Date of death: 7/10/2015
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1976
Rev. Noah Joseph Casey, 66, a priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and former Benedictine monk and priest of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, died peacefully in the Lord on July 10, 2015. Fr. Casey was born on January 11, 1949, to Joseph Francis Casey and Marie McShane. He attended elementary school at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral and Our Lady of Lourdes in Indianapolis. After graduating from the Latin School of Indianapolis in 1967, he attended St. Meinrad College and School of Theology. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, a Master of Arts in religious studies from Indiana University and a Doctor of Ministry degree in spiritual direction from the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He entered the novitiate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in 1971, professed temporary vows in 1972 and solemn vows in 1975. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 2, 1976. He was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Indianapolis on June 9, 2007. For 18 years, Fr. Noah worked in the Spiritual Formation Program of Saint Meinrad College, 14 of which were spent as the director of the program. He also taught a variety of courses in theology, spirituality, and liturgy. His other pastoral assignments included serving in the parishes of St. Boniface, Fulda, IN; St. Matthew, El Paso, TX; St. Joseph, Great Falls, MT; St. John the Evangelist, St. Luke, and SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, all in Indianapolis . In addition to serving as chaplain of Scecina Memorial High School, Indianapolis, he most recently served as pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette parishes, which recently united with one another to become Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Fr. Noah was an insightful spiritual director to many over the years, assisting them in recognizing how God was revealing himself to them in their lives. Carrying the lyrics for Danny Boy in his wallet, he never lacked for a song for any occasion, including even breaking into song occasionally while preaching. Fr. Noah proclaimed the Word of God vigorously, especially through storytelling and poetic verse, sometimes even taking on a character to call people deeper into Scripture. His intimacy with God was made visible in his love, which embraced countless numbers as lasting friends. Despite declining health in recent years, Fr. Noah maintained and shared a spirit of joy that reflected God’s abiding Presence in his life. He is survived by his two aunts Helen M. (Casey) McGrath [Robert] and Patricia A. (Casey) Beidelman, and many, many loving cousins. Donations in his memory may be made to support the newly created “Reverend Noah J. Casey Endowment for the Ministry of Spiritual Direction” in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Contributions should be made out to: Catholic Community Foundation, Attn. Ellen Brunner, 1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202. “