Greetings!
Rev. Eric S. Olsen
Ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 2002
Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Humphrey | Holy Family Parish, Lindsay | St. Mary’s Parish, Leigh | St. Michael’s Parish, Tarnov
President of St. Francis School | President of Holy Family School
mailto:esolsen@archomaha.org
Telephone: (402) 923-0913
Rev. Wayne Pavela
Ordained to the Priesthood on June 11, 1977
Associate Pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Humphrey | Holy Family Parish, Lindsay | St. Mary’s Parish, Leigh | St. Michael’s Parish, Tarnov
Chaplain/Teacher at St. Francis School
I am 68 years old being born on September 27, 1951. I was the oldest of two. My only brother died in 2010. I am a product of public schools. However, many of my role models from the faculty and coaching staff provided a very good “Catholic” example.
I discovered my vocation in 8th grade. During that same year, my brother was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. When I learned of his illness, I bargained with God and said that if my brother was cured, I would become a priest. The thought remained deep in the back of my mind.
In high school I developed an interest in Athletic Training. I pursued that career until I received word that my brothers’ cancer was gone. Ultimately, I finally said yes to the call. My initial interest was monastic. However, I contacted the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Vocation Director and pursued my call.
I completed my College studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1973. I then attended St. Thomas Seminary in Denver Colorado and completed my Theological Studies in May of 1977.
I was ordained a Deacon April 12, 1976. I ministered as a Deacon at Mary Our Queen Parish in Omaha. I was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha on June 11, 1977 by Archbishop Daniel E. Sheehan. I was assigned as an Assistant Pastor to St. Bernard Parish in Omaha from 1977 to 1980. While there, I taught at Mount Michael High School. In 1980, I was released to discern a monastic call at Mt. Michael.
I left the Abbey for personal reasons and returned to the Archdiocese. I was then assigned to Scotus Central Catholic in 1981 as Campus Minister and teacher. I remained at SCC until 1997 when I was assigned as Campus Minister and Teacher at St. Francis High School and Holy Family High School in Lindsay. I helped Fr. Jim Novotny with weekend Masses at St. Edward from 2000 to 2004 and 2005 to 2010. I was appointed Administrator of St. Francis 2004-2005.
I celebrate 42 years of ordination in June of 2019.
Deacons
I’m Deacon Dennis Anderson and my ordination was on November 15, 2008. I was born in the fifties and have one adopted sister. I graduated from Oakland-Craig High School and then went to Northeast Community College in Norfolk, studying Building Construction. I moved to Humphrey in the Spring of 1978 to start a business with a partner—A&H Building and Supply.
I married Cecilia Wemhoff on September 15, 1979 at St. Francis Church in Humphrey. This is the same parish where I converted to the Catholic faith (I was baptized in the Methodist Church and confirmed in the Covenant Church). I am now a deacon in the Catholic Church because of God’s plan for me.
God has blessed us with three children—Jason, Alan, and April. They are all married (also at St. Francis). They have blessed us with eight grandchildren (so far). Alan and April live in Humphrey and they each have children attending St. Francis School.
Dennis Anderson
Ordained to the Permanent
Diaconate in 2008
My name is Deacon Kent Sachau. I was born and raised near Martinsburg, Nebraska. After graduation from the University Of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture, in 1975 at the age of 19, I became owner and operator of Sachau’s Garage in Martinsburg.
My lovely wife Tina and I met shortly after I bought my business in Martinsburg, and we were married two years later on August 13, 1977. In this marriage, we raised four biological children, and our nephew Nick, who we think of as one of our own; we are also blessed with nine grandchildren so far.
After discerning a calling to the diaconate, I was ordained in the spring of 2012, and we moved to Humphrey that same year. My wife and I are so blessed to be able to live in such a special community; everyone has welcomed us with open arms. I am looking forward to the future and serving St. Francis in whatever way I am needed.
Kent Sachau
Ordained to the Permanent
Diaconate in 2012
Tim was born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the youngest of four brothers. Tim graduated from St. Albert High School in 1991, after attending the school since Kindergarten. He then moved to Norfolk to attend Northeast Community College, and has resided in the area for the last 25 years.
Tim has been a commercial and Ag lender for 17 years, and is currently the president of Bank of the Valley in Humphrey. As of 2016, Tim is entering into his 20th year of marriage with Melissa, and they are blessed with seven children- ranging from ages 2 through 20.
Tim was ordained a Deacon in 2013 as a member of St. Leonard Parish in Madison, and was reassigned to St. Francis in June of 2016. Tim and the family feel very blessed to be part of the St. Francis community, and look forward to serving the church, school, and parishioners.
Timothy Howard
Ordained to the Permanent
Diaconate in 2013
