Lincoln Pius X Catholic High School Podcast

In Monday’s All Souls Mass, Fr. Isaac Wahlmeier’s homily focuses on the real end, our eternity with a loving God.

Throughout October, we’re inviting the entire Thunderbolt community to come together in prayer.

On this episode of We Are Pius, Sister Guadalupe and Lily Spangler join Jeremy Ekeler to talk about the Rosary, their own experiences with Mary, and why this simple prayer can become such a powerful part of everyday life.

Never prayed a Rosary before? That’s OK. Start small. Pray with your family, friends or classmates and join the Pius community in turning together toward Christ through Mary.

• 00:11 – Rosary Crusade
• 01:10 – Meet Our Guests
• 04:00 – Rosary Basics
• 06:08 – Peaceful Prayer
• 07:33 – Sister’s Rosary Journey
• 10:28 – Lily’s Family Story
• 13:23 – Tending Roses
• 16:38 – Helping Students Pray
• 19:52 – Start With Five
• 21:34 – October Crusade
• 23:23 – Praying Together
• 24:08 – Family Rosary
• 26:35 – Crusade Hopes
• 29:04 – Building the Habit
• 31:06 – Lightning Round
• 36:17 – Join the Crusade

Silence. After the homily by Fr. Ranil Weerackoon at today’s all school-mass, the gym stayed completely silent.

“God is a friend of sinners.”

Dr. Melissa Whelan was a dean of students at a school in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. She is currently in her first year as principal at Cathedral of the Risen Christ School. She spoke with Pius X students about her experiences, how she remembers Sept. 12, too, and her prayers for all those impacted by those tragic events.

At the end of her talk, a girls choir at Pius X sang a special rendition of God Bless America.

In this special episode of We Are Pius, we welcome the newest members of the theology department: newly ordained priests Fr. Bradley Moss and Fr. Peter Foley (pictured), along with theology educator Jeff Schinstock and theology department chair Fr. Mark Cyza. Together, they discuss vocation, Catholic education, and the mission of forming young people in faith.

Listeners will hear two inspiring vocation stories rooted in Catholic schools, parish life, and the witness of priests, religious sisters, teachers, and coaches. The conversation also explores the future of theology education at Pius, including curriculum renewal, classroom formation, and the unique role Catholic education plays in helping students discover their calling.

• 01:40 – Fr. Moss Vocation Story
• 07:03 – Fr. Foley’s Journey
• 13:03 – Discovering Your Vocation
• 17:23 – Theology Department Vision
• 24:57 – New Theology Curriculum
• 27:22 – Lightning Round
• 33:17 – Final Message to Students

In this special RESTORE episode, senior Peter Winters shares a deeply personal testimony about faith, suffering, friendship, and discovering God in the middle of uncertainty.

Peter reflects on a life-changing moment during his freshman year when a family medical emergency led him to pray sincerely for the first time. What followed became the starting point of a journey that transformed his relationship with God and ultimately connected him with a community of friends centered on faith. From discipleship groups and retreats to moments of struggle, doubt, and growth, Peter offers an honest look at what it means to trust God even when life doesn’t make sense.

This is a powerful and relatable witness for students navigating challenges, searching for purpose, and learning how to rely on God one day at a time.

Our first All School Mass of the year comes on the Feast Day of our patron saint, Pius X! Fr. Robert Froeschl, campus chaplain, celebrates Mass with many brother priests.

1. Welcome Back & New School Year

• Start: 0:00
• Welcoming students back, excitement for the school year, school community updates, and school mascots.

2. Introduction to St. Pius X’s Humble Life

• Start: 1:00
• Reflection on St. Pius X as an ordinary man from a small town whose greatness was seen by God.

3. God Looks at the Heart, Not Status

• Start: 1:38
• The contrast between worldly importance and God’s way of seeing people.

4. Faithfulness Leads to Greater Responsibility

• Start: 2:06
• Connection to Jesus’ words to Peter (“Feed my sheep”) and how St. Pius X was entrusted with greater leadership through faithful service.

5. Sharing the Gospel by Sharing Ourselves

• Start: 3:06
• St. Pius X’s example of giving his life in service and remaining humble despite increasing responsibilities.

6. Authenticity and Integrity Before God

• Start: 4:08
• God sees who we truly are, beyond masks and appearances, leading to a reflection on personal integrity.

7. Identity Through Relationships and Love

• Start: 5:03
• Family, community, and the Gospel’s greatest commandment: loving God and neighbor.

