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

Deacon Michael Schultz, who first felt a call to the priesthood as an altar server in fourth grade, is set to be ordained by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre. The ordination ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on June 1 at St. Michael Church, located at 3705 Stone Lakes Drive. Alongside Deacon Schultz, Deacons Matthew Millay, Kenneth Nauert, Yen Tran, and Van Tran will also be ordained.

Born in Sibiu, Romania, and raised in Louisville after being adopted by Kathleen and Greg Schultz, Deacon Schultz has been influenced by several individuals throughout his journey to the priesthood. He expressed his gratitude during a recent interview: “I loved serving Mass” at St. Athanasius Church, his home parish. He noted that Father Terry Bradshaw was very supportive and helped him realize the significant impact priests have on people's lives.

His vocational call was further strengthened through his interactions with Father Gary Davis, whom he described as someone who “stood in the person of Christ” for parishioners and considered himself “the luckiest man in the world.” Reflecting on this influence, Deacon Schultz said, “I can say that about being ordained a deacon, and I know I’ll say that about being a priest.”

Other influential figures include Father Jeff Leger, who taught him how to pray and trust God completely. Additionally, his late grandmothers played crucial roles in his early formation by exemplifying what it means to live the faith and lay down one's life for others.

Deacon Schultz also finds strength in his devotion to St. Thérèse the Little Flower and has always felt connected to saints including both of his grandmothers.

As he approaches ordination day, Deacon Schultz has been reflecting on the responsibilities of priesthood: “There’s definitely a part of you that remembers how small you are in the big picture,” he remarked.

With roots in Romania, Deacon Schultz is prepared to preside over rituals in both Roman Catholic and Romanian Catholic traditions. He expressed enthusiasm for celebrating sacraments across different rites: “Making the Lord present on the altar...in someone’s heart when they come to confession...in the soul of a child at baptism...and bringing comfort through anointing of the sick.”

Regarding Eastern rite liturgy specifically related to his heritage, he stated: “I’m excited because I’ve studied liturgy and because I’m Romanian...It’s a beautiful and personal connection to my story. I’m anxious because it’s new but I’m learning it.”