The Moth Podcast Summary

Episode: Jim Krenn: Church Latin
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Host: The Moth
Storyteller: Jim Krenn

1. Introduction to Jim Krenn and Pittsburgh's Strip District

Jim Krenn, a beloved radio personality and comedian from Pittsburgh, opens his story by expressing his deep affection for his hometown, particularly the vibrant Strip District.

“I am proud to say that I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I love this city because of the people of the city, we have the greatest neighborhoods.”
— Jim Krenn [02:43]

He describes the Strip District as the heart of Pittsburgh, teeming with diverse businesses—from seafood at Woolies to toys at Feinberg's—that made his upbringing colorful and dynamic.

2. A Large, Devout Family

Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, Jim was part of a large extended family spanning three blocks in the Strip District. His grandmother, a devout Catholic, played a pivotal role in the family's religious life.

“My grandmother, who was a matriarchal figure of the family, she was a devout Catholic. I mean, heavy duty, you know, rosaries, holy cards, new saints.”
— Jim Krenn [02:43]

Her fervent faith led her to instill religious duties in the family, particularly the aspiration for one of her many male descendants to become a priest.

3. Becoming an Altar Boy

At nine years old, Jim was selected to be an altar boy—a rite of passage in his family. This responsibility came with the hope that he might fulfill his grandmother's dream of a priest in the family.

“My grandma wanted every male to be an altar boy. She secretly thought one of us in the family were going to fulfill her dream to become a priest.”
— Jim Krenn [02:43]

Despite his painful shyness, Jim faced the daunting task of performing his duties during Mass, which included reciting a Latin prayer.

4. The Challenge of the Latin Prayer

During his rehearsal, Jim was handed a booklet containing a Latin prayer—a language he barely understood. The pressure of memorizing it in just two days overwhelmed him.

“Here's the weird part. As I'm looking through the prayer, right hand of God. The prayer was in Latin, right? I'm nine, I can barely speak English. This is Latin.”
— Jim Krenn [02:43]

This moment marked a significant source of anxiety for young Jim, fearing he'd let his family down by failing to perform the prayer correctly.

5. The Day of the First Mass

On the day of his first Mass, Jim’s anxiety peaked. As he prepared, Sister Annunziata delivered unexpected news.

“She looked at me and said, Jim, you heard the news, right?”
— Jim Krenn [09:30]

Jim learned that his friend Kenny, the all-star altar boy, was sick and couldn't perform the prayer. Left to his own devices, Jim felt the weight of the responsibility.

6. Improvising Under Pressure

As the Mass progressed, the moment arrived for Jim to recite the Latin prayer. Unprepared and overwhelmed, he panicked and invented his own language on the spot.

“At nine years old, kneeling there, sweating profusely in front of my grandmother, in front of everyone in the church, ladies and gentlemen, I decided to make up my own language.”
— Jim Krenn [09:30]

This bold move stunned Father Galvin and the congregation but ultimately endeared Jim to everyone present, showcasing his quick thinking and genuine nature.

7. The Aftermath and Acceptance

Despite Jim's initial fears of disappointing his family and church leaders, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Father Galvin commended Jim for his performance, and his grandmother was proudly beaming.

“Father smiled ear to ear, and he says, Jim... Great job.”
— Jim Krenn [09:30]

This experience not only solidified Jim’s place as a Pittsburgh character but also highlighted his ability to embrace his unique self, a trait that would later define his career in radio and comedy.

8. Lasting Impact and Legacy

Reflecting on the event, Jim realizes that improvising during his first Mass was a foundational moment that shaped his identity and career.

“That was the first time that I became one of those Pittsburgh characters that I was talking about. I became a character and I get the honor of being a character every morning on the radio.”
— Jim Krenn [17:40]

He humorously notes that he still occasionally makes up his own language, a nod to his enduring creativity and the lasting impression of that memorable day.

Key Takeaways

• Cultural Influence: Jim’s upbringing in Pittsburgh's Strip District and his large, devout family significantly influenced his character and comedic style.
• Overcoming Anxiety: His story emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness and finding confidence in unexpected situations.
• Legacy of Storytelling: The incident at St. Patrick's Chapel became a cornerstone of Jim’s storytelling, illustrating how personal experiences can shape a public persona.

Notable Quotes

• “I was so happy, you know, Eddie Rue, our church manager, walks up and says, Jim. Yeah? He says, Father and Sister want to see you...”
  — Jim Krenn [09:30]

• “He looked like one of those cowboys in the movies when they're at the campfire and the arrow gets him in the back.”
  — Jim Krenn [09:30]

Jim Krenn's "Church Latin" is a heartfelt and humorous narrative that captures the essence of growing up in a tight-knit, faith-driven community and the pivotal moments that define one's path. His ability to turn a moment of panic into a memorable story exemplifies the power of humor and authenticity in storytelling.