Remembering Father Norman Fischer

The funeral mass was held for Lexington priest Father Norman Fischer on July 29th at Lexington’s Christ the King Cathedral. 

Fischer died in July, at the age of 50. He was on sabbatical, having recently spent time at St. Xavier in New Orleans, and had arrived in Delaware to serve as chaplain at the Catholic HEART Workcamp.

Fischer was the pastor at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in downtown Lexington, and served as chaplain for Lexington Catholic High School.

Sixth District councilwoman Denise Gray said, “The world has lost one of the most humble and beautiful human beings. Father Norman Fischer was  a true servant-leader. Father Norman was a man of the people. He will be missed.” 

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton also addressed the loss to the community, writing, “Father Norman Fischer had a smile that would light up the room, and an ongoing passion to serve people. Father Norman was a great leader for his parishioners and students. He was an advocate for inclusion, equality and diversity, and was the first priest of both African-American and Filipino heritages in the Catholic Diocese of Lexington. I had many opportunities to talk with him, and loved his great sense of humor and ability to connect with others. His passion for people and service will be missed.”

He is remembered for his “jokes, singing, homilies, and dancing…” and even a “little breakdancing back in 7th and 8th grade talent shows.”

While on sabbatical, he posted this joyous dispatch from New Orleans, “Full-Circle! Time to be a student and take notes and catch up on some great inspiration with classes on preaching, youth ministry, and the Spirituals —and so much more, with some amazing and diverse laypersons from all around the United States, clergy, and religious!”

One Lexington Catholic parent wrote, “Father Norman is God’s pure love personified here on earth, with every smile and hug and selfie.”

The Bluegrass Community Foundation recently celebrated The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative. Fischer was one of three honorees named this summer for “their exceptional contributions to racial equity, social justice and community empowerment across Lexington.” 

Fischer was a 1995 graduate of Centre College in Danville, where he was known for volunteer service and aspirations as a healer. He received his Master’s of Divinity from Mundelein Seminary in 2000, and began ministering to the parishes of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Peter Claver. 

Father Norman’s 51st birthday would have been celebrated on August 20, 2024. 

Memorial Gifts in honor of Father Norman may be made to the Saint Peter Claver Church Building Fund. The address is 485 West Fourth Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40508.