Canons of the Shrine
Chapters of Canons are "a college of priests who perform more solemn liturgical functions in a cathedral or collegiate church... and fulfill the functions which are entrusted by the diocesan bishop." The Canons of St. Martin are a body of priests who have been installed by the Archbishop of Louisville and entrusted with the promotion and support of the new Shrine of St. Martin. Composed of those priests who are recommended by the Rector, and confirmed by the Archbishop of Louisville, they gather at least once a year in a plenary meeting to discuss the support of the Shrine. With the approval of the Archbishop of Louisville, members of the lay faithful may become Associates of the Chapter, insofar as they too support the works of the Shrine of St. Martin, and commit to take a more active role in the church. Those interested in membership as Associates of the Canons of St. Martin are encouraged to speak to the Rector for more details.
Canon Paul Beach
Fr. Paul Beach was the 16th pastor of St. Martin's, having served from 2012-2023. He became the first Rector of the Shrine of St. Martin on May 18th, 2023. A native of Louisville and son of the parish, he was ordained on May 19, 2001 and celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Martin's the following day. After assignments in Lousiville and Meade County, KY, he obtained the Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and was appointed the Judicial Vicar and Director of the Metropolitan Tribunal by Archbishop Kurtz in January 2012.
Canon David Carr
Fr. David Carr was ordained May 26, 2012 and served in various pastoral assignments before being named Parochial Vicar, and now Vice-Rector, of the Shrine of St. Martin. Among his many pastoral responsibilities, Fr. Carr is particularly well known for his work directing the RCIA program at St. Martin's.
Canon Dennis Cousens
Fr. Dennis Cousens was the 14th pastor of St. Martin's, having served from 1992-2004. Fr. Cousens was ordained May 28, 1977 and served in a variety of assignments, including Archdiocesan Vocations Director, before his assignment as pastor of St. Martin in 1992. His tenure as pastor saw the inauguration of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, as well as the foundation of the Golden Arrow Center for Women and Children. He is currently a retired priest of the Archdiocese and assists many of the priests and parishes in the city of Louisville and beyond.
Canon Frederick Klotter
Fr. Frederick Klotter was the 15th pastor of St. Martin's, having served from 2004-2012. A son of the parish, Fr. Klotter was ordained May 25, 1996 and celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Martin's the following day. He graduated from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD. He obtained the Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Fr. Klotter is currently the pastor of the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville, KY, and also serves in the Metropolitan Tribunal of Louisville as Defender of the Bond.