Chaplain inspired by Legates’ dedication to the faith

Father O’Donnell is director of the Omaha archdiocesan permanent diaconate program. . .

Fr. Ralph O’Donnell

Father Ralph O’Donnell
Omaha Chapter

Father Ralph O’Donnell is heartened by the Holy Father’s declaration of a special “Year for Priests,” which began in June. He begins the priestly year by welcoming a new chief shepherd in Omaha, Archbishop George Lucas. As the Omaha Chapter’s founding chaplain, Fr. O’Donnell is the former archdiocesan vocations director. The 39-year-old priest currently serves as the director of Omaha’s permanent diaconate program and the pastor of both St. Rose and St. Bridget parishes.

Tell me about your call to the priesthood.

I am the youngest of 10 children, raised in a Catholic household. My father died in 1971 when I was two years old, so my mother raised the 10 of us as a single parent. She was a daily communicant. I’ll never forget going to Mass with her before I entered grade school.

She credits her ability to raise 10 children on her own to her faith. Her generosity of spirit encouraged me to serve others, and her commitment to daily Mass became a natural part of my childhood. As a result, I always identified with the Mass and the priesthood as something central to Catholic life.

My father had two brothers who were priests. They had a profound effect in my life. Monsignor Edward O’Donnell saw to it that all 10 of us had a Catholic education, and I was named after my other uncle Fr. Ralph M. O’Donnell.

How did you first get involved with Legatus?

When the Omaha Chapter started back in 2000, the original officers knew me and asked the bishop if I could be the chaplain. I was honored and accepted right away. It’s been a great joy for me.

I always try to encourage the members — at Mass and whenever I interact with them — appreciating the real responsibility they have as business owners to witness the faith, not only in their business practices but in their day-to-day interaction with their employees and family. I encourage them to be the faith-filled men and women God has called them to be.

How has your involvement with Legatus affected your ministry?

When I moved from being an associate pastor to director of the vocations office, I was grateful for the practical advice Legatus members gave me in managing the office, building the public relations aspect of the vocations ministry and the way they encouraged my ministry. Our members travel extensively in their work. When they found out that my job involved a lot of travel, they gave me great tips — practical ways of managing time, traveling efficiently and pulling things together.

I’m impressed with their dedication to their work, but also the attention they give to their families and their spiritual lives. They are truly men and women of prayer. They show up every month for the rosary and confession before the Mass.

You have a new bishop with a famous name who will be installed on July 22. Have you had a chance to meet him yet?

Yes, Archbishop George Lucas. I introduced myself to him briefly. We are so grateful to the Holy Spirit and the Holy Father for appointing him. His experience as a bishop and as a rector is a blessing for all of us.

What do you do to relax?

I enjoy playing golf, but it’s not my strongest suit. I enjoy people. I cherish time with my family, friends and parishioners. I eat dinner with family — my mother, my siblings and their children — every Sunday. I also like to exercise, keeping fit in body, mind and spirit.