Chapter Twelve – Part One

History of the Parish 1990–present

Our World: 1990–present

1990

· October 3: After a 45 year division into communist and non–communist states, Germany is reunified.

· HIV–2, a second strain of the AIDS virus discovered in West Africa, spreads. Up to 208,000 new cases are reported by the end of 1992.

· August 2: Iraq invades Kuwait, an act condemned by the United Nations Security Council.

1991

· January 17: ‘Operation Desert Storm’ begins a war with Iraq to liberate Kuwait.

1992

· The Soviet Union ceases to exist. Fifteen new nations are formed including Russia.

1993

· Bill Clinton is elected the 42^nd President of the United States

· The ‘Great Flood of 1993’ left at least 50 dead, 70,000 homeless, and some $12 billion in property damage in nine Midwestern states in the summer.

· Postage rises to 29 cents.

· February 26: A terrorist’s bomb explodes in New York City’s World Trade Center in killing six people.

· April 19: After a prolonged standoff, a government siege on the Brach Davidian compound in Waco, Texas results in the self–inflicted deaths of 80 people.

1994

· January 17: A major snow storm blankets the Midwest and shuts down all major roadways. The wind chill reached –35 degrees.

· Between April and June, an estimated 800,000 Rwandans are murdered in a massive genocide carried out by its government

1995

· April 19: The Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is bombed killing 168 people.

1996

· July 19–August 4: Games of the XXVI Olympiad are held in Atlanta, Georgia with local athlete Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic flame during opening ceremonies.

· July 5: Scientists in Scotland successfully clone a sheep named ‘Dolly,’ sparking debate on genetic engineering.

· July 17: TWA Flight 800, bound to Paris explodes just after takeoff in New York killing all 230 people aboard.

· July 27: During a concert in Centennial Olympic Park, a terrorist’s bomb kills one person and injures 110 people.

· Postage rises to 32 cents.

1997

· Bill Clinton is re–elected President.

· August 31: A tragic car accident claims the life of Princess Diana.

· September 5: Mother Theresa of Calcutta dies.

1998

· El Niño

· March 24: School shootings in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

· December 19: President Bill Clinton is impeached by the House of Representatives on grounds of perjury and obstruction of justice.

1999

· President Bill Clinton is acquitted of all charges by the Senate.

· April 20: Two teenagers fatally shot at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.

· July 6: John F. Kennedy killed in a small plane crash.

· Preparation continues for ‘Y2K,’ a computer problem related to the year 2000.

2000

· November: A prolonged vote recount in Florida follows the Presidential election between George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore.

· Postage rises to 33 cents.

2001

· September 11: The worst terror attack on the U.S. leaving over 3,000 dead. Terrorists crash two planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third plane crashes into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a fourth plane crashes in Pennsylvania after hostages attempt to overtake the plane.

· October 7: U.S. launches ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’ against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in response to the terrorist attacks of 911.

· Postage rises to 34 cents.

2002

· Clergy sex abuse scandal is revealed. Over 250 people eventually join a lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Louisville.

· Postage rises to 37 cents.

2003

· March 19: ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’ starts a second war with Iraq. The nighttime bombing in Baghdad targets Saddam Hussein and other Iraqi leaders.

· Severe tornados plague the Midwest.

· Pope John Paul II celebrates the 25^th year of his Pontificate.

2004

· Jan 4: After a seven–month journey in space, NASA’s probe Spirit lands on Mars.

· March 4: A terrorist group linked to Al–Qaeda carries out simultaneous explosions on train stations in Madrid, Spain killing 191 people.

· June 28: U. S. formally transfers sovereignty back to Iraq under interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.

· July 23: U. S. demands Sudanese government to intervene in what it claims is genocide against Africans in the Darfur region. Arab militias had killed more than 70,000 and created a humanitarian crisis as more than 1.5 million are driven from their homes.

