September 8, 2025 // Bishop

Kindness, Dedication Mark Fitzpatrick’s 26 Years with Diocese

Clare Hildebrandt

Reporter

For the past 26 years, Karen Fitzpatrick has served the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend as the administrative assistant in the Office of Worship, where she works to help ensure that liturgical events in the diocese go off without a hitch.

Those who have labored alongside her told Today’s Catholic that Fitzpatrick’s contributions to the diocese and those it serves have been immeasurable. Many diocesan employees gathered to celebrate her career with a retirement party at the Archbishop Noll Catholic Center in Fort Wayne on Friday, August 1.

Bishop Rhoades noted Fitzpatrick’s characteristic kindness, something he first experienced shortly after being appointed to the diocese.

“When I arrived in Indiana as the new bishop, Karen and her husband, Deacon Jim, were the ones who really made me feel at home from the very beginning and just have helped me in so many ways,” he said.

“I can list many acts of kindness of Karen,” Bishop Rhoades continued. “She would pay attention to the things that a new bishop wouldn’t think of. For example, she noticed I needed a new pair of shoes. … I didn’t even notice I had a hole on the side. Lo and behold, I would receive a gift card from her, encouraging me to buy brand new shoes. This is just the type of person she is and what she brought to her job in the Office of Worship.”

Fitzpatrick’s friends and co-workers echoed Bishop Rhoades’ remarks on her kindness and dedication to serving the Church.

“She has been critical to the diocese. I would not have been able to navigate everything without her when I first started,” said Brian MacMichael, director of the Office of Worship.

Marci Rittmanic, director of human resources for the diocese, added: “She lives the faith, so when it comes to liturgy and planning Masses, she does it with attention to detail, bringing much beauty.”

Christine Bonahoom-Nix, administrative assistant in the Vocations Office, noted that Fitzpatrick “is truly a humble servant” who “really has a heart after the Lord’s, ready to serve and help people.”

Fitzpatrick reflected on her work at the diocese, telling Today’s Catholic: “While working, I enjoyed helping with the rite of election and meeting people who wanted to be Catholic. They all have their own stories, and it was so great to hear them. I also loved getting to know the seminarians.”

She continued: “I was so happy Bishop Rhoades was here [at the retirement party] along with Father Mark [Gurtner, vicar general of the diocese]. The food was great, and decorations were wonderful.”

At the end of the party, Bishop Rhoades exhorted her for her dedication, saying: “We honor and celebrate Karen Fitzpatrick for her unwavering dedication, steadfast faith, and tireless commitment to the mission of the Church in this region with gratitude and blessings,” he said. “We extend our warmest wishes for peace, fulfillment, and protection in the years ahead. May Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin and patron of our diocese, intercede for you. Thank you, Karen,” he finished. 

Clare Hildebrandt is a staff writer for Today’s Catholic.