About
Rev. Robert E. Schmitz, PhD

My study, preaching, and writing in happy retirement is an ongoing exercise toward a pastoral theology. I hope to articulate what I sense faith does to us, in us, and for us. Exploring such thoughts, I hope to generate ideas on presenting the Gospel message to believers for their life construction.

My study now is on the Eucharist. Tentatively, I am planning a publication called Communion, A Catholic’s Way to Be in the World.

Having retired in 2015, I have been happy teaching and writing. I enjoy helping local parishes with liturgical ministry. I taught theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati. After five years, I turned to writing. I have published:

• Us and For our Salvation: A Pastoral Theology to Cope with These Strange Times. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock, 2025.

• A Pastor’s Thoughts on Secularization. RES/Pastoral Monograph #2. Morrow Ohio: Inspired Press, 2023.

• A Methodology for A Pastoral Theology. RES/Pastoral Monograph #1. Morrow Ohio: Inspired Press, 2023

From 2015 to 2020, I taught college theology. Courses included:

• Does God Exist?

• Introduction to Theology
  

• Youth Ministry

From 1989 to 2015, I was pastor of three parishes, St. Catharine of Siena (Cincinnati) St. Francis de Sales (Lebanon, Ohio) The Community of the Good Shepherd (Montgomery, Ohio) From 1981 to 1989 I was director of the Office of Planning and Research for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. From 1978 to 1981 I completed course work and exams toward an M.Phil and PhD in the social scientific study of religion at Columbia University in the City of New York. The degree was awarded in 1994. 1975-1978, I was Associate Pastor at St. Antoninus in Cincinnati. 1975 I was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Before ordination, I studied at The Athenaeum of Ohio, the archdiocesan seminary. I received a MA in theology and a BA in philosophy.