Director's Corner - Fr. Brad Whistle Named Episcopal Vicar

Fr. Brad Whistle

Several months ago, Fr. John Vaughan shared with the OCS Pastors and Education Council that he had informed Bishop Medley of his desire to step down from the role of Priest-Pastor for the Owensboro Catholic Schools.  I am pleased to inform you that Fr. Brad Whistle has accepted the appointment by Bishop Medley to serve as the Episcopal Vicar (formerly known as Priest-Pastor) for the Owensboro Catholic Schools effective February 1, 2012.  Please join me in thanking Br. Brad for his willingness to accept this important role.  Fr. Brad’s passion for Catholic education and support of the Owensboro Catholic Schools is well recognized by all – his brother priests, OCS school administration and staff, students and parents.  Speaking on behalf of the OCS Leadership Team and Education Council, we are eager to help and assist Fr. Brad as he adds the roll of Episcopal Vicar for the Owensboro Catholic Schools to an already busy and robust schedule.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a special thanks to Fr. John Vaughan.  At the recent OCS Pastors’ meeting he was asked how long he had served as Priest-Pastor.  The answer was more than ten years.  For the five previous years he served as Priest Representative to the OCS School Board.  Much has been accomplished under his leadership and therefore there is much to be grateful for.  I am not sure there are adequate words to express the extreme level of gratitude and appreciation felt by all members of the Owensboro Catholic Community for Fr. John and all he has done to promote and support OCS these past 15 years.  May God’s blessings and peace be with Him as he takes on his new role as Vice President and President-Elect of the Canon Law Society of America!  Certainly our prayers will be with him.  He has assured me that his support of Owensboro Catholic Schools will not waiver in his continued role as a Pastor of an OCS sponsoring parish.

FYI – A committee headed by Fr. Mike Clark reviewed the nomenclature and suggested the change of title to Episcopal Vicar to more accurately reflect adherence to canon law.

I appreciate all you do to help us fulfill our mission of excellence in Catholic faith formation and academics.  As always, your comments and insights are important to me.  I can be reached via phone at 852-8028 and email at ken.rasp@owensborocatholic.org. 

God’s Peace!

Ken R. Rasp