· Aug 13: Summer Olympic Games are held in Athens, Greece, the country of its origin, for the first time since the modern games began in 1896.

· October 4: SpaceShipOne becomes the first privately built rocket plane to reach orbital altitude.

· October 9: Afghanistan holds its first free elections ever, following the removal of the Taliban.

· December 26: A massive earthquake off the coast of Indonesia in the Indian Ocean creates a tsunami that claims the lives of more than 125,000 in 12 countries.

2005

· Jan 30: First free elections held in Iraq in half a century following the liberation from Saddam Hussein in 2003. Turnout estimated at 72% of eligible voters despite threats of violence.

· April 2: Pope John Paul II dies in his residence at the Vatican at 84 years of age after a 26-year pontificate.

· April 19: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, is elected Benedict XVI.

· July 7: Terrorists bombings in London, England kill 55 people, including the bombers. Three separate explosions occur in a subway and one on a bus.

2006

· July 12: Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon seize two Israeli soldiers, starting an armed conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border with many innocent Lebanese and Israeli citizens caught in the crossfire.

Rev. Robert E. Reilly

Rev. Robert E. Reilly (photo left) was born September 28, 1932. He was baptized at Holy Name Church and grew up in the parish of the Most Blessed Sacrament with the Sisters of Charity. He enrolled in seminary at St. Mary’s College in Kentucky, with four years of theology training at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. He was ordained May 31, 1958. Previous to arriving at Our Lady in 1989, he spent many years serving other parishes:

1959–64 Holy Trinity

1964–67 St. Aloysius

1967–72 Cathedral of the Assumption

1972–77 St. Athanasius

1977–87 St. George

1987–89 Holy Spirit

1989–2003 Our Lady

Fr. Reilly’s accomplished many goals during his pastorate. Most significantly, he hired a Sister of Mercy as Director of Religious Education, arranged for the appointment of a deacon and hired a part–time music director. Other changes include:

· Establishment of a Legion of Mary chapter.

· Hosting of Eucharistic devotions (twelve hours a day, once per a week until spring 1993).

· Returning of the Blessed Sacrament to the high altar on December 22, 1991.

· Returning of the statues of Sacred Heart, St. Joseph and angels to the sanctuary.

· Annual crowning of the Blessed Mother along with enrollment in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

· Establishment of a club for Grandmothers, Grandfathers and Fathers.

· Creation of the ‘Bits & Pieces’ parish newsletter.

· Establishment of the ‘Flush Fund’ to cover expenses for renovations and building projects

· Hosting of annual parish missions.

· Establishment of annual fund–raisers (Winterfest, Spring Festival, Oktoberfest and Chicken Dinner).

· Pilgrimages to the ‘Holy Land’ of Kentucky.

· Discontinued the early Sunday morning Mass at 9:30am on June 6, 1996.

Fr. Reilly officially retried June 18, 2003 but continues to reside in the rectory and celebrate Mass, alternating weekend Masses with Fr. John Burke. On June 14, 2003, parishioners hosted a dinner to honor the service of Fr. Reilly and Sr. Buniff.

Fr. Reilly’s Stroke

It was March 16, 1993 when Sr. Buniff was driving down 34^th Street on her way home and pulled over to let an ambulance pass. Little did she know that the patient was Fr. Reilly! She had only been home a few minutes when there was a pounding on the door of the Convent by Ray Yates and Mike Recktenwald with the news that Fr. Reilly had a stroke. Sunday bulletins take up the story of his recovery:

· March 28, 1993

Father is very grateful for all your prayers and said to tell you he is thinking of you all. He is now at Baptist East Rehab Center. We welcome Fr. Jones who will be with us on weekends and Holy Week until Easter. Fr. Reilly’s progress will determine future arrangements until his return to us. Continue your prayers for a speedy recovery. Thanks, too, to Fr. Caskey who celebrates daily Mass with us.

