Church of Our Lady History - Chapter Twelve, Part Four

Chapter Twelve – Part Four

Madonna & Child

Community Ties

Bits & Pieces

Designed to keep parishioners and non–parishioners alike informed of happenings at Our Lady, the parish created a quarterly newsletter titled ‘Bits & Pieces.’ In February 1998 nearly five hundred people received their first issue. The following was the opening remark:

Perhaps you are a regular member or one who comes all the time but not yet registered. Maybe you attended Our Lady’s school between the time of its opening in 1912 and its closing in 1971. At one time or another you may have enjoyed our Fall Festival and Chili Supper or Spring Festival, or maybe you came over for a good fish dinner during Lent. Visitors are always welcome, so maybe you just stopped by to see ‘that church you can see from the expressway.’ We hope you find this newsletter informative and we invite you to participate in as many activities as you are able.

In addition to announcing events, the newsletter also serves to explain religious devotions and practices, solicit funds for special projects and notify parishioners of baptisms, marriages and funerals. Sr. Buniff served as editor from February 1998 though May 2003 when Charles Wetzelberger assumed the role. As with any endeavor, it could not be accomplished alone. Those who copied, folded, addressed and mailed the newsletter included Cecilia Cassady, Sr. Teresa Anne Kelemen, C.D.P., and Mary French.

Hospitality

Many people have visited Our Lady’s for tours, days of recollection and spiritual events, including former parishioners, school groups and organizations. Some of those who visited the parish: Legion of Mary, Grandparents, Shepherds of Christ Associates, Third Order Carmelites, St. Anne’s Confraternity, The Knights of Columbus and the Portland Museum. Our Lady’s is featured in an historical program for the Faith Channel. Deacon William Klump’s family was video–taped for use in the diaconate program.

Festival of Faiths

From November 17–20, 1996, Our Lady Church participated in the first Festival of Faiths event sponsored by the Cathedral Heritage Foundation. Held annually at Louisville Gardens, it showcases religious diversity within the community and seeks to foster inter–religious dialogue. The theme in 1996 focused on the region’s extraordinarily rich and colorful religious heritage. From the program brochure:

During the 1780s and America’s great expansion westward, settlers poured over the Appalachian Mountains into Kentucky, bringing with them their diverse religious traditions. Major Protestant denominations have called Kentucky home since the late 18^th century. Catholics established their first inland American diocese here. Large Catholic religious communities of sisters and monks had their first foundations here. There have been Shakers and Utopian communities and the rich heritage of Appalachia. Jewish immigrants in the 19^th century brought their experiences here. These religious organizations inspired a vast network of benevolent institutions––schools social service agencies, hospitals, and religious orders––that continue to have a tremendous impact upon our community today.

Members of the parish staffed a booth with photographs and the quilt created for the 150^th anniversary. A photo of the quilt was published in the November 21, 1996 issue of The Record. As a sign of appreciation, Our Lady’s received a certificate naming a stone in the newly–restored Cathedral of the Assumption in its honor.

Certificate from Cathedral Heritage Foundation – December 2, 1996

Odds & Ends

Renovations

Shortly after Fr. Reilly’s arrival, the large statues of the Sacred Heart and St. Joseph were taken from the basement and placed on the side altars. The existing smaller statues were removed. The Sacred Heart Statue was placed in the rectory and the St. Joseph statue was placed in the convent.

On Pentecost Sunday, 1999, the two angels holding lanterns were restored to their former positions at the sides of the Main Altar. The angels were found in the attic of the sacristy. They were repaired and painted by Craig Reynolds, an artist–parishioner.

One major need of the parish was a rest room in the back of the church, especially for the elderly. A section of the space behind the statue of the Infant of Prague, formerly the baptistery, was closed off for this purpose. The work was completed by parishioners Charles Cahill and Jerry Recktenwald. Expenses were paid by a special collection, dubbed by Fr. Reilly as the ‘Flush Fund’ collection. It was established in July 1997 to pay for capital improvements and maintenance projects. It continues to be collected on the third Sunday of every month.

Other major improvements to the parish buildings include:

· Wheelchair ramp into Lehmann Hall.

· Men’s and women’s restrooms on the first floor of Lehmann Hall.

· Addition of a restroom on the left–side of the sacristy.

· Painting of exterior wood trim on the church.

· New telephone system for rectory and church.

· Electrical and plumbing updating in the rectory.

