Fr. Belt Biography – St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church

Father David Belt grew up in Emerson, a rural community of about 800 residents in Northeast Nebraska. He is the oldest of 6 boys. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Emerson-Hubbard High School. Upon graduation in 1978, he attended Wayne State College, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education Degree in December of 1982. Father Belt taught vocal and instrumental music at Allen Consolidated Schools in Allen, Nebraska, from 1983-1985. He entered the seminary at the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity of the University of Saint Thomas, earning a Master of Divinity Degree in 1989. Ordained in 1990, Father Belt served for 2 years as associate pastor of Saint Patrick Parish in Fremont, with teaching/ campus ministry duties at Archbishop Bergan Catholic School. Then he was assigned as associate pastor of Saint Stephen the Martyr Parish in Omaha from 1992-1995.

In the fall of 1995, Father Belt was appointed pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Wisner, with teaching/ campus ministry duties at West Point Central Catholic High School. It was also at this time that he began a program of study at Wayne State College, earning his Master of Science in Education Degree in 2000. He served as the pastor of Sacred Heart/Saint Mary’s Parish in Norfolk, and president of Norfolk Catholic Schools from 2000 to 2010. Father Belt was appointed pastor of Saint Patrick Parish and president of Archbishop Bergan Catholic School in Fremont in 2010 and now has been assigned to St. Stephen the Martyr as our new pastor.

Father Belt has worked with parish councils, school boards, finance committees, and other committees and ministries in the parishes he has served. He has also led retreats and workshops for parish councils, school boards, and Catholic school faculties in the Archdiocese. Topics include Catholic identity, role and purpose of advisory boards, strategic planning, and spirituality of parish/school leaders. Father Belt has served on External Visitation Teams for state and AdvancED accreditation for Catholic schools.

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers” (M. Scott Peck). Along with the Magi on the Feast of the Epiphany, may we step out of our ruts and journey in faith to experience the grace and glory of Jesus Christ.

– Fr. Dave Belt

Get to know Father Dave

We asked Fr. Dave some questions and here are his answers:

What is your name?

Father Dave

How long have been a staff member at St. Stephen the Martyr?

3 1/2 Years as Pastor (3 years as Associate Pastor from 1992 to 1995)

What is your position?

Pastor

Where did you work before St. Stephen the Martyr?

Saint Patrick Parish and Archbishop Bergan Catholic School in Fremont

Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?

Emerson, Nebraska. Went to Sacred Heart Grade School and Emerson-Hubbard High School.

Tell us about your family (spouse, children, grandchildren, pets, etc.):

My mom still lives in Emerson, and I have 5 younger brothers, 5 sisters-in-law, 15 nieces and nephews, and a growing crowd of great-nieces and nephews.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Celebrate Mass.

What do you like to do for fun? What do you like to do to unwind/relax?

Read, listen to music, cooking and grilling

What’s your least favorite chore around the house?

Unloading the dishwasher

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?

I can play the bassoon.

What is your favorite food?

Roast beef and mashed potatoes

What is your favorite sweet treat?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

You remind me of your dad.

What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?

Bible, pillow, extra pair of socks

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Sitting in the sun on a lake, listening to music and reading

What do you enjoy most about working at St. Stephen the Martyr?

Bringing Christ to others through the Sacraments and spending time with our parishioners.

Which word in our mission statement has the most impact on you? Why?

“All.” We have a great opportunity to bring the love of Jesus to our families and neighbors through our own words and actions.

What advice do you have for others to grow their Catholic faith and relationship with Jesus Christ?

Keep your vision focused on Jesus, and He will guide you through any difficulties in life.