About Diocese of Owensboro
The Diocese of Owensboro (Latin: Dioecesis Owensburgensis) is a Roman Catholic diocese serving the 32 western counties of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the United States. Erected by Pope Pius XI on December 9, 1937 from territory taken from the Diocese of Louisville (which was simultaneously elevated to an archdiocese and made Owensboro's metropolitan), the diocese is led today by its fourth bishop, Most Reverend William F. Medley. Headquartered in Owensboro, the diocese is home to 78 parishes, three Catholic high schools, a Catholic university (Brescia University), and a Catholic population of roughly 51,780 — about 6.2% of the region's total — that worships in the Roman (Latin) Rite under the patronage of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
- Bishop
- William Francis Medley
- Established
- 1937
- Cathedral
- St. Stephen Cathedral
- Territory
- The 32 western counties of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, including Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, Fulton, McCracken, Graves, Livingston, Marshall, Calloway, Trigg, Lyon, Crittenden, Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, Webster, Union, Henderson, Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Ohio, Muhlenberg, Butler, Todd, Logan, Breckinridge, Grayson, Edmonson, Warren, Allen, and Simpson counties — covering about 12,506 square miles.
- Parishes
- 78
- Province
- Archdiocese of Louisville (Metropolitan Archbishop: Shelton Fabre)
About the Diocese of Owensboro
The Diocese of Owensboro is a Roman Catholic diocese of the Latin Rite serving the 32 counties of western Kentucky. Erected by Pope Pius XI on December 9, 1937 from territory taken from the (then-elevated) Archdiocese of Louisville, it is led today by the Most Reverend William F. Medley, its fourth bishop. The diocesan chancery is housed at 600 Locust Street in Owensboro, adjacent to the cathedral. Across more than 12,500 square miles, the diocese supports 78 parishes, two Newman Centers, 18 Catholic schools (including three high schools), Brescia University, a Catholic hospital, and several religious orders. Approximately 51,780 Catholics — about 6.2% of the regional population — are served, with one of the highest Sunday Mass attendance rates in the nation.
- Established December 9, 1937 by Pope Pius XI
- Suffragan of the Archdiocese of Louisville
- 78 parishes plus 2 Newman Centers
- 18 Catholic schools, including 3 high schools and Brescia University
- Headquarters: 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301
History of the Diocese
Catholic life in western Kentucky traces to the 1820s, when mission priests celebrated Mass in Daviess County farmhouses. St. Stephen Parish, founded 1839, became the seed of Owensboro Catholicism, and the current cathedral was built 1924–1926 in Italian Lombardian style. The diocese itself was created in 1937 when Pope Pius XI divided the Diocese of Louisville. Its first bishop, Francis R. Cotton, convoked the inaugural synod in 1943 and oversaw 50% growth in the Catholic population by the time of his death in 1960. Three successors — Bishops Soenneker, McRaith, and Medley — built Catholic education, communications, and pastoral outreach. The December 2021 tornado outbreak became a defining moment of the current episcopacy, with the diocese mobilizing Catholic Charities and volunteers for years of relief and rebuilding.
- 1822–1839: Mission priests serve Daviess County farmhouses
- 1839: St. Stephen Parish founded
- December 9, 1937: Diocese erected by Pope Pius XI
- 1938: St. Stephen designated cathedral
- February 1943: First diocesan synod
- 1984: The Western Kentucky Catholic newspaper launched
- December 2021: Devastating tornado outbreak — diocese leads major relief effort
Our Bishop — Most Reverend William F. Medley
Bishop William Francis Medley, the fourth Bishop of Owensboro, was born September 17, 1952 in Loretto, Kentucky. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1982 for the Archdiocese of Louisville after studies at Bellarmine College and St. Meinrad School of Theology. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Owensboro on December 15, 2009, and he was consecrated on February 10, 2010 at the Owensboro Sports Center by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz. His episcopal motto is "Holy Is God's Name." Bishop Medley leads the diocesan curia, presided over the re-dedication of St. Stephen Cathedral in 2012, and shepherded the diocese's response to the December 2021 tornadoes.