· April 11, 1993

Father is still working on special therapy and he has made several small gains. But he still has a very long time in therapy before he is released. He does want everyone to know that the cards and prayers mean a great deal to him and he sends Easter greetings to all.

· April 18, 1993

Father will be able to leave the hospital for a few hours this weekend and go to his family home. This will be a test to see how well he can do for himself outside of the hospital. Keep him in your prayers.

· April 25, 1993

Father did well on his Sunday pass out of the hospital. He was tired when he got back but looking forward to another trip. He is still making small but steady progress. He still needs all the prayers he can get for a full recovery.

· May 9, 1993

Fr. Reilly has been released from the hospital and moved in with his family.

Fr. Reilly wrote the following message to the parish June 6, 1993:

My dear people of the family of Our Lady’s parish. I just want to let you know how very much I appreciated all your cards and visits while I was in the hospital. They brought a lot of joy and comfort to me. I especially thank you for your prayers. When my stroke happened I had no pain or illness; all of a sudden I just couldn’t move my left hand or arm or leg. I’m doing somewhat better now, but am a long way from being able to do the things I used to do.

I can put up with the paralysis but am having trouble dealing with another problem caused by the stroke. Namely, I cry at the drop of a hat. I’ve visited many stroke patients and realize that crying goes along with many strokes, but I don’t just ‘tear up’ a little, I start sobbing and bawling when something is said that is sad or sentimental. So when I get back, please don’t be too nice to me. I know you love me and I know you know how much I love each and every one of you. But please don’t say it to me because it makes me cry and is very embarrassing to me. I’ve had Mass at my sister’s house a few times and most of the time I can’t get through it without crying. If it weren’t for crying like I do, I’d let someone wheel me out in a wheelchair to have Mass. I’m trying to come to the Rectory a couple of times a week for a few hours each time. Once again, thank you for your prayers. I’m praying for you also. Fr. Reilly.

Fr, Reilly returned to the parish in July. The Altar of Sacrifice was moved to the side and the small table from the back of the church was put in its place. For a time, he celebrated Mass while sitting in his wheelchair. Later, he was able to stand. The ambo was moved to the right side of the altar to shorten the walking distance. Rails were also installed on the altar steps. After Mass ended, he would process down the center isle in his motorized cart to greet people in the vestibule – sometimes honking the small horn on the cart.

40^th Jubilee of Fr. Reilly

The celebration of Fr. Reilly’s 40^th Jubilee took place May 30, 1998 with Mass at 5pm.

Concelebrants...... Rev. William Brennan, Rev. Anthony Chandler, Rev. Joseph Hamilton, Rev. Frederick Hendrickson, Rev. John E. Jones, Rev. John B. Lenahan, Rev. John H. Morgan, Rev. Vincent Schweizer

Servers............... Brian Cassady, Bradley Cassady

Lector................. Jack Elder

Hospitality............ Cecilia Cassady, Kelly Watson

Gift bearers......... Family of Fr. Reilly

A reception and dinner followed in Lehmann Hall. The buffet dinner consisted of fried chicken, ham, roast beef, tossed salad, vegetables and dessert. Master of ceremonies, James McIntyre, led the ‘roast’ following dinner. Fr. Reilly was presented with the gift of the car he had been driving. He shared these words:

First, of all, I thank God for the gift of my vocation to be a priest. I thank each and every one of you who have contributed in any way, large and small, to all of the preparations that went into making this 40^th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood such a memorable occasion. I ask your prayers for my continued perseverance as I strive to do His Holy will in His service all the days of my life.

A few years later, Fr. Reilly participated in the Jubilee Mass in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition and Convention Center on September 3, 2000. Although he was unable to sit with the dozens of priests assembled, he had his own private space just right of the choir.

Deacon William R. Klump

Three years after Fr. Reilly returned to Our Lady’s after suffering a stroke, the Parish Council resumed their meetings. At one meeting, he asked the Council about getting a deacon. Greatly encouraged, he called Archbishop Kelly the next day. Deacon William R. Klump (photo left) was ordained August 17, 1996 at the Cathedral of the Assumption. He responded to the invitation and arrived October 1, 1996, becoming Our Lady’s first permanent deacon.

