It is with a heavy heart we share the news of the death of Fr. Ralph Schmitz. Fr. Ralph was a dear friend and unstoppable advocate for persons who are Deaf, as well as those living with disabilities. Fr. Ralph served in the Diocese of Trier, Germany. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace.

Ralf Schmitz was born on May 15, 1959 in Bad Godesberg and ordained a priest on July 18, 1987. He was a chaplain in Trier Heiligkreuz, in Trier St. Maternus and vicar in Neuwied St. Matthias and Neuwied Heilig Kreuz. He was regional youth pastor for the Rhine-Wied-Sieg region and was appointed diocesan curate of the German Scout Association St. George in the Diocese of Trier. He was head of the Department of Pastoral Care for the Disabled and the Department of “Hearing Impaired and Deaf” in the Episcopal General Vicariate and was also appointed head with the title of “Pastor” of the Deaf Community in the Diocese of Trier and spiritual advisor of the professional association “Caritas Conferences of Germany” (CKD) Diocesan Association of Trier. As a pastor, he was responsible for the “Inclusive Pastoral Care” support level in the pastoral care for the disabled in the Trier visitation district. He was dean of the Trier deanery and pastor in Trier St. Matthias and most recently worked as pastor in the deaf community in the Diocese of Trier.