The Baptistery
Cathedral -- The word cathedral is derived from the Latin "cathedra" meaning chair. The Cathedral contains the permanent chair or throne of the Bishop. The Cathedral is the mother church of the diocese. The Diocese of Lincoln includes all of Nebraska south of the Platte River. It is in the Cathedral that: high feasts are celebrated with the Bishop presiding; Holy Oils are consecrated during Holy Week for use in all the Catholic Churches in the Diocese thoughtout the coming year; new priests are ordained; religious receive their final vows; acolytes and lectors are installed; and new churches are established. The Cathedral in one sense is a school, a place of teaching as well as worship. Here the Bishop teaches, governs, sanctifies. From here he sends forth priests to carry Christ to the people of the area.
The Resurrection of the first Easter is the theme of this Cathedral. All things in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ tell of this truly tremendous event; the windows, the art work, and the statuary all announce: "He is Risen."
The Cathedral of the Risen Christ was constructed in 1964 -1965 and consecrated on August 16, 1965, by Archbishop James V. Casey. In the floor of the baptistery is the coat of arms of the Archbishop. The coat of arms is located at the foot of the ceremonial doors which are opened on special occasions. Archbishop Casey designed the coat of arms.
Casey Coat of Arms
Each bishop designs his own coat of arms. On the right side is the coat-of arms of the Casey family redesigned to make it peculiar to the Archbishop. One can see an escallop shell, the symbol of St. James, Bishop Casey's first name. The two golden Latin crosses are derived from the coat of arms of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Leo Binz, DD, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa, where Bishop Casey was born, baptized and where he labored as a priest for 17 years. The motto "Nisi Dominus" is taken from Psalm 126, and is translated "unless the Lord." Fully the text is: "Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vein that build. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watches in vain that keepeth it." Archbishop Casey was Bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln from 1957 until 1967 when he became Archbishop of the Diocese ofDenver in Colorado. The Baptistery Window:
The brilliant Baptistery window tells the triumphant story of the Resurrection in glass and color. The luminous center is the formless body of the Risen Christ. The rays emanating from the body of Christ fan out to the side window of blue and green glass - the blue of the sky and the green of the earth to show that Christ has dominion over all the earth. (Artist: Rambusch Studio of New York) The Baptismal Font
It is through Baptism that all Christians enter into their lives with Christ. And according to the guidelines laid down by Vatican II, the Baptismal Font should be placed in the entrance of the church. The Font lid is made of 8 bronze panels that encompass a reference to water.
Noah's Ark Saving waters of Baptism. Jacob wrestling the angel. Baptism gives us the strength to endure spiritual evil. Moses leading the people through the Red Sea. Baptism helps us to journey safely through life. Moses striking the rock to bring forth water to save his people. Baptism is saving water. Christ being baptized by John. A prefiguration of the baptism given to us by Christ . Christ talking to the Samaritan Women at Jacob's Well. The living water Christ will give. Angel stirring water for crippled man in Jerusalem. All are called to the living water of baptism. Soldier opening the side of Christ with a spear and blood and water flow out. The water of baptism that comes from Christ bringing us every rich and holy blessing. Return to Virtual Tour Outline Page
Copyright ©2001, 2002, 2003 Cathedral of the Risen Christ, Lincoln NE All Rights Reserved Cathedral of the Risen Chirst
3500 Sheridan Blvd
Lincoln NE 68506Cathedral E-Mail:
cathedraloftherisenchrist@crchrist-parish.orgDiocese of Lincoln, In Nebraska Phone: (402) 488-0948
FAX: (402) 488-7895
