By Eileen Connelly, OSU

ST. ANDREW DEANERY - When I sat down Nov. 12 to interview Father Dan Schuh, I had no idea that I would be one of the last people to speak with him.

It was obvious that the effects of ALS(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive muscle deterioration also known as Lou Gehrigs Disease), with which Father Schuh was diagnosed in April 2007, had taken their toll on him. His once-booming voice was weak, and he could barely speak above a whiper. His body was failing him, yet he was upbeat, and his characteristic sense of humor was still evident.

CT FILE PHOTO

Father Dan Schuh

About 6 hours later we received the news that this man, who faced his debilitating disease with incredible hope and trust in God, had passed away peacefully in his sleep Nov. 14 at the age of 57.

He leaves behind the faith community of St. Susanna Parish, wher he had served as pastor since 2005, along with many family members. He was the father of two, Joe and Rebecca, and grandfather of six.

Father Schuh's call to the priesthood came after an already full life. A Cincinnati native, he attended Xavier Universty, earning a degree in management. He enjoyed a successful career at the Kroger Company and considered himself blessed by his marriage and family. After losing his wife, Gail, to complications of Hodgkin's Disease, Father Schuh studied theology at Mount t. Mary's Seminary of the West. He was ordained May 24, 2003, by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains. He served as parochial vicar at St. Susanna from July 1, 2003, until being named pastor.

After his diagnosis, Father chuh declined to step down from the pastorate, determined to serve his flock. He only recently stopped celebrating Sunday Masses because his voice was failing and his words slurred.

This was difficult, he said, because "one of things I always prided mysef on was my deep, booming voice."

Two months ago, with his health deteriorating faster than expected, Father Schuh contacted Father Len Wenke, director of the archdiocesan Priest Personnel Office, for help in developing a plan to ensure effective leadersip and shepherding of the parish. He continued to celebrate several weekday Masses and made himself available for the sacrament of Reconciliation, anointing of the sick and spiritual counseling as long as he was physically able. Father John Tonkin, associte pastor, was appointed temporary parochial administrator of St. Susanna in the interim.

As he battled ALS, the members of St. Susanna rallied around Father Schuh, moved by his faith and courage. Parishioners donated a chair lift, wheelchair, walker andcane, and the Christ Renews His Parish group gave the priest a used golf-cart, dubbed the "Father Danmobile," to help him get around.

It was "the parishioners' love for me, my family's love for me and God's love for me," that gave Father Dan the strengthto face his failing health and the pain and doubt that accompanied it, he told The Catholic Telegraph last week. "I'm the most supported person in the world, and God's love has been personified right in front of me," he said.

"I have a very simple look utlook about my faith," Father Schuh added. "I believe that if you pay attention to God, you'll recognize that His love for you is there all of the time. Every time I tend to forget about that, God slaps me upside the face and says, 'Here it is, you big dmmy.'"

Father Schuh said he maintained hope during his illness by focusing on the positive. "You have to look for the good in your life, thank God for that and celebrate that goodness," he explained. "When you think about the bad things and the things youcan't control, it's the devil at work. He loves to entrap you. That's when you say, 'Oh no, devil. I trust in God and know He will take care of it.'"

Then, Father Schuh, continued, the "bad becomes something good and something you can handle. You're ableto say to God, 'Here it is. You handle it.'"

He also spoke of hope in an article for the upcoming December issue of Glad Tidings, the parish newsletter. "Routine cures of this disease are not commonplace," Father Schuh wrote. "Therefore, I have two choics - to hold out in faith for a miracle or to accept the will of the Father just as Jesus Christ did during His passion and suffering the night before His death.

"What I would give to experience a miracle!" he continued. "But I must have hope that I have ived a good enough life and through the passion, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ my sins have been forgiven and I am able to enter the everlasting place of peace and tranquility where God is love. That love will always be present to me. bviously, I hate the thought of leaving my family and all of you, which is why I would prefer a miracle. But after a few seconds in heaven, I am certain I will question my sanity as to why I was so hesitant to leave this sinful earth for the opportunity t be in the glorious presence of the Lord. I have hope in miracles. I also have hope in the everlasting peace and love of our God in heaven. I know now that I will always have hope."

Christine Shimrock, a St. Susanna parishioner who is writing a book abou Father Schuh, said that the theme of faith, hope and love was ever-present during their weekly interviews, including their last session together the afternoon before he died.

"I asked him if he was scared and he said, 'no.' Then I asked him if he was atpeace and his answer was 'yes,'" she recounted.

Shimrock believes Father Schuh's response to his illness inspired so many people because, "At no time did he make it about himself, which is remarkable. He would not allow it be a situation for pity. He was ust a good, humble man."

"It was his courage as he went through this that inspired people," added Jeannine Frank, the officer manager at St. Susanna who came to know Father Schuh during the time they worked together and after he came to live with her andher husband, Bill, last January.

"His greatest joys were his children and grandchildren," she said. "And he always said what a joy it was for him to be with the people of the parish. They were so life sustaining for him. I think the fact that even with hs limitations, it was so important for him to continue to be with them, was inspiring for people."

With regard to Father Schuh's death, Archbishop Pilarczyk said, "Sometimes the Lord surprises us. Sometimes the surprises are pleasant and sometimes the suprises are sad. Father Schuh's death comes as a surprise, which, while not completely unexpected, is nonetheless sad. He was a dedicated priest and a real father to his people. His death leaves us all the poorer."

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrate for Father Schuh on Nov. 19 at St. Susanna. Archbishop Pilarczyk presided with Father Harry Meyer, pastor emeritus, serving as homilist.

In addition to his children, he is survived by his mother, Helen Storey, grandchildren Nathan, Kalee, Zachary, David Hannah and Ethan, and siblings Fred, Mike and Michelle. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton.