was appointed pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Howells in 1972. Five years later he became pastor at St. Ann Parish in Omaha. In 1982, Father Whelan became associate pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Omaha, where he served for six years before being appointed pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Omaha. He became pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Schuyler in 1992. He then went on to serve on the faculty of Conception Seminary College as a spiritual director from 2001 to 2005. At the age of 76 and after 33 years as a pastor, Father Whelan is retired from active ministry, but continues to serve as chaplain to the Serra Club of Omaha. When he received the call from Archbishop Curtiss telling him he was to be named a monsignor, Father Whelan said he was surprised. "I told the archbishop I was speechless," he said. "I'm still trying to adjust to this. I think I'll pretty much go on being the priest I've always been, but it is a nice honor." Father Whelan said he has had a "very rich and enjoyable priesthood, not always easy, but always a blessing and a lot of joy." "I treasure my relationship with the archbishops we've had - Archbishop Bergan, Archbishop Sheehan and now Archbishop Curtiss - and I've always enjoyed the fraternity of the priesthood. We really have a lot in common," he told the Catholic Voice. "I've found great support from brother priests and enjoy their company, especially now living at John Vianney Residence. There are about 23 priests and they're all men I've done things with, have been neighbors to and men I've worked with over the years, so it's a real blessing to be here with the brother priests." We welcome your comments: |
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Born in Atkinson, Ne., in 1941, Father Gilg attended Immaculate Conception College Seminary in Conception, Mo., before completing seminary training at Theological College in Washington, D.C., in 1966.
Father Steffensmeier, born in Howells, Ne., in 1934, attended Immaculate Conception College Seminary in Conception, Mo., and continued his seminary training at St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
Father Whelan was born in Omaha, Ne., in 1930 and attended Immaculate Conception College Seminary in Conception, Mo., from 1949 to 1953. He continued his seminary training at Theological College in Washington, D.C., and concluded his studies at Conception Seminary in 1957.