Deacon Bill, as he is known, was born September 10, 1952. Although baptized at St. Louis Bertrand Church, he grew up in the parish of St. James. By profession, Deacon Bill is a Certified Public Accountant. He married Barbara at St. Louis Bertrand Church in 1974, and raised five children: Edward, Jennifer, Robert, Stephen, and Andrew. His sons attended Catholic high schools and a few were Mass servers. His daughter Jennifer married at the church and earned a PhD from Harvard University.

Deacon Bill is an asset to the welfare of Our Lady’s parish, not just temporally, but spiritually. He assists at weekend Masses, funeral Masses and prays with families, both at the funeral home and the cemetery. He also conducts Eucharistic Adoration and makes arrangements for the parish missions.

Parish Staff

In 1991, Fr. Reilly hired, Sr. Naomi Buniff, R.S.M. as Director of Religious Education. She prepared children for the Sacraments, trained servers, lectors and ministers of communion and facilitated spiritual life organizations.

After twenty–five years of faithful service as parish secretary, Mary Helen Recktenwald retired in 1993 and Cecilia Cassady became secretary. Mike Recktenwald was head of maintenance until he retired in 1999. Mr. Recktenwald was assisted by Jesse Leet, Ray Yates, Mona Yates and Jim Doolan. Bob Quire was hired as maintenance supervisor in May 1999. He tends to the physical needs of the church, rectory, Lehmann Hall, convent and grounds.

Mona Yates used her creative talents to design various artwork and decorations used during the liturgical year, particularly banners. For Christmas 1981, Ray and Mona created a Star of Bethlehem. It involved 32 hours work, 1500 holes and over 750 miniature lights. She also was the bus driver for Community Catholic School from [unknown] to 1990. After their retirement in 1999, Mona and Ray Yates continued their service to Our Lady’s.

Jim Doolan served as parish electrician. His wife Betty was Fr. Reilly’s housekeeper until she and Jim retired in March 2002. After their retirement, Jim and Betty continued their service to the parish as members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In April 2002, Vivian Saettel graciously assumed the role of housekeeper, residing with Fr. Reilly in the rectory.

Sister Mary Naomi Buniff, R.S.M.

Due to the decreasing health of the Sisters of Mercy, one after another left Our Lady Convent and returned to St. Catherine Convent on Broadway. Sr. Donald Kaufman remained, providing a religious presence to the parish. Others came to live with her, rotating on a weekly basis as duties allowed.

At the invitation of Sr. Mary Donald, Sr. Mary Nicholas Stuber, O.S.U., moved into the Convent on March 19, 1991. Sr. Mary Nicholas has served as lector, Eucharistic minister, cantor for Sunday liturgy and president of the Ladies Club. Sr. Mary Nicholas moved to the Ursuline Motherhouse on Lexington Road in June, 2002. Sr. Mary Rosalia Schroering, R.S.M. moved into the Convent in 1991 and spent several months at Our Lady’s. She too, served as Lector and extraordinary Eucharistic Minister.

In July 1991, Sr. Mary Naomi Buniff, R.S.M. (photo left), arrived to begin her ministry at Our Lady’s. At the end of the school year in 1988, Sr. Buniff was teaching at St. Paul School in Pleasure Ridge Park. She asked the Sisters at Our Lady’s Convent if she could live there for the summer. During that summer, she played the organ on Sunday and during the week visited the elderly with Sr. Mary Donald Kaufman.

This was a period during which the Sisters of Mercy were to find their own ministries and had them approved by the Religious Congregation. Needing a place to serve, Sr. Buniff asked Fr. Eckert if she could continue to serve in the parish, at least part–time. Needing more information, particularly about what salary was expected by the Community, the answer was delayed. After the matter was taken to the parish council, it was decided not to hire her.

