By Jessica Able, Record Staff Writer
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz has appointed Richard “Tink” Guthrie as vice-chancellor of the Archdiocese of Louisville.
As vice-chancellor, Guthrie will assist the chancellor in administrative duties pertaining to the Office of the Archbishop.
Guthrie has led the Office of Mission Advancement, which facilitates the Catholic Services Appeal, for the past three years. Prior to that, he assisted parishes in long-term planning.
Dr. Brian B. Reynolds, chancellor and chief administrative officer, said Guthrie’s position will have two primary focuses: to aid parishes in strategic efforts and to assist the chancellor in internal administrative duties.
He noted that about 70 percent of the 110 parishes in the Archdiocese of Louisville recently completed a discernment process where they examined past and current ministries and made plans for the future.
“Many parishes are working through strategic planning issues concerning facilities, funding and pastoral activities. He’ll be available first and foremost to assist the parishes in planning initiatives,” Reynolds said.
Guthrie has a wealth of experience in data analysis and the ability to distill that down in ways relatable to parishioners, Reynolds said.
“He is a highly-skilled planner. He is particularly good at data analysis and presented it in a way that local parishes, schools and organizations can get a good understanding of the factors impacting them and turning that analysis into specific action steps,” Reynolds said.
Guthrie said the position will allow him to spend considerable time with pastors and parish leaders.
“I’ll be able to go out and meet with them. I’m not trying to bring them something, but I’ll be there to listen, to hear from them and to ask, ‘What is it that you are already doing very effectively and what are some challenges you are having? How can we help?’ ” he said.
He noted the first line of the mission statement of the archdiocese: “We are the Catholic Church in Central Kentucky, disciples of Jesus Christ, rich in our tradition and growing in our diversity, striving for fullness of life in God.”
The first part, noting the location of “Central Kentucky” particularly speaks to him, he said.
“To be a face and a resource and a facilitator for parishes outside Jefferson County, the Kentucky Holy Land of Nelson, Marion and Meade counties and for Casey, Green, Taylor and all the counties — to be able to go out and meet with them is important. Outreach to those areas is so crucial,” he said.
Guthrie and his wife, Lucia, attend the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown, Ky. They have four daughters: Carlee, 27; Payton, 25; Bethany, 23; and Laurel, 16.
A search to fill Guthrie’s prior position, director of the Office of Mission Advancement, is underway.
