Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Deacon Kenneth Nauert is set to be ordained as a priest on June 1, following a calling he has felt since the fourth grade. In an interview with The Record, Deacon Nauert expressed a mix of emotions, stating, “It’s been a calling since fourth grade and now it’s coming to fruition,” and acknowledging the weight of the responsibility that comes with the role of a priest.

Reflecting on his anticipation for the ordination, Deacon Nauert shared, “I’m very much looking forward to celebrating Mass and offering the Eucharist to the people of God. Being able to help people encounter Christ in reconciliation is very important to my heart.”

The journey towards priesthood for Deacon Nauert began in his home parish, St. Lawrence Church, where the question of a vocation was first raised during his fourth-grade years. Despite initially dismissing the idea, the thought persisted, eventually leading him to seriously consider the priesthood during his college years at Western Kentucky University.

Recalling a pivotal moment during a Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) conference in 2018, Deacon Nauert shared, “I was overcome with peace and I heard a voice say, ‘Kenny come home. I want you to be my priest.’ It’s been a wonderful experience for me to grow closer to Christ who called me.”

After his ordination, Deacon Nauert, who speaks Spanish, plans to dedicate his summer to serving the Hispanic community at St. Rita Church, emphasizing the importance of priests who can celebrate sacraments in Spanish for the community's spiritual well-being and sense of belonging.

Following his summer ministry, Deacon Nauert will further his studies in canon law at the Catholic University of America’s School of Law in Washington, D.C.