- Born September 17, 1952 in Loretto, KY
- Ordained priest: May 22, 1982
- Appointed Bishop of Owensboro: December 15, 2009
- Consecrated and installed: February 10, 2010
- Episcopal motto: "Holy Is God's Name"
St. Stephen Cathedral
St. Stephen Cathedral, the mother church of the Diocese of Owensboro, stands at 610 Locust Street in Owensboro. The parish was established in 1839, the first Catholic parish in the city, and the present Renaissance Revival church was built between 1924 and 1926 to a design by Louisville architect Fred Erhart. It features a cruciform plan, large rose windows in the facade and transepts, and Deagan Tower Chimes in the belfry. In 1938, Bishop Cotton designated it the cathedral of the newly erected diocese; the cathedra (bishop's chair) was added that year. Following Vatican II the sanctuary was remodeled in 1970, and on November 18, 2012 Bishop Medley re-dedicated the cathedral after a year-long interior restoration. Today the cathedral serves approximately 610 households.
- Established 1839; first parish in Owensboro
- Current church built 1924–1926; designed by Fred Erhart
- Designated cathedral in 1938
- Cathedral Preschool established 1986
- Re-dedicated November 18, 2012 after restoration
Mass Times & Sacraments
St. Stephen Cathedral publishes a full schedule of daily and weekend Masses, Adoration, and Reconciliation. Daily Masses are offered Monday through Friday at 7:00 AM and 12:05 PM, and Saturday at 9:00 AM. Weekend Masses are Saturday at 4:30 PM (Sunday Vigil, livestreamed) and Sunday at 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Holy Day Masses are 7:00 AM and 12:00 Noon; holidays at 9:00 AM. Reconciliation is offered Saturday from 9:30–11:00 AM (or by appointment). The Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 602 Sycamore Street offers a Sunday Mass at 10:00 AM. The diocesan website publishes a comprehensive spreadsheet of Mass times, Adoration, and Reconciliation for all 78 parishes and missions.
- Daily Mass (M–F): 7:00 AM & 12:05 PM
- Saturday Daily Mass: 9:00 AM
- Weekend Vigil (Saturday): 4:30 PM, livestreamed
- Sunday Masses: 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM
- Reconciliation: Saturday 9:30–11:00 AM, or by appointment
- Blessed Sacrament Chapel: Sunday Mass 10:00 AM
Parishes & Missions
The Diocese of Owensboro serves 78 parishes and 2 Newman Centers across the 32 counties of western Kentucky. Major cities with Catholic parishes include Owensboro (St. Stephen Cathedral, Blessed Mother, Parish of the Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, Precious Blood, Saints Joseph & Paul, Holy Name of Jesus/Henderson, plus Blessed Sacrament Chapel), Bowling Green, Paducah, Murray, Madisonville, Hopkinsville, and Henderson. Spanish-language Masses are offered at several parishes, including Holy Redeemer (Beaver Dam) on Sunday at 9:10 AM and St. Leo (Murray) on Saturday at 5:30 PM. The diocese is divided into eight deaneries: Bowling Green, Central, Eastern, Fancy Farm, Hopkinsville, The Lakes, Owensboro West, Owensboro East, and Paducah.
- 78 parishes plus 2 Newman Centers
- Eight deaneries covering the 32 counties
- Spanish Masses in Beaver Dam, Murray, and other locations
- Full directory published annually by the chancery
Catholic Schools & Education
Catholic education is central to the diocese's mission. The diocesan Catholic Schools Office, led by Superintendent David Kessler, oversees 18 schools including three Catholic high schools and preschool through grade 8 programs across western Kentucky. Brescia University, founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph, is the diocese's Catholic institution of higher learning. The biennial Rainbow Mass, founded in the 1980s by a diocesan superintendent, gathers students from all 17 Catholic schools at the Owensboro Sportscenter for a unifying celebration whose name comes from the rainbow of uniforms.