8. Our Deepest Identity as Sons and Daughters of God

• Start: 6:06
• God’s love revealed through Christ and the truth that every person is beloved by God.

9. God’s Love Revealed in the Sacraments and Eucharist

• Start: 8:10
• The human need for affirmation and how God provides tangible signs of His love through the sacraments and Eucharist.

10. Invitation to Receive God’s Love with Humble Faithfulness

• Start: 9:47
• Closing encouragement to imitate St. Pius X and receive God’s gifts with open hearts.

In this episode of We Are Pius, we introduce Nikolas Miroshnichenko, the new head baseball coach at Pius X High School and a member of the English faculty. Coach Miro brings a unique combination of baseball experience, educational leadership, and a passion for mentoring young people.

A Southern California native and former Nebraska baseball player, Coach Miro shares his journey back to Lincoln, the coaches who shaped his philosophy, and his vision for Thunderbolt baseball. He discusses building a culture rooted in accountability, selflessness, and applying pressure on the field while developing young men of character off it.

The conversation also explores how faith, teaching, and coaching intersect, what excites him about the future of the program, and why community was one of the biggest reasons he felt called back to Nebraska. Whether you’re a baseball fan, parent, student, or alum, this episode offers a great introduction to one of the newest leaders in the Thunderbolt family.

00:05 – Welcome Coach Miro
01:29 – Joining the Program
03:21 – California Baseball Roots
05:03 – Becoming a Husker
08:18 – Coaching Influences
11:02 – Baseball Philosophy
16:51 – Lessons Beyond Baseball
18:15 – Faith & Formation
21:03 – Returning to Nebraska
22:47 – Future of Thunderbolt Baseball
27:09 – Teaching & Coaching
31:54 – Lightning Round
32:36 – Prayer Intentions
34:53 – Fun Fact: Survivor Fan
36:14 – Thunderbolt Community
37:45 – Closing Remarks

Green & Gold Day brings together our students to get ready for the upcoming school year, with students getting their IDs, photos, class schedules and a whole lot more. Our CAO Jeremy Ekeler was on the scene talking with students, staff and parents to capture that ‘new school year’ feeling.

• 00:00 – Intro
• 00:18 – Claire Rohrs, first-year teacher
• 01:30 – Sophomore girls
• 02:40 – Seniors ready for the last of the ‘firsts’
• 05:00 – Two teachers ready for students
• 06:11 – Principal and math teacher
• 07:33 – A mom new to Pius X
• 08:28 – The Brandl twins
• 09:57 – Justin – “Live high school to the fullest”
• 11:20 – Spanish teacher and department chair
• 12:15 – Senior and freshman sisters
• 13:15 – Marian Sisters
• 15:36 – Father/Son duo
• 17:58 – Two students new to Pius X
• 18:58 – Two sophomore boys
• 19:40 – Front office staff
• 21:10 – Lunch room staff
• 22:13 – Sweetheart interview
• 23:42 – A sophomore named Paul
• 25:04 – The first in the family to attend Pius X
• 26:31 – Two incoming freshmen boys
• 27:30 – A senior role model for her siblings
• 28:57 – An alum!
• 30:00 – Father interviews daughter
• 31:18 – All the way from Germany
• 33:08 – Three fellas, including a para/football coach
• 34:23 – Theology teachers
• 36:18 – Three graduates from the 90s

In this episode, we celebrate one of the most memorable athletic achievements in recent Thunderbolt history: the 2026 Class B Girls Soccer State Championship.

Haley Thomsen and Chloe Kolm join the podcast to share what made this team special. From using an early-season loss as motivation to navigating the pressure of postseason play, they reflect on the culture, accountability, and faith that drove their championship run.

The conversation explores the leadership of a senior-heavy roster, the importance of team chemistry, the role of prayer and chapel before matches, and the emotional final moments that ended a 21-year wait for a state soccer title.

In this special summer episode of RESTORE, we share a powerful talk from former Husker volleyball player Rebekah Allick. Speaking with honesty and energy, Rebekah challenges students to take ownership of their faith outside of school structure, especially during the freedom of summer.

She shares how easy it is to fall out of rhythm and offers practical ways to stay grounded, from simple daily prayer to intentional scheduling. The talk then shifts to leadership, emphasizing that being Catholic isn’t about having all the answers, but about living with conviction, consistency, and love in every room you enter.

This is a relatable, real, and actionable message for any student trying to live their faith in today’s world.

Bishop Conley celebrates Catholic education and the Class of 2026.

