Taphorn Takes New Role, Will Step Down as Head of Newman Center

In an announcement made by the Archdiocese of Omaha on Monday, July 16, Rev. Joseph C. Taphorn will be leaving his post as pastor and director of the St. John Paul II Newman Center (JPII Newman). The move is effective January 2019.

Taphorn, who will be taking on the position of rector of the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul, Minnesota, has served as the founding director of JPII Newman since its opening in the fall of 2016. Created by the Archdiocese of Omaha to serve students of faith, JPII Newman offers housing for 162 students across 48 apartment-style rooms, as well as parking, laundry, chapel services, and dedicated activities.

Prior to JPII Newman, the Archdiocese of Omaha did not have a permanent base for campus ministry programming.

As Taphorn transitions to his new role, the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis will send one of its priests, Rev. Jake Anderson, to assist at JPII Newman for one year. He will help Taphorn with the transition and provide pastoral leadership after Taphorn assumes his new duties in January.

An Omaha native, Taphorn was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1997, and his first assignment as a priest was as an associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Norfolk. Following a three-year role in Norfolk, Taphorn earned an advanced degree in canon law in 2002.

Taphorn has served in various administrative roles in the Archdiocese of Omaha under Archbishop Elden F. Curtiss and Archbishop George J. Lucas. His assignments include vice-chancellor, chancellor, judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal, judicial vicar, vicar for clergy, and moderator of the curia.

“The work of directing the formation of priests has a profound effect on the future of dioceses, parishes and families,” Archbishop Lucas said. “Father Taphorn’s talent and experience have prepared him to take on this important responsibility. I pray that his time at St. Paul Seminary will bear good fruit in the Church.”

In addition to his parish assignments and extensive work at the diocesan level, Taphorn has held board positions or committee assignments with the Nebraska Catholic Conference, Archdiocese of Omaha Deposit and Loan Board, Catholic Cemeteries Board of Directors, Catholic Mutual Group, College of Consultors, Presbyteral Council, Finance Council, and Archdiocese of Omaha Sexual Abuse Review Board.

Taphorn said he will miss serving in the Archdiocese of Omaha and his ministry on the UNO campus.

“I will especially miss my daily interactions with college students and staff at the Newman Center. It will always hold a special place in my heart.