Ernie Nedder Receives Papal Honor

By Carissa Krautscheid

Ernie Nedder received one of the highest honors of the Church, the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, meaning “For Church and Pope.”

“The Pro Pontifice et Ecclesiae award was established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 to honor those who have provided exceptional service to the Church,” explained Bishop Edward Weisenburger. “It is customarily awarded to those who have served with extraordinary generosity throughout their lives. With this in mind, I realized that Ernie Nedder’s lifetime of service to the Church made him the perfect candidate. While the Gospel of Jesus Christ encourages us to be wary of honors, the Church recognizes the importance of shining a light on the best examples of discipleship to encourage us all.”

Ernie was surprised to be recognized at the Catholic Foundation’s Cornerstone Gala. He was speechless, humbled, and awed. “This award helps validate my life’s work for the Church,” said Ernie. His wife, Kathy, has been known to say, “The Church has always been Ernie’s first love.”

Bishop Weisenburger presented the award to Ernie. “This award is actually a papal honor, reserved by the Holy See only for those who have generally spent decades in service of the Church in a profound and selfless manner. When a priest receives an award of this nature, it usually includes the title ‘Monsignor’ as the cleric is something of an example for his brothers to follow. While we won’t be addressing Ernie in that way, the Holy See does wish to shine this light on him as an example for all.”

Ernie holds multiple advanced degrees in theology and education. He also possesses extraordinary management and business skills, all of which he put to good use for the Church beginning several decades ago. 

He founded a major Catholic publishing company, focused on catechesis and teaching the faith. It is also one of the first major publishing houses to reach out into the Spanish-language catechetical movement.

Ernie has served in multiple positions in the Archdiocese of Dubuque and as Assistant Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Boston. He has been involved at the Diocese of Tucson since he moved to Arizona from Iowa in 1994. Given his expertise in publishing, Bishop Manuel Moreno asked Ernie and some others to reestablish the diocesan newspaper. He also served as Chancellor and supported CTSO in between several terms as director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson.

Ernie was instrumental in raising $20 million for the new Diocesan Pastoral Center and Our Lady’s Chapel. “Among the many projects,” Ernie reflected, “the one that comes to mind was the last one: working with Bishop Kicanas to raise funds to build the new Bishop Kicanas Pastoral Center. It was gratifying to meet so many generous donors around the diocese and hear about their lives and faith.”

Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas shares his gratitude and appreciation for Ernie Nedder’s lifetime of service. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of receiving the distinguished papal recognition, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, than Ernie Nedder. He has worked tirelessly for the Diocese in whatever role he was asked to do. His selfless dedication to serve and to minister is an inspiration to me and many in our Diocese. He is the best and has made a substantive contribution to the Church’s mission. We are all grateful!”

“At 80, it was time to retire,” said Ernie. Despite his retirement, Ernie continues to re-emerge and respond to the needs of Bishops and other Church leaders, generously and willingly offering his expertise and experience. He was recently pulled into Foundation leadership for Bethlehem University in Jerusalem.

“I need to say thanks to my wife Kathy who was a great supporter and advisor to me in this work,” said Ernie. “Also, working with the people of the Diocese of Tucson made me realize that they not only profess their faith but also live it by their work and lives.”

Congratulations, Ernie, and thank you for a lifetime of selfless service to the Catholic Church.