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

By Kimberley Heatherington, OSV News

Father Norman Fischer, known for his vibrant smile and tireless dedication to his community, passed away unexpectedly on July 14 at the age of 50. Father Fischer served as pastor of St. Peter Claver in Lexington, one of Kentucky’s oldest Black Catholic parishes, and as chaplain at Lexington Catholic High School.

“He used his voice — not only serving the people of the Diocese of Lexington but serving the church in the United States, and specifically, serving the Black Catholic community,” said Father Kareem Smith, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel in New York’s Bronx borough. “This is a tremendous loss.”

Father Smith worked alongside Father Fischer on the board of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus (NBCCC). Less than a year ago, Father Fischer was elected president of NBCCC. With his passing, Father Smith will assume the role of acting president until an election can be held.

“As the church at large struggles with vocations,” said Father Smith, “the same is true of course in the Black Catholic community — and to lose a priest of his age, only 50 years old, in an important ministry in his own diocese and nationally is a tragedy.”

The U.S. has approximately 3 million Black Catholics; however, there are only about 250 Black priests out of 34,000 diocesan and religious priests. This disparity is rooted in historical anti-Black racism within the U.S. church that once imposed significant barriers to Black Catholics entering priesthood.

“I sort of grew up knowing the reality of segregation where people lived, but at schools everybody sort of got along,” Father Fischer had told local media back in 2023. “I didn’t even see a Black Catholic priest until I was in high school. I cried. I didn’t think they existed.”

Father Fischer was also notable for being the first priest of Black-Filipino descent in the Diocese of Lexington.

“The state is pretty much lacking when it comes to Black priests — and what Black priests offer to the Catholic Church,” said Father Robert Boxie III, Catholic chaplain at Howard University and priest-in-residence at Washington’s Immaculate Conception Parish.

Father Boxie worked with Father Fischer on NBCCC’s board and noted that he was preparing for an upcoming conference in Louisville jointly held with other national Black Catholic organizations.

According to recent data from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on African American clergy and religious members: there are 437 deacons, 75 men of African descent in seminary training, 400 religious sisters, and 50 religious brothers.

“Especially coming after the pandemic; especially coming out of all social issues we are dealing with right now — trying to heal one another; trying to support one another — that’s what he was bringing to our organization as president,” said Father Boxie. “Just his very presence… so joyful; so life-giving; so encouraging.”

Deacon James Weathers from St. Peter Claver remembered Father Norman as adept at resolving conflicts peacefully.

“He could deal with it in a way that he would have the person praying with him at the end,” Deacon Weathers recalled.

Deacon Weathers also noted instances where people experienced personal healing through their encounters with Father Norman.

“There’s been people that have had things happen to them... some have had cancer... some just bad experiences... through prayer and blessing them... sometimes illnesses would go away,” Deacon Weathers explained.

Father Fischer's welcoming spirit drew many back to or into church life through programs like RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).

“There have been challenges… Just being a Black priest in America... there’s a lot you’ve got to deal with,” noted Father Boxie regarding ongoing racial struggles within American society.

Following nationwide protests after George Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police officers, Father Fischer addressed racism during a talk on November 12th, 2020: “When one suffers we all suffer... And just because you may not feel it doesn’t mean it’s not suffering.”

Ned Benson—a close friend—described him as "completely oriented towards others" while expressing concern over how hard he worked tirelessly every day helping others despite family history suggesting heart ailments might pose risks someday soon enough already evident now tragically proven true given circumstances surrounding sudden demise en route assisting those attending Wilmington Delaware-based camp event beloved fondly remembered setting tone facilitating openness hearts Jesus among participants involved therein overall sentiments shared echoed widely across community mourning loss deeply felt yet inspired nonetheless moving forward honoring legacy left behind forevermore etched memories cherished dearly always everlastingly...

The grieving community has already gathered several times commemorating memories shared together celebrating life lived fully albeit briefly cut short too soon untimely passing yet impactful lasting impressions remaining indelibly imprinted hearts minds alike universally acknowledged appreciated beyond measure infinitely grateful eternally blessed knowing having known truly remarkable individual exemplifying Christ-like virtues throughout lifetime dedicated service humanity unwavering commitment love compassion faith hope enduring till end transcending beyond earthly bounds eternal peace rest soul departed dearly beloved missed sorely remembered fondly cherished forevermore…

“Let’s give thanks for someone so gifted bringing out gifts everyone around him” Bishop John E Stowe remarked during homily delivered July fifteenth Saint Peter Claver Church concluding statement gratitude appreciation bestowed upon departed soul commending heavenly abode divine grace mercy amen hallelujah...

Funeral Mass scheduled July twenty-ninth Cathedral Christ King Lexington paying final respects bidding farewell celebrated reverently solemnly respectfully honorably dignified ceremoniously befitting stature magnitude significance contribution legacy enduring perpetuity everlasting remembrance commemoration homage tribute fittingly accorded deservedly rightfully duly recognized acknowledged appreciated revered glorified exalted sanctified hallowed sacredness holy name praise worship adoration devotion veneration consecration sanctification glorification eternal peace rest amen...

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