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Remembering Father Christian Reuter, O.F.M.

By SUZANNE KOZIATEK
Staff writer

A year ago, the men and women who serve southern Illinois inmates’ spiritual needs lost their leader, Father Christopher Reuter, OFM.

It’s been a year of poignant reminders and a determination to continue to fulfill Father Reuter’s vital work, says Louis Slapshak, associate director for prison ministry for the Diocese of Belleville.

“He will never be replaced,” Slapshak says. “He will never be forgotten, since he lived his legacy that will carry on through each of us who lived it with him.”

Remembering Father Christian Reuter, O.F.M.

Father Christian Reuter, OFM, is being remembered for his early work in the Civil Rights Movement and his admirable work with inmates in southern Illinois prisons and with ex-offenders. Father Reuter died June 30, 2018, following complications from back surgery. He was 79. In a statement, Bishop Edward K. Braxton said: “As we pray for dear Father Reuter, we are mindful of his joyful, unselfish, and tireless ministry on behalf of the imprisoned and the marginalized. From this perspective, it seems providential that the name given to him at baptism was “Christian.” His life truly embodied the teachings and example of the Christ-centered ministry of his patron, St. Francis of Assisi. Father Reuter reminded all of us, including the Bishops of Illinois, to become more aware of and to become more responsive to the needs of those in prison. He taught us forcefully that the person in every prison cell is Jesus Christ himself. ‘When I was in prison you visited me. Now enter into the joy of my Father!’”

Father Christian Reuter, OFM, –
Celebrates 50th Anniversary as a Franciscan Priest

Fr. Christian Reuter celebrated Eucharist at his 50th Priesthood Anniversary on Sunday, June 26, 2016, at 11:00 AM, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (411 Palmer Road, Columbia, IL.). Co-celebrants were Bishop Stanley Schlarman (Diocese of Belleville Bishop in Residence), Fr. William Spencer, OFM Provincial Minister (Sacred Heart Province, St. Louis, MO) and Fr. Carl Scherrer (Immaculate Conception Pastor). Fr. Chris was especially grateful to all who participated in the liturgy and in particular Otto & Mildred Reuter and the many family members, fellow clergy & religious, parishioners, students, and colleagues who spanned 50 years of priestly service, especially those who can only be with us today in spirit. After the Eucharist all gathered for a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.

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