Father Norman Anthony Fischer, Jr., a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away on July 15, 2024, in Newark, Delaware. He was born August 20, 1973, to Norman Anthony Sr. and Lecita Fischer in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He is survived by his parents; siblings Ricardo Monte Fischer and Maria Fischer-Boothe; nieces Reaghan Fischer, Rachel Fischer-Hahn, and Therese Boothe; brother-in-law Brian Boothe; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Fr. Norman graduated from Boyle County High School, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Centre College. After his graduation from Mundelein Seminary (University of Saint Mary of the Lake) in Mundelein, Illinois, he was ordained a priest on May 27, 2000, by Lexington Bishop J. Kendrick Williams.
A gifted preacher, singer, teacher, and artist, Fr. Norman excelled at pastoral ministry. His most recent pastoral service was as Sacramental Minister at Saint Peter Claver Church in Lexington, and he had served in the past at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Lexington, St. Joseph in Winchester, and St. Patrick in Mount Sterling. He was well-respected among his peers, and, in 2023, had been elected President of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus.
Fr. Norman was also Chaplain at Lexington Catholic High School. Combining his pastoral gifts with his passion for listening to young people and responding thoughtfully to their needs, LexCath students, as well as college students throughout the Diocese of Lexington, benefited from his campus ministry.
At the same time, Fr. Norman was known well beyond his assignments: leading groups on pilgrimage and to conferences and camps; volunteering his time for youth and young adult ministries locally and across the country; and constantly serving those in need, often behind the scenes, in many different capacities. His work for nonprofit organizations went well beyond those he served in any formal capacity.
The family wishes to thank Bishop John Stowe, the Diocese of Lexington, Saint Peter Claver Church community, and the community of Lexington and beyond for the outpouring of love and support they have received.
Funeral arrangements for Fr. Norman are as follows: Visitation will take place Saturday, July 27 Noon to 6pm, and Sunday July 28 from 3:30 to 8pm at Saint Peter Claver, 485 West Fourth Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40508. His Funeral Mass will be Monday, July 29 at 11am, at The Cathedral of Christ the King (299 Colony Boulevard, Lexington, Kentucky 40502), followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery (874 West Main Street, Lexington).
Memorial Gifts may be made to the Saint Peter Claver Church Building Fund to help complete the project on which Fr. Norman worked so hard. The address is 485 West Fourth Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40508
Kerr Brothers-Harrodsburg Road is in charge of the arrangements.