Abstract
The history of Catholic education in Omaha seems to have claimed hut little consideration in the past. The lasting deeds of the pioneers in education accomplished at the expense of sweat and blood and often in the face of poverty and and persecution have found small place in the written records of time. Perhaps no adequate account of the past can be brought to light unless it be discovered in the rich heritage of tradition, the staunch faith of the Catholic people and the cold monuments of brick and mortar. It is true we have such works as the "Reminiscences of Creighton University," the "Annals of the Sisters of Mercy," the "Early Days of the Mercy Order in Omaha," Sorenson's "Story of Omaha," the records of the diocese and of and of the different parishes and the issues of the early newspapers; but all these deal in the main with individual events, institutions or societies. They make no effort to cover in a general way and in a connected account all those factors that make up the great nursury of Catholic religion and education in this community—the Catholic school system.|It is meet and opportune, therefore, that some notice be taken of the Catholic schools in Omaha. Their foundation and growth comprise a precious heritage of information which must be rescued from the twilight of oblivion. Their present status as the outgrowth and product of the past deserves careful study and exposition while the beet school policy to be followed in the future is to be settled in the light of all that has gone before. We have, therefore, selected as the topic of this dissertation, "Catholic Education in Omaha, Past, Present, and Future."|In the presentation of this paper it would be presumptuous to lay any claim to originality in content. Pacts cannot be originated; they must simply be drawn from available sources. But since all records on hand deal with a particular school or religious organization or if they cover a broad field they give the Catholic schools scant and cursory notice. It is hoped that this broad account dealing exclusively with the centers of Catholic education in Omaha will possess at least the grace of some originality in form.