Fr. Robert J. Schreiter, C.PP.S., 73, died on June 1, 2021, at his home in Chicago. He had been in failing health.
He was born on December 14, 1947, in Nebraska City, Neb., to Robert F. and Mildred (Kreifels) Schreiter. He entered the Congregation in 1961 at Brunnerdale, the Missionaries’ former high school seminary outside of Canton, Ohio, and was ordained on June 21, 1975 at St. Mary Church in Nebraska City.
Fr. Schreiter was a world-renowned author and theologian. He earned degrees in philosophy and psychology from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind., and his doctoral degree in theology from the University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands. There he studied under the renowned theologian Edward Schillebeeckx, OP.
After his ordination, he became a faculty member at Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago. He remained on the faculty (serving as academic dean from 1977-86) until May 2021, when he retired and was named professor emeritus.
Aside from classroom teaching, he found many other ways to share the Good News with the whole world. He was an author and editor of many books, articles and academic papers. Bishops invited him to speak at trouble spots around the globe to be a messenger of peace for the people of God. To all, he imparted the message that healing and reconciliation could be found in the Precious Blood of Jesus.
For his own Congregation, he provided an invaluable articulation of its spirituality: that its mission is one of promoting peace and reconciliation through the Precious Blood of Jesus, shed for all. He formed many students who became C.PP.S. priests and brothers. Many Missionaries turned to him for council and advice. Precious Blood Companions (lay associates) enjoyed his retreats, which like all of his presentations were delivered in a manner that was easy to understand.
As he was sharing his freely gifts with others, he gladly accepted the gift of the stories he heard from the people. His students appreciated his generosity with his time.
Fr. Schreiter was also active in the leadership of the Congregation, serving as vice provincial director, and on the general council of the worldwide Congregation.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 2 p.m. at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio, with Fr. Jeffrey Kirch, C.PP.S., provincial director, presiding. Fr. Barry Fischer, C.PP.S., will be the homilist.
Viewing will be held at St. Charles on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, from 1-5 and 7-9 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m., and Thursday until the time of the funeral.
Burial will follow in the Community cemetery at St. Charles.