CAO Jeremy Ekeler reflects on his first year at Pius X Catholic High School. From a major capital campaign and construction project to new leadership transitions and long‑term strategic planning, Ekeler shares what it has been like to navigate a year marked by both complexity and purpose.

The conversation centers on mission: building relationships, strengthening Catholic identity, and fostering unity through the theme “In the One, we are one.”

Listeners will hear how faith shapes decision‑making, how community remains the core of Pius, and why the focus moving forward is on sustainability, alignment, and continued growth for students and families.

“It’s all about the mission. You build a relationship every day and find a win for the kids and the families.”

In another special We Are Pius episode, we share a powerful graduation address given to the Class of 2026, reflecting on the deeper purpose of the Pius journey. Centered on faith, unity, and mission, this message reminds graduates that their time at Pius was never just about academics; it’s about becoming who God is calling them to be.

With themes of gratitude, service, and discipleship, the speech challenges students to live beyond graduation as witnesses of Christ, carrying forward a legacy rooted in love, humility, and leadership. It’s a moving send‑off that captures what it truly means to be formed, sent, and forever part of the Thunderbolt family.

“This community, this family of families, has surrounded you with both a deep love and high expectations. Not because you had to earn it, but because you’re worthy of excellence. Because you are made for more. Called to something and someone higher. This is what a thunderbolt is. The friendships you form, the faith you’re forging.”

In this special We Are Pius episode, we share the powerful graduation address from Natalie Fernandes, student speaker for the Class of 2026. With gratitude, humor, and deep faith, Natalie reflects on the journey from uncertain freshmen to confident seniors—highlighting the friendships, challenges, and unforgettable moments that shaped their time at Pius.

Her message is a heartfelt reminder to cherish the “bittersweet” moments of life, trust in God’s plan, and use the gifts we’ve been given to serve others. Centered on faith, community, and purpose, this speech beautifully captures what it truly means to be a Thunderbolt.

“How awesome is it that we can start and end our day with prayer and have Masses, confessions, adoration, RESTORES and retreats? Pius not only offered us an education, but an opportunity to help us reach our ultimate goal in life: to get to heaven.”

Senior Maggie Bergeron spoke before the Senior Parent Mass yesterday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Her journey from an all girls school in Minnesota to Lincoln Pius X after her sophomore year brought about mixed emotions. Through her new friends, she found the presence of Jesus. These experiences and others like it at Pius X has her thanking God for being a part of the Pius X community.

Parent and longtime Pius X teacher Katie Hayes (aka Maestra Hayes) delivers a moving reflection filled with love, nostalgia, and deep pride for the Class of 2026. Speaking as both a mother and an educator, Katie takes listeners on a journey that begins in preschool classrooms and kindergarten graduations and ends with confident seniors ready to step into the world.

She reflects on watching this class grow, not just academically, but spiritually. —highlighting their kindness, joy, and authentic care for one another. From extending tables during group projects to showing up in moments of loss, Katie celebrates the quiet, powerful ways these students live out their faith.

This episode is a tribute to a class that embraced community and made their Catholic identity their own. It’s a thank‑you letter from parents and teachers alike—and a reminder to never take a single moment for granted.

As graduation approaches, student speaker Colten Wieseler reflects on four formative years at Pius X Catholic High School, years marked by friendships, laughter, faith, and growth. From freshman‑year nerves and school lunches to unforgettable moments like Senior Assassin and a very memorable cornhole injury, Colten weaves humor into a heartfelt message about what truly lasts beyond high school.

Drawing on Scripture, the story of Saint Peter walking on water, and a powerful reflection on end‑of‑life regrets, Colten challenges his classmates to choose faith over fear as they step into their next chapter. His message is a reminder that while grades and tests fade, the people we love, and our relationship with Christ who we become.

This episode captures a student voice full of gratitude, sincerity, and hope, offering encouragement not just to the Class of 2026, but to anyone standing on the edge of something new.

At our final RESTORE event of the school year, senior Joseph Ngo shares his powerful journey from Vietnam to Nebraska—reflecting on a life‑altering accident, cultural transition, and the search for purpose far from home. Through moments of loss, faith, and unexpected belonging, Joseph explores what it means to trust the path set before you and to find home in places you never planned to be.

FULL TEXT

Good evening, everyone. I would like to start with a prayer. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen. Lord, Thank you so much for bringing me to this school.

And giving me the opportunity to stand here tonight. Holy Spirit, Please help me in this moment.