Sr. Buniff went to retreat, and on the last day received a phone call from the vice–president of Mercy Hospital in Owensboro, asking if she could fill in as Director of Pastoral Care until another director could be found. This service lasted from early September 1988 to June 30, 1989.

Needing another ministry to follow, Sr. Buniff received a phone call from a member of the Provincial Council asking her if she would consider giving a year’s service to the Sisters of Mercy’s mission in Jamaica. Another ‘yes’ followed, and she went to Mount St. Joseph Preparatory School in Mandeville, Jamaica West Indies. At the end of one year, Sr. Buniff heard of no one needing her service, so she stayed a second year. This is an account of her story:

In January, Sr. Marjorie Rudemiller, my contact, came to Jamaica for visitation. She said she had been to Our Lady’s in the fall and that there was no money there. I could return to St. Catherine Convent in Louisville and begin to look for a place to minister.

It was April 2, 1991. A valentine card arrived in the mail from Sr. Mary Donald, dated February 7, 1991. She invited me to live with them. That was nice, but it did not seem possible. The next day two letters arrived, also dated early February. Sr. Mary Rosalia said that Fr. Reilly would like me to work in the parish at Our Lady’s. I heard that before, but there is no money there, remember. The other letter was another invitation from the Sisters to live at Our Lady’s.

The very next day, another letter arrived from Sr. Mary Rosalia. She said that Fr. Reilly wanted to know if I was coming or not, that he was going to hire someone else if I was not interested. So I wrote four letters: one to Fr. Reilly saying yes, one to the Sisters thanking them for inviting me to live with them, one to Sr. Mary Rosalia thanking her for her letters, and one to Sr. Mary Marjorie telling her what I did.

Then I waited. Remember, it is early April. I received no response from anyone! In the meantime, I was receiving letters from the sisters saying they were glad I was going to Our Lady’s. But I didn’t know that. I was waiting for approval from the Council.

May 20th arrived, a Saturday evening. I was watching the evening news on TV and heard, ‘Mandeville Post Office was robbed two weeks ago and all the mail had been destroyed.’

I called Sr. Marjorie in Cincinnati, got the answering machine and asked that she return my call. On Wednesday I wrote Sr. Marjorie a letter and the same afternoon she returned my phone call. Everything had been settled and mailed to me. All the return mail had been destroyed in the robbery. I finished out the school year which ended on June 30.

Sr. Buniff moved to St. Catherine Convent to live with her Community of the Sisters of Mercy on June 1, 2002, but continued to go back and forth to Our Lady’s every day until Fr. Reilly’s retirement, June 18, 2003. In 1994 Sr. Mary Donald returned to St. Catherine Convent because of the increase of health problems.

On August 28, 1997, Sr. Teresa Anne Kelemen, C.D.P., moved into the convent while teaching at Holy Angels Academy on Magnolia Street. The parish has benefited greatly from the generosity of Sr. Teresa Anne Kelemen’s experience and talents, helping out wherever needed: as lector, extraordinary Eucharistic minister for daily Masses, teaching religious education, chairing booths at festivals. She will long be remembered for collecting cans for the benefit of the Sisters of Mercy. The proceeds were used for the renovation of the convent chapel and to provide tuition for a girl to attend Mercy Academy who would otherwise be unable to attend Catholic high school. At the end of the 2001–2002 school year, Sr. Teresa Anne Kelemen resigned at Holy Angels Academy. She is an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and visits the sick and homebound of the parish.

On December 1, 2002, Sr. Frances Schaf, O.S.U., came to stay with the Sisters during the week. She taught 7^th and 8^th grade religion and did remedial work at Community Catholic School. She found it more convenient to stay at the local convent rather than to go back and forth to the Motherhouse on Lexington Road everyday. She remained at Our Lady’s until Community Catholic School closed in May 2003.

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