About Our Community

The beginnings of the Omaha Korean Catholic Community trace back to 1976. At that time, Fr. Dawson of the Columban Fathers, who had served as a missionary in Korea for 40 years, celebrated Mass for the Korean faithful in Nebraska. His pastoral care marked the first gathering of the community.

From May 1977 to May 1978, under the guidance of Mr. Joseph Yong-Gu Choi (now a permanent deacon), approximately 30 members gathered regularly to celebrate Sunday Mass with Fr. Paul Yeo-Hong Yoon.

In 1979, the visit of Bishop Michael Jeong-Il Park became a significant turning point. With the support of Fr. Peter Jang-Sun Ryu, who was then studying at Creighton University, and the dedicated efforts of Andrew Kyun Huh, Joseph Yong-Gu Choi, Steve Seung-Kyu Lee, and Assumpta Young-Ae Kim, the foundation of what is now the Omaha Korean Catholic Community was firmly established.

Over the years, the community faced many challenges and hardships. Yet through the devoted service and sacrifice of priests, pastoral council members, and lay faithful and above all, through the providence and protection of the Lord, the community continued to persevere and grow.

In November 2002, one of the founding members, Joseph Yong-Gu Choi, was ordained as a permanent deacon, a joyful milestone and blessing for the community.

In 2008, Fr. Paul Se-Wan Oh began celebrating Mass in Korean, marking a new chapter in the life of the community. During his leadership, the community was elevated to the status of a quasi-parish. Until his retirement in 2022, Fr. Oh faithfully served as pastor, fostering spiritual growth among Korean Catholics in Omaha. During his tenure, various faith formation programs were strengthened, including Life in the Spirit seminars, Confirmation preparation, and sacramental catechesis. He also supported cultural initiatives that helped preserve the identity and unity of the Korean Catholic faithful, including a nationwide traditional Korean fermented soybean (meju) ministry cherished by many families.

Today, the Omaha Korean Catholic Community stands as a vibrant faith community built upon decades of dedication, sacrifice, and trust in God’s guidance.