This Saturday, June 5th, two well-known Holy Spirit Parishioners will become ordained Deacons!

While Brendan will join us as our new Deacon at Holy Spirit Parish/Catholic Newman Center, Ben will be continuing his training to become a priest.

Their ordination is invite-only due to COVID restrictions, but we didn’t want to miss an opportunity to welcome Ben & Brendan to our Diocese and congratulate them both on their decision to serve God!

Join us this weekend to hear Brendan or Ben’s first homily as Deacons!

Saturday, 6 PM: Ben

Sunday, 9 AM: Brendan

Sunday, 11:30 AM: Brendan

Sunday, 5 PM: Ben

Ben & Fr. Denis Robinson O.S.B., President-Rector of St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology

Ben Horn was born and raised in Louisville but has called Lexington ‘home’ since college. He started at Kentucky in the Fall of 2009 but did not stay long after getting involved with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and the Newman Center.

After 2 years at UK studying mechanical engineering, Ben entered seminary for our diocese. After completing his third year and finishing philosophy, he took time out and worked in Georgetown and Frankfort as a youth minister and at the University of Virginia as a missionary with FOCUS. Ben returned to seminary after his missionary work to study for the priesthood again. He loves fishing, hiking, shooting the breeze, and a good cup of Joe.

Brendan & Family

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with great joy that I announce my upcoming ordination to the permanent diaconate on June 5, 2021. For the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving the Newman Center community. You may have seen me greeting you at mass, giving you communion, or helping out with student ministry (I am the big bald guy)! My family and I have felt welcomed and right at home since we began attending mass here, and I consider myself very fortunate and blessed to now be able to serve our parish as your new deacon. Holy Spirit Parish is truly a special place, and I am so happy to be a part of this parish family.

Speaking of family, I have a beautiful one! My lovely wife Beth has been so supportive along the way, and she has really enjoyed being a part of the Newman community. I have three children, Noah who is eight years old, Liam who is seven, and Reese (Theresa) who is three going on thirty. You may have noticed my boys; they are the ones running around outside, climbing, jumping, and screaming like two monkeys that just escaped from the zoo. My daughter Reese is a bit more reserved, but if you ever need someone to tell you what to do or how to do it, please come talk to her. She will be glad to tell you.

Finally, I want to thank all of you for making my time here so enjoyable. It has brought my heart great joy to see so many smiling faces arriving to mass each week! What a gift to see our college students living out their faith with great fervor and devotion, nourishing their desire for a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus. The support from our FOCUS missionaries and campus ministry staff who work so hard to nurture the faith of our students has been nothing less than inspiring.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of our staff members, our dedicated parishioners, our volunteers, our students, our campus ministry team, and Fr. Steve and Fr. Lobo for making this parish the special place that it is, and for welcoming me into it with open arms. As your deacon, my ministry will be 100% devoted to reminding our parish community of God’s great mercy, and His love for each and every one of you. Please pray for me as I continue on my journey toward ordination, and as I, God-willing, begin my diaconal ministry here at Holy Spirit parish.