· Fire alarm system for the church, Lehmann Hall and convent in 2001. The cost was covered by a memorial donation in memory of Mr. & Mrs. C. J. O’Brien and Mr. & Mrs. Leo A. Heim.

· Restoration and cleaning of the terrazzo floor in the upper sanctuary by Jerry Recktenwald and Bob Quire in 2002.

· Replacement of security doors on the rectory in 2002.

· Automatic door on the side entrance of the church April 14, 2002. The cost was covered by a memorial donation in memory of Helen Murta.

· Tuck–pointing on the rectory in 2003.

· Tuck–pointing, plastering and painting on the convent in 2005.

Memorials

The following memorial plaques are located in the vestibule of the church:

AUTOMATED DOOR SYSTEM

IN MEMORY OF

THE MURTA FAMILY

AND HELEN MURTA

1914 – 2002

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

IN MEMORY OF

MR. & MRS. C. J. O’BRIEN

AND

MR. & MRS. LEO A. HEIM

DONATED BY THEIR CHILDREN

IN MEMORY OF

MIKE & MARY HELEN RECKTENWALD

FOR LIFE–TIME DEDICATION & SERVICE

TO OUR LADY’S PARISH

1921 – 2002

DONATED BY

FAMILY & FRIENDS

JULY, 2002

Parish Debt Forgiven

During the Great Jubilee Year of 2000, Pope John Paul II emphasized the themes of reconciliation, peace and justice. In response, the Archdiocese of Louisville created a debt–forgiveness program to relieve up to $2.5 million in parish debt owed to the archdiocese. Our Lady’s was selected as one of the parishes to participate and a financial burden of $87,278 was lifted.

Debt forgiveness letter – December 13, 2000

Three–Parish Meetings

Something that shouldn’t happen did. Without realizing it, St. Anthony Church and Our Lady’s scheduled a fund–raising festival on the same day. Leo Tierney from St. Anthony’s called a meeting of representatives from the three parishes of St. Anthony, St. Cecilia and Our Lady to share scheduled events to prevent future conflicts. The first meeting was held on Sunday, November 15, 1998 at St. Anthony Church. Kelly Watson, Cecilia Cassady and Sr. Buniff represented Our Lady’s.

With the realization that any one of the three parishes could be closed in the near future, it was agreed to work together. Christ the King Parish was invited to join, since it is one of the last four Catholic churches still open in Louisville’s West End. It was proposed to host several events jointly: Confirmation, religious education, RCIA, festivals and the Legion of Mary.

The following are summaries of subsequent meetings:

· 01/17/99

Deacon William R. Klump joined as representative for Our Lady’s. Topics discussed were a skating party, a teen dance, the possibility of getting use of St. Anthony gym for Community Catholic School at a cheaper price than the regular rental fee, a volleyball league.

· 03/21/99

In addition to Our Lady representatives, attendees from St. Anthony included Fr. Leo Kennedy, Leo Tierney, Sharon Pittman, Kevin Miles and Pete and Evie O’Connell. Mary McCoy and Deacon Paul Bissig represented St. Cecilia. Skating parties were scheduled for youth and everyone was invited to Our Lady for its parish mission in November.

· 11/20/99

The main question was: Where is the West End going to be five years from now? In ten years? Immediate concerns were shared, ways that St. Anthony Parish was helping at Community Catholic School, and other social events that could take place.

· 01/27/00

Leo Tierney reported that a Wish List was presented by the principal of Community Catholic School, Mrs. Olga Golub. Community Catholic School is on a five–year plan to receive financial help from the Archdiocese and that time is up for renewal. Leo also announced that volunteers are needed for the tutoring program. Fund–raising ideas were discussed.

· 03/16/00

A Golf scramble would take place in April, also the annual Night at the Races on the same day. Deacon Bill Klump said that Sr. Lucianne Siers, O.P., Executive Director of Project AIMM was invited to come and listen to the needs of our parishes and perhaps offer assistance in starting a program for youth.

· 07/12/00

Sr. Siers reported that three volunteers were coming from Notre Dame University to help form a youth group within the three parishes. She requested that several committee members go with her to speak to Dr. Carole Goodwin, the Archdiocesan director of youth ministry.

· 11/01/00

After meeting with Dr. Carole Goodwin, it was determined that her experience was not with younger children. However, there was the possibility that youth could be a pilot study for others. Sr. Buniff suggested that since the youth committee was in operation that there should be a spiritual life committee formed for the three parishes.

