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“It was such a nice and beautiful way to celebrate Easter” – Haley Dickerson

Haley Dickerson, a 1st grade teacher at St. Bernadette Catholic School, celebrated a milestone this Easter as she officially entered the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program. 

Years ago, Haley faced a challenging chapter in her life. Navigating financial uncertainty and raising her young children—then just 3 and 1 years old—was overwhelming. Her mother stepped in, quitting her job to provide childcare, yet Haley’s daughter missed social interaction with other kids her age. 

Around that same time, Haley’s mother took the Archdiocese of Omaha Safe Environment Class at St. Bernadette (SBS), and she suggested Haley explore the school as an option for her daughter. On a whim, Haley called the school on a Friday afternoon seeking information. She didn’t reach anyone. But when she called again the next Monday, she learned that a spot had opened only hours earlier.

Providential timing! 

She was unfamiliar with Catholic education, but enrolling her daughter at SBS was the best option at the time. From the moment she brought her daughter to her first day of school, she and her family were welcomed into the St. Bernadette community with open arms.

Two years ago, she began working in SBS Tiger Den extended care. Then, a first grade teaching position opened up at SBS, and Principal Lynn Schultz offered Haley the opportunity.

“What felt like an impossible circumstance at the time led me to where I needed to be for myself and for my whole family,” she said.

Shortly after the 2024-2025 school year began, Haley made the decision to join OCIA, the Catholic Church’s program for adults entering the faith.

“This first school year has been amazing, as has the OCIA journey,” she said. She explored other faith denominations through the years, but felt she left with unanswered questions. 

“There’s no way I could go back now. But I understand how it could seem—something like praying to Saints just as you would talk to a friend—it’s something easily misunderstood until you understand.”

At St. Bernadette, Haley feels fully embraced for who she is. In her classroom, she enjoys the opportunities to play worship music and hear students joyfully sing and praise Jesus together.

“I am incredibly grateful for the Catholic Church,” said Haley.

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Haley is a great faith role model for the students in her class and across the school community. You can help support and sustain experiences like these in our Catholic schools for years to come through the Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving on May 7, 2025. Give online to a specific school or area of impact.