CELTIC CROSS AWARDED:
Don't miss out as we posthumously honor and celebrate the service of Marj Krawczyk, mother and mother-in-law of parishioners Jay and Kathie Krawczyk. Marj's service and dedication to Holy Cross was unwavering and we look forward to bestowing this well-deserved honor and award to her family. See above to learn more about Marj!
UPDATE: 2026 CELTIC CROSS POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED TO MARJ KRAWCZYK
Marj Krawczyk was a beloved mother, Gram, Great-Gram, sister, aunt and friend. She lived a faith-filled life rooted in generosity, and selfless service. She had a deep Catholic faith, quiet strength, and boundless love. She demonstrated resilience, compassion and a gift for caring for others. She was born February 22, 1935, in Omaha's "Little Bohemia" to parents Frank and Marjorie "Doll" Kastl. Marj grew up surrounded by Czech traditions, family stories, fishing and good cooking. She was third of five daughters and the tallest at 5' 7-1/2 inches. She was raised in a close-knit family that valued faith and hard work. Marj attended St. Wenceslaus parish and grade school. She met her best friends for life in kindergarten and enjoyed friend sleepovers and trips with them after high school to Colorado and Chicago. At St. Mary's High School, Marj was president of her sophomore unit and was active in journalism and service clubs, graduating with honors. She learned to sew by watching her mom and became a gifted seamstress. She studied sewing at UNO and Tech High.
Because of her sharp mind and memory like a steel trap, the usual comment was "Let's ask Marj, she'll know." Marj was hired by Union Stockyards for an accounting job. In 1954, she was crowned the Ak-Sar-Ben rodeo queen riding a horse at the racetrack in a white leather jacket with fringe and a western hat. Marj had a love for sports. She played softball and was a bowler and a golfer in multiple leagues. She once bowled a 225 and a 216 winning prize money. She followed Nebraska and Creighton sports until the end. She was a Husker football ticket holder for twenty years. She married in 1956 and saved money for a down payment on a new house.
In 1961 they welcomed, to their surprise, not one baby but twins, Ken and Karol. In 1963, J.G. was born. She poured her heart into motherhood with a tireless spirit. At Holy Cross, she was a volunteer volleyball and basketball coach, scout leader, room mother and helped with paper routes.
Her family was her greatest joy. She was an involved "Gram" to her 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. They remember Gram for attending countless activities, helping them fall asleep, storytelling, home-cooked meals, birthdays, playing games and so much more. Marj was a devoted and active member of Holy Cross Church for nearly 70 years: member of the Legion of Mary, Holy Cross Altar Society and Stephen Center meal coordinator/server for over 20 years. She helped at church festivals, funerals, and quilting for veterans. She received the Outstanding Catholic Woman Award for Holy Cross in 2010. Marj attended Bible studies and rosary groups until her death. Marj had a long career at the Nebraska Medical Center and Omaha Steaks. She gave with grace, grit and a whole lot of love.
Marj had a bright smile and a warm laugh. She was a bridge player, crafter, savvy shopper and enjoyed morning talk radio, Jeopardy and detective shows. Marj had a deep Catholic faith and lived it in action. Her Catholic beliefs were her foundation. She taught by example — how to show up, how to endure, and how to love.
She signed cards and ended visits with the same tender Czech farewell: "Spanem Bohem" — Go with God.
YOU ARE INVITED!
All Aboard the Orient Express!!
Join us at the beautiful Scott Conference Center for another night of celebrating our beloved Holy Cross. We are a midtown fixture in the neighborhood, and your presence and donations help secure a bright future toward the success of our church, school and community.
DONATIONS: Donations are greatly appreciated and will be accepted in the Rectory Office during business hours. Or please contact Kathy Callahan to make arrangements at another time, at kcallahan@HolyCrossOmaha.org
ITEMS NEEDED: Gift cards, whiskey, wine, silent auction baskets or items to create themed baskets, large items or activities for the live auction, dinner donations ($85 each) for clergy, teachers, and staff. And if you don't have time to put together a basket, your monetary donation will be put toward Gala expenses (SCC rental fees, decorations, OneCause fees, etc) - or however you would like it spent!
VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are also needed. PLEASE contact Kathy in the Rectory Office or via cell 402-250-5386.
As always, thank you!! This event is not possible without all of our generous donors, sponsors, advertisers, and selfless volunteers giving of their time, talents and treasure! THANK YOU!!
MONEY RAFFLE: Be sure to turn in your money raffle tickets ($25ea) to the Rectory Office, the Sunday collection basket (in a marked envelope) or the night of the event. Need not be present to win. State law dictates raffle tickets cannot be purchased with a credit card. More tickets are available in the Rectory office. Also, be sure to drop any un-used raffle tickets back into the collection basket or to the Rectory.
JEWELRY RAFFLE: The Jewelry Raffle is also $25/ticket and for attendees only. ENTER TO WIN A BEAUTIFUL SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND HALO PENDANT NECKLACE IN WHITE GOLD on a white gold 18” chain. Retail value $1345! Must be present to win so plan to attend Gala 2026! Odds are in your favor, as there will only be ABOUT 300 attendees.
UPDATE: Congratulations to Jane Neary on winning the beautiful Borsheim's necklace!!
See picture below.
Congratulations to parishioner, Colby Barak, for solving the Murder Mystery Game on the Orient Express! She wins the 50/50 Pot money! Great work, Colby!
