Sister Janet Bucher made history in her hometown after a long career as a nun, teacher, and Catholic Church parish administrator

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Storyteller and community documentarian David Rotenstein is launching a new three-part project centered on the life and legacy of Sister Janet Bucher, a longtime presence in Covington’s Eastside neighborhood and a cornerstone of ministry at Our Savior Catholic Church. The project, which blends oral history, visual storytelling, and public dialogue, aims to preserve and share a deeply personal account of faith, service, and neighborhood transformation.

The project unfolds across three interconnected components: a recorded series of interviews with Sister Janet, an illustrated PowerPoint presentation that contextualizes her story within the broader history of the Eastside, and a live public conversation designed to engage residents, congregants, and community leaders in reflection and discussion.

Rotenstein, making a name locally with his work amplifying overlooked narratives in Northern Kentucky, said the project grew out of a desire to document living history before it is lost.

“Sister Janet’s life is more than her own story. Her story is a story of a neighborhood, a church, and generations of people who passed through both,” Rotenstein said. “This project is about listening carefully and honoring the wisdom that comes from decades of presence.”

Sister Janet Bucher has served at Our Savior Church for many years, becoming a trusted figure in Covington’s historically Black Eastside neighborhood, an area most recently shaped by waves of immigration, economic change, and resilience. Her ministry has extended beyond the walls of the church, touching families through education, outreach, and quiet acts of accompaniment during times of hardship.

“I am honored by the fact that somebody is interested in my life,” said Sister Janet. “I have been blessed with the experiences I have had in life. And I have to give a lot of credit to my community, not only Covington’s Eastside community but also the Sisters of Divine Providence, who have always supported me.”

The interview series forms the foundation of the project. Through extended, reflective conversations, Sister Janet recounts her journey in Covington, her calling to religious life, and her experiences walking alongside Eastside residents through moments of joy, struggle and change. These interviews explore how faith-based institutions have adapted to shifting neighborhood dynamics while striving to remain relevant and compassionate.

Sister Janet Bucher photographed with her parents, Arthur and Hilda Bucher.
Photo courtesy Kenton County Public Library.

Complementing the interviews is a presentation that brings visual depth to the narrative. Drawing on photographs, archival materials, maps, and original illustrations, the presentation situates Sister Janet’s personal story within the historical and cultural evolution of the Eastside. Rotenstein said the visual element is intended to make the history accessible, particularly for younger audiences and those unfamiliar with the neighborhood’s past.

The final component, a live conversation, which occurred earlier in January, brought together Sister Janet and Rotenstein together with the public for an in-person dialogue. This event invited attendees to engage directly with the themes raised in the project, including faith-based community building, the role of women religious in urban neighborhoods, and the importance of preserving local memory. Audience members shared their own reflections and experiences, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on collective storytelling.

Rotenstein hopes the project will serve as both a tribute and a resource. A piece of work that can be used by educators, faith communities, and local organizations seeking to better understand Covington’s Eastside and the people who helped shape it.