More than 12,000 Catholics are expected to attend ArchOmaha Unite, an event Archbishop George Lucas said will help develop a deeper culture of unity across the archdiocese.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha.
“It will be an opportunity for all the people to come together to get to know Jesus Christ and to hope to get to know and appreciate each other through that experience,” Lucas said in a phone interview.
The day will include live music, speakers, time for prayer and breakout sessions. The event is entirely funded by private donors. People are encouraged to register to secure a place at the event.
Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Lucas encouraged Catholics who plan to attend Saturday night Mass that weekend to sign up for ArchOmaha Unite and go to Mass there because all parish priests will be at the event to hear confessions and celebrate Mass together. Sunday Masses will be celebrated according to regular schedules.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan will speak in the afternoon. Gaffigan has performed at other Catholic events, including a national Catholic youth conference called SEEK in 2015 and the World Meeting of Families that same year.
Lucas said Gaffigan is a Catholic husband and father who talks about his faith.
“We’re hoping that he can provide some opportunity for wholesome entertainment for Catholic families as a part of the day,” Lucas said.
Lucas will lead a Q&A session at the event.
The night will end with a multisensory performance called “Cross and Light,” a musical that teaches on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit.
“I’m looking forward to being with Catholics to celebrate our faith in Jesus Christ and to celebrate one another, to be more generous disciples of Jesus in our families and our communities,” Lucas said.
To register for ArchOmaha Unite, go to unite.archomaha.org.
