Skip to main content Scroll Top

The Catholic Diocese
of Lexington Engaging
our Future Serving Our Brothers
and Sisters in Need One In ChrisT
mouse

Matt Smyser Ordination Mass

With great joy and thanksgiving, the Catholic Diocese of Lexington celebrates the priestly ordination of Father Matt Smyser, who was ordained to the sacred priesthood by Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.

Surrounded by family, friends, clergy, religious, and the faithful of the diocese, Father Smyser answered God’s call with a profound “yes,” committing his life to the service of Christ and His Church. Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination, he was configured to Christ the High Priest and entrusted with the sacred ministry of preaching the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and shepherding God’s people.

His ordination is a moment of grace not only for Father Smyser, but for the entire Diocese of Lexington. It reminds us of the beauty of a life given in service, the power of prayerful discernment, and the continued need to encourage and support vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life.

Please join us in praying for Father Matt Smyser as he begins his priestly ministry. May the Lord bless him with wisdom, humility, courage, and joy as he serves the people of God.

Father Matt Smyser, congratulations — and thank you for saying “yes” to God’s call.

Four clergy members in white robes pose together inside a church, smiling for the camera.
Group of Catholic priests in white and red vestments standing at an altar during a Mass in a richly decorated church downtown-style altar scene.
Clergy in white robes with red stoles shake hands during a ceremony inside a church with stained glass windows in the background.
Two clergy members in white and red liturgical vestments hug on a church stage, with seated and standing spectators in the background.
Catholic bishop in red and white vestments officiating at an altar with clergy and lit candles nearby.
Clergy in red and white vestments perform a Catholic service at an altar with candles and flowers.
Priest in red-and-white vestments blesses a young girl at a church ceremony, holding a chalice.
Bishop in red and white vestments seated at the altar, holding a red liturgical book beside candles and flowers.
Priests in red and white vestments surround an ornate altar as a bishop in a red mitre distributes communion.
Priests in red and white liturgical robes conduct a ceremony at a marble altar with tall candles and floral arrangements surrounding them.
Clergy in red and white vestments lead a Mass at a marble altar, with a kneeling participant in the foreground.
Catholic bishop raises hands in blessing over a kneeling boy in white and red vestments at the altar during a ceremony.
Catholic Mass: a bishop blesses a kneeling boy as priests in red and white vestments stand behind an ornate altar with flowers.
Priest places hand on kneeling clergyman's head during a liturgical blessing at the altar in a church.
Priest places hands on kneeling man during a church ceremony, surrounded by clergy in white robes with red stoles.
Catholic clergy in white and red vestments pray at the altar during a liturgical ceremony, with flowers nearby and kneeling assistants in the background.
Clergy in red and white robes perform a service as a lifeless body wrapped in white shroud lies on the church steps in front of the altar area.
Funeral scene in a church: two priests in white robes stand with hands folded near a body wrapped in a white shroud on the floor behind a marble railing.
Priests in red-and-white vestments reading prayers at a marble altar during Mass, with flowers nearby.
Bearded priest in white robes with hands joined in prayer at the front of a church, congregation seated to the left.
Clergy in white robes stand at a church altar during a ceremony, with a bishop in red and gold leading the service and stained-glass windows behind them.
Clergy in white and red vestments perform a liturgical rite at the altar with tall candles nearby.
A bishop in red and white liturgical vestments sits at a marble altar as an acolyte reads from a red book nearby, with tall candles and floral arrangements around them in a church.
Clergymen in red and white liturgical robes at an altar with candles and flowers inside a church.
Group of clergy in white and red vestments seated in church pews during a ceremony.
A Catholic bishop delivering a sermon at a marble pulpit during mass, wearing red and white vestments and a mitre.
Priest in white and red robes standing at altar with hands in prayer during a church service, floral arrangement nearby.
Priests in white robes with red stoles stand at the altar during a church service, colorful stained glass windows behind them.
Catholic priests in red and white vestments conduct a ceremony at the altar with tall lit candles nearby in a church.
Catholic clergy in white and red vestments at the altar during a service with tall candles and floral arrangements nearby
Two clergy in white robes with gold trim share a moment at a church ceremony; one holds papers while the other speaks into a microphone.
Priest in red and white vestments delivering a sermon at the marble altar, flanked by candle-bearing altar servers.
Clergy in red and white liturgical robes seated in a church pews during a ceremony.
Bearded man in a navy suit and red tie speaks from a marble lectern in a church, microphone in front of him.
Three clergy in red-and-cream liturgical robes sit on a church dais during a ceremony, with a flag visible on the left.
Two men in formal suits stand side by side, one in a purple suit with a red tie, both holding papers at a ceremony.
Bishop in pink zucchetto swings an incense censer over the altar while priests in red-and-white vestments look on.
Clergy in white and red vestments lead a church ceremony on marble steps, bishop with crozier present in a dimly lit church.
Group of clergy and parishioners standing in church pews, singing hymns during a liturgical service.
Line of Catholic priests in white vestments with red stoles walking in a church procession, followed by congregants standing along pews.
Back view of clergy in white robes with gold trim, facing an altar during a church service; organ pipes and crowd in a dimly lit sanctuary behind them.
Two men in white liturgical robes stand holding tall ceremonial staffs inside a glass-walled lobby, with ornate golden reliquaries nearby.
Group of men in white ceremonial robes with gold trim standing in a line indoors, likely part of a religious service.
Two clergy in cream and red liturgical vestments stand in a doorway; the left figure holds a crozier and wears a tall red mitre.
Group of clergy in white and red liturgical robes standing outdoors, smiling, with trees and parked cars in the background.
Clergy in cream and burgundy liturgical robes standing in a line indoors, hands folded.
Two men in white and maroon choir robes posing and smiling beside stacked chairs in a room.
A group of elderly men in cream and maroon choir robes standing in a hallway, one man looking at a phone while others converse.
Three elderly men in cream and maroon choir robes stand in a room, one holding a paper while another checks a smartphone as they converse.
Two priests in cream and red liturgical vestments stand in a hallway; the bearded man points toward the camera while holding papers.
Smiling man in white liturgical robes with a red stole, standing in a church sanctuary with pews nearby.

