Father Joseph H. Voor, a retired pastor and professor of psychology, died on Nov. 6. He was 97 and had been a priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville for 72 years.
Father Voor, a Louisville native, attended St. Vincent DePaul and St. Francis of Assisi schools, St. Xavier High School and St. Mary College. He attended St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Ind., and was ordained June 3, 1950, by Archbishop John A. Floersh.
He went on to earn a doctoral degree in psychology from Catholic University of America.
He served as pastor of St. William Church, Immaculate Conception Church in La Grange, Ky., and St. Matthew Mission Church in Bedford, Ky. He was associate pastor of St. Matthias and St. Philip Neri churches and the Cathedral of the Assumption. After retiring, he served as a senior associate at St. Brigid and St. James churches.
While serving as an associate pastor, Father Voor taught at Bellarmine University from 1955 to 1975, chairing the psychology department and serving as director of guidance, housing and the Upward Bound Project. He continued in residence at Bellarmine until 1982. He also taught at Nazareth College.
He served as chairman of the archdiocese’s Committee on Parish Councils, as executive director of the Commission on Councils and as director of Continuing Education for Priests. He also served with Engaged Encounter, on the Presbyteral Council and on the Retired Priests Committee.
Father Voor was a chaplain for the Kentucky State Reformatory, Luther Luckett Correctional Complex, Roederer Correctional Complex, Cedar Lake Lodge, Tri-County Baptist Hospital, St. Serra Club, Knights of St. John and Kindred Hospital. He was a spiritual advisor for the Secular Order of Carmel.
He also served as a provincial representative to the National Federation of Priests’ Councils and was the founding president of the National Organization for the Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy. He was the National Catholic Guidance Council’s executive director.
Father Voor received the Archdiocese Senate of Priests Award for Service, the national John XXIII Award for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy and Bellarmine’s Msgr. Alfred F. Horrigan Distinguished Service Award.
Father Voor is survived by siblings Jim and Mary, several nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. at St. James Church, 1826 Edenside Ave. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery, 1300 Ellison Ave., following Mass.
Visitation will precede the Mass from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church.
Fr Joe was a spiritual guide, and loving leader in the Worldwide Marriage Encounter. He touched the hearts of many married couples and families with his wisdom, love , and acceptance
Fr. Voor believed in continuning education and encouraged me to go to many classes and seminars. He drove 90 miles to be at my mother’s funeral Mass after serving the prisoners. He had very full days and loved to travel. He also played tennis and golf well into his retirement. He was an example of doing good and keeping busy. I loved and respected him very much. Rest in peace Fr. Joe, alive well lived and you desrve to rest in the arms of Mary and her Son.
Father Joe Voor was a wonderful Priest, a marvelous, friendly and gentle human being. Certainly a perfect role model. A devoted Christian and with love for the Lord. He confirmed our two little girls and was the Priest who brought me into the Catholic faith, after having been raised in the Baptist faith. Our family loved him and will never forget him.
We are so saddened that he has now passed on. But, we are consoled by knowing that he is finally with his Lord and resting in the arms of Jesus. May God Bless his Dear Soul and may he rest in Peace. Father Voor, you were dear to our family and to so many at Immaculate Conception in La Grange And, so generous with your time and talent while also being very accomplished. You will always be remembered and remain in our hearts. We LOVED YOU. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
Father Voor was my mother’s (Mary Margaret) cousin & her step brother before her Daddy died. They were very close. Father was always available & had been a big part of our family.
I love Father Voor and will miss him terribly. He was an amazing priest and a gentle person giving hope to everyone he met. With him you felt closer to heaven.
So sorry we missed his visitation. Much love to his family.
My great-uncle, Father Joe, was my Confirmation sponsor… he Baptized me as an infant, he married me and my wife Jessica, and co-Baptized my two sons. He was a friend and mentor to all and fiercely loved his family. A true shepherd and a man of God. We will miss him terribly. May his memory be a blessing.
Bless your heart Father Voor. I will always remember your ready smile and your gentleness. Rest in peace Father.