Fr. Ryan Schmit Ordination

Deacon Ryan Schmit, age 29, was ordained a priest on May 28, 2011, at St. Joseph Cathedral, Columbus, Ohio.

Before Fr. Schmit began his studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum, Fr. Schmit grew up in Grove City, Ohio, attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Grove City High School, Miami University of Ohio, and The Ohio State University where he obtained a degree in Turf Grass Science for golf course management. Not surprisingly, Fr. Schmit enjoys playing golf, but has always enjoyed playing sports in general--especially skiing and basketball.

While at OSU, Fr. Schmit fell in love with his Catholic faith anew and began to integrate it into his everyday life. During this time, Fr. Schmit began to discern if God was calling him to the priesthood. While working at a summer job in Las Vegas, his call became more clear and he began to discern whether God was calling him to a religious order or the diocesan priesthood.

After spending a year discerning between religious orders and the diocesan priesthood, Fr. Schmit believed God was calling him to stay in the diocese. Fr. Schmit’s family has always been very supportive of his discernment.

Reflecting on his call, Fr. Schmit said, “From the start of high school until the end of college, the priesthood was not even a thought in the back of my mind. So when I hear guys say that they could never be a priest; I always think back on my own experience, smile, and say, ‘Don’t be so sure about that.’ “

Fr. Schmit’s favorite passage for people who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life is Romans 12:2. “And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed in the newness of your mind, that you may discern what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

Fr. Schmit describes himself as a practical and straight-forward person and noted that, “For the past few years in my classes, I’ve always asked myself, ‘What is the best way to present what I’m learning in a parish setting?’ After all, once I’m called to Holy Orders, I will be preaching and teaching the Gospel and applying what I’ve learned in my studies and in prayer.”   

During this year as a transitional deacon, Fr. Schmit has savored the annual events and friendships of the seminary. But above all, he has prepared for priestly ordination by praying about the priestly identity and the Sacraments he will celebrate as a priest. This preparation has involved a particular focus on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in its Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms.  Fr. Schmit is also looking forward to bring Christ’s forgiveness and healing to the faithful in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.   

Fr. Schmit has not approached ordination casually. “This isn’t a 9-5 job, it’s a vocation that is always lived 24/7, for the rest of my life. More than that, it’s a calling which demands that I be conformed to, and radiate, Christ in every area of my life. This is no small task. Nor is it possible for anyone to carry this out on their own.  One must first die to self so that it is not their own message that they preach, but rather the message of Jesus Christ. This was reflected in the Ordination Rite when I was face down on the floor begging for the intercession of Our Lord, Our Lady, the angels, the saints, and concomitantly all those present, and as I offer my life in sacrifice to God. I rose to be ordained a priest by Bishop Campbell so that I may go forth in service of the Church.”

The example of the saints throughout history has helped Fr. Schmit in his journey. “Among the saints, I see brothers and sisters in Christ who have faced struggles both great and small. To see how they responded in the face of adversity is not only edifying, but also helps motivate me to live a more virtuous life conformed to Christ,” said Fr. Schmit.  A few of Fr. Schmit’s favorite saints include St. Francis of Assisi, St. John Vianney, St. Therese of Lisieux, Pope St. Pius X, and St. Padre Pio.