Outreach
Our Catholic teachings affirm the dignity of all people from conception to natural death. The goal of the Respect Life Ministry is to promote the respect for life throughout the SMM parish and greater community through prayer and action. SMM participates in local pro-life events such as: the Annual Life Chain, the annual 40 Days for Life prayer campaign in the fall and spring, and the National Night of Prayer for Life. We also educate parishioners on legislative action that concerns life issues.
To become involved, contact: Carolyn Manhart
OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH
Life is on the Ballot - November 5 2024
Archbishop Lucas asks for our attention to the Abortion Ballot Initiative Measures in the upcoming election. He explains, "Our faith in Jesus Christ calls us to execrcise our moral responsibility on social and political issues... On the upcoming ballot, Nebraskans are facing a choice of historic proportions on the issue of abortion. Two competing constitutional amendment initiatives have been approved for placement on the ballot, and our votes on these matters will mean the difference between life and death in our state."
WHERE DOES IT SAY THAT IN MEASURE 439? Read how the language in the Pro-Abortion Ballot Initiative Measure 439 is morally problematic, allowing for late-pregnancy abortions, taking away state licensure requirements, routine health and safety inspections, and informed consent laws.
Initiative 434 provides baseline protections for unborn babies beginning in the second and third trimester. Learn about Why to Vote FOR 434.
Initiative 439 would insert a right to late-pregnancy abortion in our state constitution into the second and third trimester. Learn about Why to Vote AGAINST 439.
Pray the Litany of Our Lady of Guadalupe or the Litany of the Sacred Heartto move the hearts and minds of Nebraska's voters to protect the lives of the unborn.
Walking with Moms in Need Resources
Find local resources to help Moms facing struggles with a pregnancy:
Hearts Restored: Healing after Abortion
Restore Peace. Restore Hope. Find help at Hearts Restored Nebraska. 
Are you or someone you know struggling after an abortion? It’s time to find hope and healing with Hearts Restored. This post-abortion healing ministry will accompany you on your unique healing journey, offering mentorship, individual counseling, group settings, retreats, spiritual support, and more. Restore your peace and hope today. Call the Hearts Restored hotline at 402-783-HOPE (4673) or email the confidential, secure inbox at [email protected]. Learn more about Hearts Restored at HeartsRestoredNebraska.org.
A Catholic men’s fraternal organization. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious & social welfare themes while focusing on family, church, and community activities. Over 130 members participate in about 20 activities each year serving hundreds of people.
Meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Contact: Jim Gerner
St. Margaret Mary Family to Family Christmas Project 2025
Through your generosity, St. Margaret Mary Parish provides families and seniors in need with extra support during the Christmas season.
In partnership with Catholic Charities and All Saints Catholic School, participants receive wrapped gifts, gift cards, and may also request an Operation Others food box.
Each year, hundreds of children, families, and seniors are blessed by this outreach—bringing joy and dignity to their Christmas celebration.
Find out more about the program by clicking here!
Important Dates
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Gift selection: November 10 - December 1. Click here to select your gifts!
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Gift drop off (drive-through at Raynor Center):
o Saturday, December 6 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
o Sunday, December 7 – 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ways to Participate
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Shop for individuals: Select gifts beginning November 10. (Gifts go quickly! The last day for selection is December 1.)
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Shop for a whole family: Email [email protected] by Saturday, Nov. 1, with your request.
o State how many children you’d like to buy for; a minimum of 3 children
o Provide 3 gifts per child
o Anticipate spending $20–$40 per gift -
Donate online or through the parish office: Funds provide Operation Others food baskets and grocery gift cards.
For more details, visit: https://www.smmomaha.org/family-to-family
The Stephen Center partners with the community, individuals, and families to overcome homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Through its mission, the agency rebuilds lives, restores hope, and creates stability while treating every individual with dignity and respect in a sober and drug-free environment.
Serving Lunch Sign Up to Serve Lunch
With the aim of reflecting Jesus' heart and love to the world, members of the SMM community volunteer at the emergency shelter serving lunch on the 3rd Saturday of every month. 6-8 individuals or families assist at the serving line from 10:30am-12:30pm. When accompanied by a parent/guardian, youth from age 10 through high school can participate. Training is provided at the beginning of the shift.
Game Night at The Stephen Center Sign Up for Game Night
Join in the quarterly game nights where SMM parishioners and friends engage in games and snacks with the guests at The Stephen Center shelter in South Omaha. 2025 Game nights are scheduled for April 23, July 16, Oct 16 from 7:00-8:00 pm. We aim to bring 15-20 people each game night for casual interaction with the anticipated 50 Stephen Center clients in attendance. A perfect opportunity for individuals, friends, familes, and/or groups. Though young children are welcome, the experience is likely best for those ages 8 and up. When children are attending, the desired balance for the group is one adult for every two youth under the age of 18.
Questions? Contact Ministry Coordinator: Jeff Hausman, [email protected]
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the fund, which was established in 2002, is to provide financial assistance that will inspire and help young people of Uganda develop into responsible and respected individuals as well as enhance the quality and well being of their lives and community. The education is designed to be comprehensive in nature and will also instill caring, ethical and moral values in their lives. This will be achieved by a Catholic primary and secondary education followed by a, committee approved, college or trade school selection appropriate to the student’s career path with the course of study to be completed within the appropriate time period corresponding to the course of study selected. The board reserves the right to continue funding graduate education on an individual basis. The students selected for the fund must demonstrate the willingness and desire to fulfill the educational requirements of the course of study.
Migration is a global concern of the Church as part of our discipleship following the call of Christ in Matthew 25 in which Jesus prompts his disciples to welcome the stranger. St. Margaret Mary Parish has sponsored a number of refugee families that have arrived in Nebraska through the federal Refugee Resettlement Program administered locally by Lutheran Family Services. We welcome the stranger into our community by offering support in resettlement and assimilation of refugee families.
Volunteers help settlement efforts in many ways including donating furniture and household items, cleaning and setting up the family's apartment, providing culturally appropriate food and helping the family get settled. Opportunities are possible for ongoing mentoring - helping a refugee family navigate their new lives and serving as a reliable resource for guidance. Training is provided through the partnership organization.
If you'd like to get involved, please contact Larry Roland.
Opportunities to Help Refugees through Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc.
The St. 
Margaret Mary Vincentians have been in operation since the 1930’s. They help families in times of crisis to meet their basic needs such as groceries, clothing and utility bills. They also provide guidance plus referrals to other helping agencies The roots of poverty can strangle and we are privileged to help some who are in great need. If you feel a call to help us help the poor and needy please join us. Contact: Dave Beat, President.
Through Jesus’ all-encompassing love, we can help provide the peace and clarity you seek. If you struggle with same sex attraction or related feelings, you’re not alone. More importantly, the Archdiocese of Omaha provides a place of sanctuary where you can share your thoughts and emotions, and begin your journey towards greater peace of mind. That’s where our Courage/EnCourage program offers help—for both you and your family or friends. So take that first leap.
Courage/EnCourage is not a program to change a person’s sexual attraction. Instead, it’s a ministry of spiritual support. We’ll be here to accept you, listen to you and help you—at your own pace, in a welcoming atmosphere.
Courage/Encourage Omaha is an outreach of the Center for Family Life Formation. For more info., or to speak with someone confidentially, please call 402.557.5692 or click here.
If you are in crisis or need immediate emergency assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.