· 01/10/01

A list of all spiritual life activities in the parishes was distributed. The following ideas were discussed: a three–parish choir for funerals, a vacation Bible school, a three–parish newsletter, hosting a social on Friday or Saturday evening at St. Anthony’s, a family life committee, and a fund–raising committee. A chart showing lines of authority was presented by Sr. Buniff. She stressed that pastors were responsible for their own parishes and must approve ideas.

· 03/08/01

The youth group was encouraged to participate in the May Procession at Our Lady’s. Dates were set for the vacation Bible school, and a report on the spiritual life committee was given by Sr. Buniff. The three–parish newsletter would be sent to all parishioners of St. Anthony, St. Cecilia and Our Lady plus another 500 who were on Leo Tierney’s mailing list. The Portland Association of Catholics Together (PACT) was the name adopted by the committee.

The last meeting was May 30, 2001 with Sr. Buniff, Mary French, Charles Frick, Sug McBride and Regenia Herron representing Out Lady, but no one else attended. Due to lack of interest by the general membership of parishioners, no further meetings were scheduled.

Iraq War

After Iraq failed to comply with UN resolution 1441 that called for disarmament, the United States declared war and invaded Iraq on March 20, 2003. Operation Iraqi Freedom was aimed at removing Saddam Hussein and his government from power.

Fr. Reilly began praying the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be with parishioners before each Mass for those serving in the Armed Forces. The names of those called into active duty were added to a board that was placed on the side altar. They included:

Jennifer M. Snyder Matthew Staples

William Van Bree James A. Higgins

Joseph Moore Doug McKinley

Michael Moore Kathy Van Bree

Patrick Grigsby Timothy Nash

Mst. Sgt. Kessinger Matthew Gadson

Nathan Mullenniex Rob Wimsett

Matt Miller Rodney Estes, Jr.

Jean–Paul Rich Chris Rountree

Ricky Guffy

911 Memorial Service

September 11, 2001 will forever be recalled with both sadness and pride. Just as America faced tremendous loss, the country witnessed the unity and self–sacrifice of its people. On that day, the doors of Our Lady were opened all day.

To provide a way to honor the dead and reflect on the events of that day, Our Lady’s hosted a memorial service on September 11, 2004. The service, created by Dennis Nash and Charles Wetzelberger, included an electronic slide–show of photographs accompanied by music and commentary. It began with the sequence of events of that fateful morning, led to views of rescue operations and finally to images of people from around the world who joined the United States in mourning.

Music included Alan Jackson’s ‘Where Were You?,’ Mary Carpenter’s ‘Grand Central Station’, ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Cannon in D’. The presentation commentary, read by Richard Watkins, noted the spiritual implications of the tragedy:

On 911 we watched brave individuals rush to save people they did not know in New York City and in Washington D.C. The events of 911 had a profound effect on the people who lived through them. We do not yet fully comprehend the impact of that day’s events, but we do know that the world has changed. We can never replace the lives that were lost, but we can be assured that they did not die in vain. In the end, the message of 911 is a message of hope. When things are at their worst, we are at our best.

The service concluded with the singing of ‘God Bless America.’ As people exited church, bagpipe instrumental music was played, reminiscent of the bagpipes that accompanying funeral services of fallen firemen in the days after 911. This service became an annual tradition.

Pipe Organ Restoration

The current pipe organ in the choir loft was installed in 1919 by Henry Pilcher’s Sons and served as the primary liturgical instrument through the mid–1960s. In 1964, following Vatican II reforms, the church acquired an electronic Baldwin organ that was located on the floor of the church until October 2005. Prior to the 150^th anniversary, the parish council under Fr. John Eckert considered restoring the Pilcher pipe organ. The following are notes from those meetings:

· 11/18/85

Richard Watkins said the Portland Historical Society would like to have our organ refurbished. They contacted the Historical Society in Frankfort, possibly for a grant.

· 01/20/86

Bobby Hickey from the Portland Historical Society was here to report on the restoration of the organ. He is to check on the parish’s obligations.

· 08/18/86

Richard Watkins of the Historical Society spoke on the restoration of the organ. If work is done, it will be funded half by the Historical Society and half by another foundation, possibly the Brown, Speed or Bingham Foundations. The estimate provided by Miller Pipe Organ is $31,000. The choir loft will also be inspected for structural conditions. There are no commitments or financial obligations. A motion was made to repair the organ and the motion carried. Since a quorum was not present at the meeting, a formal vote must be taken when a quorum is present.