Not so that I’m talking, but so that you may talk through me. We pray, Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. I’m so grateful to be here with you guys tonight to share a piece on my journey. Some of you guys know my name is Joseph Huy Ngo. For those who don’t know, I’m an exchange student from Vietnam.

To give you guys how far away from my house, it takes 27 hours away to fly all the way from Vietnam, to this country, to Lincoln, specifically to this school.

Let me give you kind of background about me. I was born into a really strong Catholic family. I have two older sisters who are both married now. Which made me Uncle Huy, they’ve got children, so I’m lucky to have them. But the real story is start with my beloved mom.

She spent every single morning, wake up, go to the daily Mass at 4 AM. Is it nuts? 4 AM?

You guys, you didn’t hear it wrong. And yep, she decided she doesn’t want to go alone. So, she asked me, “Hey, son, you want to altar serve? That’s the 3rd grade young boy to hear, That sounds so cool. “Yep, I’m gonna be at the altar. I’m gonna stand with the priest, do whatever like the priest is doing. I will do that.

I’m so excited. But after that, I realized, I need to wake up at 4 AM, like her. To go to the Mass with her.

And when I have scheduled to serving. Yep, I need to do that and she, wakes me up every single morning when I have schedule. “Wake up, Joe. You don’t want to make priest stand alone at the altar.”

So, yeah, I need to take my responsibility to go. It’s kind of funny memory when I walk with her. Actually, I drive a bicycle with her. I drive her to the church. It’s a really good memory.

In the morning, started early and drive with her to the church. My life just keep going on like that, just going to the Mass, and be served.

And thank God until I came here, I can still have opportunity to serve in this school, in the Mass, in Lincoln Diocese. So, my background is full of … and today, May 6th. It’s kind of impact, today, in a feast day of Altar Serve, all the guys over there. When you guys meet them you guys should say “Congratulations.” Today is the Saint Dominic Savio. He’s so young boy. And but I would like to take you guys back. To the May 1st on May Crowning Day.

Four years ago, on that day, that’s so boring day to me. So the 8th-grade boy, decides to visit his girlfriend, actually, yeah. It’s just boring, so I want to visit my girlfriend.

So … but I want to drive her around. So I take the motorcycle from my parents. That’s illegal.

Absolutely young boy ride. But it sounds so cool. She sit behind me, drive her around.

I’m so excited to bring her, since it was short distance as well. My house and her house, not so far away, so I decide don’t need to wear helmet.

Looking back, that’s was the dumbest decision I have ever made in my life. And when I went through the intersection, a large truck hit in my body and my motorcycle.

I feel like I fly all the way to the sky like a bird, until the gravity drop me all the way down to the street. And my eyes close, I have coma. Coma on 3 days, exactly on 3 days.

When I open my eye, I don’t know what’s going on around, why I sleep on that bed, why a lot of people around me. The first person I saw was my brother in law. He’s standing by my hospital bed.

He told me that … what’s going on, what happening to me.

And he’s supposed to marriage my sister on the end of that May. But I have a crash on the 1st of May. That’s crazy.

And they cancel everything. They have spent months planning their weeding. But when my accident happened, they cancel everything.

And everyone, when see my case, the nurse, the doctor, the police, has all told my parent, the same thing: “We are sorry, but he probably won’t alive.”

My family started preparing for wedding. They were preparing to say ‘goodbye’ to me. But when I woke up, I feel normal, my bones, my brain, my blood, everything, nothing happened.

It was then I realize. My life wasn’t mine anymore. It was a gift.

Today, I just carry only one physical reminder on that day. This small scar on my thumb. Every time, I look at it, I’m reminded that my life didn’t continue by the accident. It was His plan. This was given a second chance, so I can stay alive. And can still be here. After the crash, I became a very practicing Catholic that I have ever met in my life.

I go to the Mass every single day, someday I go to two Mass. I go to adoration. Oh, that’s so amazing memory, me and Jesus.

Until my parent is like, when I transfer to high school. “Yep, son. You should go to international school.”

So what international school? So international school is a school and study under the American educational system, but in Vietnam, in my country. That sounds so cool to me, sounds so good.

I can be American now. So, yeah. I said to them, “yep,” parents, absolutely I’m gonna be there.

But life not easy like that for freshman. When I came to school.

Everyone use English at all. Why they so smart? Why they can be speaking, listening, reading, and writing everything by English.

And I have no clue what’s going on when I go to school. I don’t understand at all what they’re talking about. Why don’t they do Vietnamese at that school? And I struggle. Until, I just really lock into the academic.

