Catholic church welcomes new priest

Father James "Jim" Heithoff is excited to be a part of the welcoming community at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church on 14th Avenue and Jackson Street in Sidney.

Heithoff moved to Sidney on July 1 from Ainsworth, a town in the eastern part of Nebraska. "I came here to share faith and to share life with this community," Heithoff said. "I really came to learn from the people of Sidney. The people are what's important."

"I didn't come here to change things," Heithoff said. "The first priority is the people who are here, and everyone has been very welcoming toward me." He said that it is and has been a privilege and a delight to be able to teach in this church.

Heithoff grew up in Cedar Rapids, Neb., where he found his calling to join priesthood after high school. He has served in the ministry for more than 30 years. He previously served in the communities of Bassett, Ord, Burwell, Gordon, Rushville, Hay Springs and Alliance.

"The tasks and the life of a priest were motivating, as well as being able to bring the devotion of God to people's lives," he said.

Heithoff said the community can get involved during the upcoming season of Lent by participating with the Helping Hands program. The community can provide manpower that is needed to package meals that are sent around the world to help curtail hunger.

Another way to get involved is through the Saint Patrick's Parish Rummage House.

"The Rummage House has been in Sidney for 40 to 50 years and has provided clothing, furniture and other items to the community. It's open on the weekends and has helped a lot of people in Sidney," Heithoff said.

"Sidney is a good place for me to be right now. There is a lot of energy here, and that is really significant to me at this particular time. It's something I appreciate."

"Everyone is welcome here," Heithoff said. "Sidney is booming with more people wanting to get involved with the church community." He said that there are usually between 350 to 400 people in attendance over the weekends."

The church has weekend services on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. It also holds weekday masses Tuesday at 5:15 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday at 7:15 a.m. Those masses are located in the Eucharistic Chapel.