· 4/18/88

Richard Watkins said the church could get a grant to repair the big organ from Humana, the Bingham Foundation or Ashland. They are to be informed in November. The Miller Pipe Organ company’s bid is still in force. Fr. Eckert wants something in writing as to our commitment.

In February 2003, keyboardist Charles Wetzelberger petitioned the parish council to consider reviving this effort and completing a restoration before the 175^th anniversary of the parish. He agreed to serve as chair of a committee to investigate restoration options and fundraising. As a member of the American Guild of Organists, he championed the idea of restoring the organ as the church’s primary instrument of worship. Unfortunately, plans to restore the instrument were never realized. Shortly after the project began, the Archdiocese unveiled its restructuring plans. Because of the parish’s uncertain future and its limited resources, it was not deemed feasible.

Rev. Joseph Fowler

After Fr. Reilly’s retirement, Rev. Joseph Fowler (photo left) was named parish administrator on June 18, 2003 and served until a new pastor was named. He had been an assistant priest at Our Lady’s from 1967–1972.

Rev. John Burke

Rev. John Burke (photo left) was installed as pastor on October 24, 2004 by the Most Rev. Thomas C. Kelly, Archbishop. Given the number of available priests within the Archdiocese, he was also named pastor of St. Cecilia Church. It was the first time in the history of the parish that its pastor shared the responsibility of two parishes. Fr. Burke typically alternated between Our Lady and St. Cecilia each weekend, celebrating Mass on either Saturday evening or Sunday morning at each church.

Fr. Burke 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 , 19. Previous to arriving at Our Lady, he spent many years serving other parishes:

1990–1998 Christ the King

Sunday Bingo Ends

In 2004 it was determined that bingo was no longer of financial benefit to the parish. There were several weeks during 2003 and 2005 where bingo failed to cover expenses. Much to the disappointment of many, the parish council voted to permanently close bingo that year. Fr. Burke announced the decision in the December 2004 parish newsletter:

After a 33–year run, we regret to announce that the Sunday afternoon bingo at Our Lady closed November 28^th. The competition from lotteries and nearby casinos was more than we could meet. Despite the sadness that comes from ending an activity that became a fixture in our parish life, we are very grateful for all those who sacrificed many Sunday afternoons to help provide needed income for Our Lady church. Our bingo may have ended, but the life of this parish continues. As we strive to meet challenges of the future, we continue to depend on your prayers and support.

Thirty–three years of bingo is a long time, considering that for many years, the same people gave up their Sunday afternoons for the welfare of Our Lady’s. In particular is the service of Mike Recktenwald and Vernon Hattemer, who served as callers from the beginning until the mid 1990s. At that time, Raymond Myers and Donna Wright took over the duty. Among those who volunteered:

· Card sellers: Sis Becker, Pearl Unclebach, Genevieve Cahill and her daughter Paula, Jane Harrington, Charlotte McCrory, Mary Helen Recktenwald, Mag Welscher, Sarah Stith and her daughter.

· Popcorn/candy: Edith LaPaille and Viola Becker.

· Money Room: William Fichteman (later priest), Eugene Murta, William Ross, Larry Shaughnessy, Henry Fichteman, Bob Keefe, Bob Rich, Joe Cahill, Leon Amos, Bobby Hickey and Bill Rich.

· Pay–off: John Vonderhaar, Ezra Drury and Bud Unclebach.

· Bankers: C. J. and Bill O’Brien, Mary and Bud Weber, Bill and Ann Weber, Mary Frances Schuchard, Cecilia Cassady, Richard Watkins and Lorene Stemm.

· Kitchen Crew: Gil and Margaret Thompson, Jesse and Rozella Leet, Bernie and Mary Coons, Ray and Mona Yates, Luke and Terese Craven, Clyde and Irene Cowles, Ernie and Mary Miles, Kevin Klotz.

· Youth workers: Kim, Tina and Trina Embry, Joanie Campbell, Joanie Weber, Diane Downs, Michael, Lisa and Kristi Recktenwald, Nancy Williams, Debbie Fortwengler, Denise May.

· Chairpersons: Leslie Harrington, Carolyn Renck, Kelly Watson, Julia Murphy, Ann Weber, Cecilia Cassady, Bob Quire, Karen and Terry Fihe.

166^th Anniversary

Although not a significant anniversary, the parish celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on August 14, 2005 in a special way. Parishioners, former parishioners and friends of the parish were invited to attend Mass followed by a catered dinner. Over 200 attended the evening’s events.

Letter to parishioners