- Superintendent: David Kessler
- 18 Catholic schools, including 3 high schools
- Brescia University (founded by Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph)
- Rainbow Mass: biennial gathering of all Catholic schools
Campus Ministry
The Diocese of Owensboro invests heavily in campus ministry at Brescia University, Murray State University, and Western Kentucky University. At Brescia, chaplain Fr. Mike Williams and director of campus ministry Sr. Pam Mueller, OSU provide a "ministry of presence" that integrates faith into daily student life through Mass, Adoration, retreats, and service. Mass is celebrated in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel on the Brescia campus, with a robust weekly schedule of Sunday, daily, and noon Masses. The diocese also partners with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) for missionary outreach at secular campuses.
- Brescia University chaplain: Fr. Mike Williams
- Director of campus ministry: Sr. Pam Mueller, OSU
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel hosts daily and Sunday Masses
- FOCUS missionaries serve at secular campuses in the diocese
Catholic Charities & Disaster Relief
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Owensboro, directed by Susan Montalvo-Gesser, is the social-services arm of the diocese. Following the devastating December 10–11, 2021 tornado outbreak that struck Mayfield, Dawson Springs, Bowling Green, and Princeton, the office mounted the diocese's largest relief effort in memory. The pastoral center was converted into a 24-hour call center, and Catholic Charities ultimately partnered with Mennonite Disaster Service to build 17 new homes in 17 months — 16 in Dawson Springs and 1 in Princeton. The Disaster Relief Team continues to provide case management and recovery services, including responses to the spring 2025 storms and flooding.
- Director: Susan Montalvo-Gesser
- Disaster Relief Team formed after December 2021 tornadoes
- 17 new homes built in 17 months via Mennonite Disaster Service partnership
- ~$10 million raised from Catholic Charities USA and other partners
The Western Kentucky Catholic
The Western Kentucky Catholic is the official diocesan newspaper, founded in 1984 by Bishop John J. McRaith as a way to connect the widely scattered parishes of the 32-county diocese. Published online at wkc.owensborodiocese.org, it covers diocesan news, faith formation, school features, and stories of parish life across western Kentucky. It is one of the principal vehicles the diocese uses to communicate Bishop Medley's messages, synod initiatives, and outreach efforts such as the post-tornado recovery.
- Founded 1984 by Bishop John J. McRaith
- Online at wkc.owensborodiocese.org
- Covers 32 counties of western Kentucky
Diocesan Curia & Staff
The chancery offices at 600 Locust Street in Owensboro house the diocesan administrative staff under Bishop Medley. Key officials include Vicar General Very Rev. J. Patrick Reynolds, J.C.L., Vicar of Clergy Rev. Jason McClure, Judicial Vicar Very Rev. J. Michael Clark, J.C.L., and Chancellor/Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Kauffeld. The College of Consultors, Personnel Committee, and eight deaneries support pastoral governance. The Committee for the Ongoing Formation of Priests, directed by Rev. Tony Shonis, supports clergy life and ministry.
- Vicar General: Very Rev. J. Patrick Reynolds, J.C.L.
- Vicar of Clergy: Rev. Jason McClure
- Judicial Vicar: Very Rev. J. Michael Clark, J.C.L.
- Chancellor: Kevin Kauffeld
- Eight deaneries across the diocese
Patron & Identity
The patron of the Diocese of Owensboro is St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose feast is celebrated on December 26. His name was given to Owensboro's first Catholic parish in 1839 and inherited by the cathedral in 1938. The diocesan coat of arms and cathedral's spiritual identity both reflect St. Stephen's witness of faith under persecution, a theme that continues to shape the diocese's evangelization and service.
- Patron: St. Stephen, first Christian martyr
- Feast day: December 26
- Name carried by Owensboro's oldest Catholic parish since 1839
