Prince of Peace Catholic Church at 1210 East 11th St, Kearney, NE 68847 US - A brief history

Here is a little history of our church:

A second Catholic parish in Kearney was announced in August 1985 by Bishop Lawrence McNamara of the Grand Island Diocese.  The Rev. John Schlaf was named pastor by the bishop effective Jan. 1, 1986.  The parish was to be called Prince of Peace.  On the weekend of Jan. 11-12, Fr. Schlaf spoke at all liturgies at St. James Catholic Church, and then presided at a meeting that evening with about 130 parishioners in attendance.  At that time those present reached a consensus to rent the office building, previously used by the Eaton Corporation, at 11th Street and Avenue M.  The 11,000 square-foot building contained rooms for offices and classrooms and a large area for worship, all on the first floor.  Minor renovations provided living space for Fr. Schlaf and additional classroom space on the second floor.

The first liturgies were celebrated on the weekend of February 1-2, 1986 and a parish council was elected in February 1986.  At a general parish meeting that month, the majority of parishioners favored purchase of the rented building over building a new church or looking for another site.  A price was negotiated and the building was purchased in May for $175,000.  The purchase included about four acres of land and another building.

In July of 1993 Fr. Jack was moved to Ogallala and Fr. Gerald Carlson took over as pastor of Prince of Peaced Parish.  In January of 1994 a rectory was purchased at 404 East 10th St.  Fr. Jerry was moved to Greeley in July 1997 and Fr. Michael McDonald was assigned to Prince of Peace. 

Sisters who previously served the parish include Carmelite Sr. Grace Michael Perry, Sr. Mary Walling, O.S.M. and Dominican Sr. Roberta Semper.