Father Norman Fischer, a Catholic priest who ministered to hundreds of Lexingtonians from St. Peter Claver Church and as chaplain at Lexington Catholic High School, died on July 14 while traveling out of state.
Parishioners and friends said they were in a state of shock partly because he was so young. He would have turned 51 on Aug. 20.
Bishop John Stowe announced Fischer’s death in Facebook post Monday afternoon. Stowe said Fischer had been on sabbatical but was helping with Catholic Heart Work Camp in Wilmington, Del. when he died. Stowe said other details, such as a cause of death, were unknown at this time.
A special mass will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at St. Peter Claver.
“He had an extraordinary impact in the faith community,” said Bob Babbage, one of his parishioners at St. Peter Claver. “He had a magnetic personality, was a brilliant speaker and had a multitude of friends.”
Fischer was known for his work in social justice and among marginalized communities in Lexington at St. Peter Claver, which was built in 1875 to educate Black children and minister to Black Catholics in Lexington.
“I’m heartbroken at the great loss for our community, our church, and the world,” said Ginny Ramsey, director of the Catholic Action Center. “He brought a special message of the gospel and a special love for everyone. He’s irreplaceable.”
Ramsey said Fischer would often reach out to contact her about how to help the homeless population around St. Peter Claver.
“He would take care of people very quietly,” she said. “He was a warrior for the underdogs, he lived his faith. He believed in the Gospel of Matthew: ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ “
Stan “JR” Zerkowski runs the LGBTQ ministry for the diocese. He said in the early days, he had just two supporters. One of them was Father Norman.
“When it was really, really tough, I would go and spill my heart out to Father Norman,” Zerkowski said. “He would counsel me, pray with me. He kept me in the church because in the beginning when it was so tough and I could find no support for this ministry, I was ready to jump ship.”
Zerkowski also observed Fischer with students at Lexington Catholic. “I believe our youth are very discerning, and they saw his authenticity with the Gospel,” he said. “I saw first hand how those kids adored Norman.”
Fischer had fundraised for a huge renovation and expansion of St. Peter Claver, which sits at the corner of Jefferson and Fourth Street.
“Even though it expanded, the church was still standing room only every Sunday,” Babbage recalled.
Lexington Catholic High School issued a statement offering counseling services for students affected by Fischer’s death.
“His presence, guidance, and unwavering faith have touched countless lives within our community. We know this loss is deeply felt by all.”
Counselors will be available on the Lexington Catholic Campus on Tuesday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 11:30.
Fischer is survived by his parents. Funeral arrangements are pending.
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