Date of death: 12/30/2025
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1967
Father Nick Rice passed away on December 30, 2025. Born November 13, 1941, in Marion County, Kentucky.
He was ordained in 1967 by the Archdiocese of Louisville. His archdiocesan posts have included rector of the college seminary program and pastor of 2 large suburban parishes, St Margaret Mary and Our Lady of Lourdes. He was also director of the archdiocesan office for vocations, permanent diaconate, religious education and communications.
Father Rice served 2 terms as president of the Council of Priests and chair of the College of Consultors for the Archdiocese of Louisville. He has served as president of three national organizations: the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership, The National Directors of the Permanent Diaconate, and the National Federation of Priests’ Councils, with accompanying membership on the respective NCCB/USCC committees.
Father Rice is a certified trainer for the Stephen Covey Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. He was the founder and executive director of the Mass of the Air (1977-2018). He was also a 20-year panelist on the Moral Side of the News and served 22 years on the Crusade for Children Allocation Panel. He joined the Boys and Girls Haven Board of Trustees from 2011-2018.
Although officially retired, he continued giving retreats and presentations around the country and helping in various parishes.
He was preceded in death by his mother- Mary Ada Greenwell Rice, father- George Bernard Rice, brother- David Lee Rice, sisters- MaryAnn Rice (Frank) Flanagan and Patricia Rice West.
Survivors include: brothers- Joseph Rice (Linda), Garland Rice (Robin) and Paul Rice (Lora); sisters- Sue Ellen Rice Ford, Nancy Rice Edelen (Moe), Donna Rice Hardin (Steve), Teresa Rice and Karen Rice Cothran.