St. Joseph nourished by changes

Archbishop speaks at parish's feast day

By Deborah Yetter • dyetter@courier-journal.com • March 16, 2008

It rained out the parade.

But yesterday's chilly downpour didn't stop several hundred people from celebrating the feast day of St. Joseph at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Butchertown -- and welcoming Louisville's new archbishop in his first official visit to the parish.

The event was designed to highlight the continuing changes to the parish founded by German immigrants and now experiencing a growth in Hispanic members.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, in his first homily at the afternoon service, spoke a few words in Spanish, impressing Flor de Maria Donis Reynoso, who said he did a good job with her native language.

"He's very good," said Reynoso, who said she and her husband, Pablo Reynoso, joined St. Joseph's about two years ago. "He's fluent."

Some members said they were disappointed they didn't get to have a short parade through Butchertown, as they did last year, with members carrying the statue of St. Joseph to the church.

"It's really disappointing," Charles Bucker said. "Last year we carried it all the way down the street. Maybe next year."

Instead, Bucker and three other men -- representing various immigrant groups that originally settled in Butchertown -- carried the statue into the church.

Bernardo Carducci, representing Louisville's Italian American Association, said he was disappointed the rain stopped this year's parade, recalling that last year people came out of their houses to wave and cheer.

"It's like a festival in a little village in Italy," he said.

Parishioners said the event is just one of the changes inspired by the Rev. David Sanchez after he came to St. Joseph about two years ago.

The Reynosos said they like the fact that Sanchez speaks Spanish and holds a bilingual Mass at noon on Sundays.

Parishioner Lois Roberts said Sanchez has created more social and community events, such as yesterday's feast-day celebration, which included a chili supper.

Roberts, who was married nearly 50 years ago at St. Joseph's, said it was encouraging to see the parish founded in 1866 still thriving.

And Chuck Krebs, who wore lederhosen and a green felt hat yesterday to represent the parish's German ancestors, said he enjoys the growing mix of members at St. Joseph's.

"It's very multinational," he said. "It's like the United Nations around here."

Kurtz took a few moments of his homily to remark on the beauty of the 142-year-old church on Washington Street and encourage members to remember the parish's rich history as it approaches its 150th anniversary.

"It's important that we talk about our roots," he said.

Parishioners said they agree but believe new members are bringing new vitality.

"This parish is coming back like crazy," Krebs said.

Reporter Deborah Yetter can be reached at (502) 582-4228.