Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

St. Mary Church in downtown Lincoln is undergoing visible changes as part of an ongoing renovation project. Recent work has included the removal of exterior paint, revealing the original brickwork on the north wall and west façade along 14th Street. This effort is part of phase three of a multi-phase plan to restore the historic church, which once served as the original cathedral for the Diocese of Lincoln.

The current phase focuses on exterior repairs, such as tuckpointing, to prevent water from entering the building. Meanwhile, preparations for phase four are underway at Flynn Hall, where materials are being cleared out to begin interior renovations. Planned improvements for Flynn Hall include new restrooms, updated audio-visual equipment, an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp, a full kitchen overhaul, and expanded storage space for parish needs and the FoodNet program that serves the community each Saturday.

The parish began a capital campaign in 2023 with a goal of raising $2.5 million to support these renovations. Riley Bittner, parish administrative assistant, reported that 81% of pledged and one-time donations have already been received.

Father Joseph Walsh, pastor at St. Mary Church, described the fundraising campaign as “wildly successful.” He said: “I am absolutely flabbergasted by the financial side of this. I’m convinced it is Mary’s blessing.”

To prepare for future projects, including additional exterior restoration and installation of an elevator, St. Mary Parish has engaged the Steier Group to conduct another feasibility study for fundraising. This upcoming campaign will be coordinated with Pius X High School’s own capital efforts.

Father Walsh acknowledged that overlapping campaigns can be challenging but remains optimistic about parishioner support: “95% of this parish community wanted to do it. And 92% of visitors who answered our survey said yes.” He added: “How do you get consensus like that? Our Blessed Mother wants us to do this, and we’ll do it.”

The next feasibility study will ask parishioners whether they are willing to make new pledges or extend existing ones into the new campaign.

“We are committed to the restoration of Flynn Hall, because we will be using it for sacraments when we turn our attention to the sanctuary,” Father Walsh explained. “But we would like to restore more of the exterior and put an elevator in, as part of the scope of the campaign.”

Accessibility remains a priority; Bittner noted that at least one elderly member stopped attending Mass due to difficulties accessing parts of the building. While earlier phases created handicapped-accessible confessionals, further improvements are planned.

Bittner also observed increased public interest since paint was removed from part of the church’s exterior: “People will call and say, ‘I was walking by the church, and I’m not Catholic, but what are you going to do?’ And I see people take pictures all the time…It is stunning.”

The last major renovation in the early 1960s included applying paint after replacing pillars and adding structural features so that old and new masonry would appear uniform.

While initial plans called for repainting after weatherproofing—supported by approvals from relevant commissions—many now favor leaving much of the exposed brick unpainted after seeing its details.

According to Father Walsh: “Literally, everyone says, ‘Father, don’t touch it. Leave it alone. It’s beautiful.’”

He also reflected on advice from another local parishioner experienced in restoration work who suggested preserving imperfections as part of history: “I’m fascinated by that idea, to be careful not to take away the story,” Father Walsh said.

Should opinions shift after all paint is removed or if technical issues arise with exposed bricks from different eras coexisting visually, options such as staining or repainting remain available.

St. Mary Church hosts various diocesan events including Walk for Life Masses and gatherings connected with statewide Catholic organizations; it recently welcomed national Catholic educators attending a nearby conference.

“This church belongs to the diocese,” Bittner commented.

Father Walsh emphasized his role in managing logistics while attributing progress to faith: “Our Blessed Mother has always been the one who intervenes and intercedes and protects her Son and her Son’s friends,” he stated. “That’s the whole story of our 2,000 years of faith.” He concluded: “You can hardly go wrong when you take care of our mother.”