And of that time, I forgot who give me a 2nd chance to alive. So the freshman and sophomore year I just really lock in until my parents decide, “Yo, son, you got enough academy now, do you want to study abroad?”

I say, “Oh yeah, absolutely, I’m gonna step up more.” And they offer me United State. I said, “Absolutely no.”

What is that? Australia sounds so good. I got a dance with kangaroo every single day in my life.

I just spend 7 hours, fly from Australia to Vietnam. I can fly in the morning and have a lunch with them in the afternoon.

That sounds so good. Why do you want to I go studying in United States?

And I go study abroad, not you guys. I said it to them. And I’m so excited every day, every single paperwork.

I’m excited to step back, step up, to go study abroad in Australia. And especially my dad tried to convince me by he brought the priest from United States to came. He is Vietnamese American, from this Lincoln Diocese.

He asked me about one of those study abroad in the United States. I say, that I pray, and think about it, and absolutely I want to go to Australia. And when you guys see, you guys can see his picture in the hallway, his name Fr. is Joseph Nguyen, in the hallway here, he is the pastor, in the Vietnamese church in this diocese

And the life so wonderful. I’m excited to go Australia. I applied everything.

But, the life not like I expect. My Australia Visa got denied. On that day, I feel so embarrassed.

I kneel in front of God, I asked him, “Why? Why you make it happen? I love you so much. I go to the mass every single day. Why?”

So, after that day, my dad just remind me about Father Joseph , I start reaching back to him, and he’s so mad about why. Why you say you’re gonna pray, and you think you’re gonna go to Australia, but he’s still, help me go to United States. And I still remember that day, I never forget, July 19, 2024. The day I passed the interview from United States government. Imagine I need to line up a long line, face to face with American government.

They’re gonna ask me a question, what is my purpose came to United States. When I went through, and I pass, and yep, I got it. I’m so excited to go United States now. Not Australia anymore.

But until I research. About a school, I’m gonna go, about a stay, I’m gonna go, Nebraska.

Oh my goodness. I ask myself, is it America? When I think about America, Washington D.C., New York, Florida, California, Texas. What is Nebraska? Am I gonna sleep with a cow and a corn all my life?

That’s, I struggle with that. And about Pope? I heard about Lincoln Pius X.

Wow, I know Pope Pius the 10, he’s so cool. I love him. He my favorite pope.

He the saint and he have the ST in front of his name. How about Lincoln? Where is that at, as well?

And that’s time I struggle. I don’t know what is fully my future on that day. But when I came here, the first thing I realized was not my will, but thine be done.

The 1st time I go to school, that’s so huge. I have no clue, what is my next class? I just picked random people to show me, I show you the schedule and ask them, “hey, can you take me to the next class?”

Probably about 2 weeks, I know my class, but it’s still tough to me. But the good impressed about Pius, faith I can see everywhere. We could see a picture of Jesus and saint, which means I never have that chance can see the Catholic school in Vietnam. They don’t allow Catholic school. That so shames of us.

But everything was so nice. I start making friends, hang out. A lot of people asked me about my life, about my life in Pius, and in the new country. But still day by day, I feel loneliness.

I miss my home, my family, my friends. Why I left everything over to came to the country I have no clue about?

And a day, I asked them, I should decide, visit Jesus. I asked the Campus ministry, and they told me they have the RESTORE. And I decide, “Yep, I have time, so, I should go.” And then I went to the adoration. Here at school, the November 2024 was the 1st time I go.

Just like today, I brought all my challenges to Jesus in the Eucharist. I thought I would just pray and go home. But said, I look around a friend, pray with me.

Beside me, ask me, I realized I wasn’t alone. Yeah, he didn’t just bring me to school.

He brought me to a home, my second home. That night, I didn’t need a party to know I would love it. I feel a peace that told me this is where you supposed to be.

As I look toward in the future. I’m still thinking about the priesthood. I don’t know the full plan yet, that’s America, still have a lot of crazy stuff to experience. But I’m learning to say the words every day, “Not my will but thine be done.” If he saved my life for a reason, I want to spend the rest of my life serving that reason.

In conclusion, I want to borrow the UNL slogan. “No place like Nebraska.” But I would to add more to become “No place like Pius.”

Here people bring me joy and kindness into my life. Pius has truly became my friend. My family. I’m so grateful to grow with you all, to let this experience shape my future, and to strengthen my faith. Amen. Thank you so much.

Our annual May Crowning Mass honors Mary and our seniors, for whom this is the last All School Mass at Pius X!