Fr. Jeremy Gries to Temporarily Serve St. Mary Parish While Continuing as Pastor of Holy Family

Maria Hayes • July 2, 2025

Dear Parishioners of Holy Family,


I write today to share that Fr. Tim Wyciskalla, Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, has asked me to temporarily assist our neighbors at St. Mary Parish here in New Albany. Their pastor, Fr. Nico, has returned to Guest House in Michigan for further treatment and healing in his ongoing recovery from alcohol addiction. Please keep Fr. Nico in your prayers during this time of renewal and grace.


Effective immediately, I will serve as Administrator Pro Tempore of St. Mary Parish. In this role, I have been entrusted with the pastoral and administrative responsibilities of the parish for a defined period. I will remain Pastor of Holy Family and continue to be present with you, especially for Sunday Masses, sacraments, and our key parish ministries. While this added duty will stretch my calendar, I trust in God’s providence and your patience.


There will be another statement in the coming weeks regarding the longer-term plan for Fr. Nico and St. Mary Parish. I will share additional information and plans once the Archdiocesan Personnel Board has had time to determine a longer-term solution.

As Catholics, we are called to care not only for our own parishes, but also for the wider Body of Christ. This is one such moment of service and solidarity. I am grateful to parish staff and volunteer leaders who help carry the daily work of our mission, and I trust that together we can support one another as I share my pastoral care with our neighbors.


Please continue to pray for the people of St. Mary Parish as they navigate this temporary transition. And please keep Fr. Nico in your prayers as he walks the path of healing.


Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.
Holy Family, united in faith and love, pray for us.



In Christ,

Very Rev. Jeremy M. Gries
Pastor, Holy Family Catholic Church

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Carolyn Kannapel • October 9, 2025
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Founding Member of Holy Family Church, Audrey Capper, Passes Away

By Carolyn Kannapel • October 7, 2025
Audrey Francis Capper was born on September 19, 1926, in Lanesville, Indiana. She died on October 5, 2025. She was a founding member of Holy Family Church. She led a wonderful, full life and is survived by her nieces and nephews, Jean Moss (Dale), Tom Crone (Julie), Mark Crone (Gina), Anne Spaulding (Sean), Joan Antoine, Bill Crone and James Capper. She was also survived by her great nieces and nephews, Michael Crone (Leah), Sam Moss (Shannon), David Crone (Jayme), Philip Crone (Anna), Sarah Klarer (Ian), Allison Moss (Matt Parker), Kristen Spaulding, Kevin Crone, Alan Wells, Jael Capper, and her great-great nieces and nephews, Avery and Noah Crone, Harper and Piper Moss, Lenora and Oscar Capper Klarer, Ben Crone, Maylin Audrey Crone and Lily Wells and close friend, Ginny Gohmann. She was known as “Aud” to her close family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and A.G. Capper; her sisters, Mary Jean Capper and Doris Capper Crone; her brother-in law, Doris’ husband, Marion Crone, and brother, James Capper. 

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By Carolyn Kannapel • October 2, 2025
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By Carolyn Kannapel • September 18, 2025
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The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

By Carolyn Kannapel • September 11, 2025
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Parishioner Janice Starr Renn Passes Away

By Carolyn Kannapel • September 10, 2025
Janice Starr Renn, age 80, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Janice was born in New Albany, Indiana, on February 20, 1945, to the late George W. Gilmore and Gertrude M. (Weinmann) Gilmore. She was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church, New Albany, Indiana. Janice spent several years serving the American Legion Post #28. She enjoyed playing golf as a member of Valley View Golf Course and founding member of her local bunco club with friends and former classmates. Janice is preceded in death by her parents; her loving daughter, Kimberly; her grandchildren, Brad and Jill Camm; and her sister, Carol Miller-Gilmore. Janice is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Frank Renn; daughter, Deborah (Greg) Karem; her sister, Georgie and Mary Catherine; her brothers, Dennis, Eddie, Nelson (Cindy), and Tony (Martha); many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. 

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Parishioner Charlotte E. Koch Passes Away

By Maria Hayes • August 19, 2025
Charlotte E. Koch, 86, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday August 12, 2025. She was the former Charlotte Cooper, born in Vine Grove, KY. to the late James and Laura Cooper. Charlotte was a registered nurse and worked at Floyd Memorial Hospital for over 35 years. She was a Red Hat Lady and a very active member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she volunteered for many of the parish ministries for over 55 years. Her passion however, was that she loved going to her many grandchildren’s events and attending New Albany High School basketball games. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson: Mason Brown. Charlotte is survived by her husband of 64 years: William P. Koch Jr., her children: Jeannine Michell(Steve), Steve Koch(Annette), Bill Koch(Shawn), Kevin Koch(Renee) and Michelle Kristiansen(Dave), her sisters: Lauren Hobbs(Ronnie) and Stephanie Clark(Kenny), 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.