Food Pantries

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, many working families, seniors, and children are facing a sudden gap in food-support benefits. The Catholic Charities Diocese of Lexington reminds us of our moral responsibility:

“In hearing the cry of the poor, we are asked to enter into the heart of God, who is always concerned for the needs of his children…” (Chancellor’s statement, November 2025)

In response, our local Catholic parishes and food-pantry partners are actively working — now more than ever — to support those in need. 

Where to donate
1inChristLogo2025-English

The Diocese of Lexington’s Annual Appeal is a visible expression of our unity as the Body of Christ.  Each donation to the fund is a sign that we believe in the Gospel message to “love one another as I have loved you” [John 15:12]. It is an affirmation of our belief that “faith without works is useless” [James 2:20].  It demonstrates that we believe that whatever you do to others, you do to Jesus.

Learn more

The Catholic Diocese of Lexington covers 50 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky. We invite you to join us as we follow Christ in worship and in service to God’s people.

Latest News

Border Bishops oppose second reconciliation bill

Read more

Bishops’ letter to congress

Read more

Border Bishops’ Concerns on Immigration

Read more
Religious leaders seated at a long conference table in a wood-paneled hall, with a large screen showing the speaker at the podium and floral arrangements in front.
The incarnational spirituality of Leo XIV’s ‘Magnifica Humanitas’
May 29, 2026
The incarnational spirituality of Leo XIV’s ‘Magnifica Humanitas’
cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.1500.844-6
Pope Leo presents ‘Magnifica humanitas’ calling for disarmament of AI
May 26, 2026
Pope Leo presents ‘Magnifica humanitas’ calling for disarmament of AI
Five panelists seated in blue chairs on a stage, talking to an audience in a hall; banner on left reads 'Educating the Whole Person'
In spirit of synodality, panelists examine Church’s ‘prophetic role’ in today’s world
May 22, 2026
In spirit of synodality, panelists examine Church’s ‘prophetic role’ in today’s world
Catch up on more news!

Immigration Resources

Untitled design-2

Resource Page

TOWARDS THE ASSEMBLIES 2027-2028

PATHWAYS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE OF THE SYNOD

The Pope Video of the Month

Upcoming Events

View Calendar
Voice of the Faithful Logo

The Catholic Diocese of Lexington has received a 100% rating on its financial transparency and accountability from Voice of the Faithful.

SUPPORT THE DIOCESE

One in Christ

Diocesan Annual Appeal
1inChristLogo2025-English

The Diocese of Lexington’s Annual Appeal is a visible expression of our unity as the Body of Christ.  Each donation to the fund is a sign that we believe in the Gospel message to “love one another as I have loved you” [John 15:12]. It is an affirmation of our belief that “faith without works is useless” [James 2:20].  It demonstrates that we believe that whatever you do to others, you do to Jesus.

Providing For Our Future

Campaign for the Diocese of Lexington
410092_CampaignLogo_Image_101421

The Diocese of Lexington struggles to provide meaningful financial support to multiple ministries due to our current debt level. We are embarking upon a debt campaign to address our needs and to provide for a future that enables us to be financially nimble and responsive to our region’s needs. Please click on the image above to learn more about this important diocesan effort.

Apostolates