Saturday, August 20, 2011

Former Bishop Schmitt Dies at Age 82

The Most Rev. Bernard W. Schmitt, bishop emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, died Tuesday at Wheeling Hospital after a brief illness.

Officials in the diocese said funeral arrangements are incomplete but are expected to be held in Wheeling.

Born in Wheeling on Aug. 17, 1928, Schmitt served as diocesan bishop for 16 years, a tenure notable for his devotion to Christ, dedication to Catholic education and commitment to ecumenism. 

In retirement, he has continued to serve the diocese by giving retreats and working with Serra clubs.

Schmitt graduated from Corpus Christi Grade School and Central Catholic High School, both in Wheeling. He began his studies for the priesthood at St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., and attended St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. Later, he pursued a post-graduate degree in guidance and counseling at Ohio University, Athens.

The Wheeling native was ordained to the priesthood in 1955. His first assignment was as associate pastor of St. Joseph Cathedral, Wheeling. In 1963, he was appointed diocesan director of vocations, director of propagation of the faith and director of Confraternity of Christian Doctrine.

In 1966, he was appointed rector of St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary, Vienna, where he served until being named pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, St. Albans.

After 10 years of service in St. Albans, he was appointed pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church, Wheeling, in 1982.

In his hometown, Schmitt earned a reputation as a humble and capable church leader. He continued his active involvement in Catholic education.

Schmitt was appointed auxiliary bishop of the diocese on May 31, 1988 and was ordained a bishop on Aug. 1, 1988. That October, he was again appointed diocesan director of vocations. 

Schmitt was appointed as the seventh bishop of Wheeling-Charleston on March 30, 1989 and was installed as diocesan bishop on May 17, 1989.

During his time as bishop, he was appointed to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry; the Committee on Marriage and Family and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Committee.

In the field of ecumenism, Schmit served as a board member, vice president and president of the West Virginia Council of Churches. He participated in annual services with the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia and recognized the Jewish faith with an annual service to remember Kristallnacht, or "Night of Broken Glass," when Nazi troopers attacked Jews throughout Germany and Austria the night of Nov. 9-10, 1938.

As bishop, Schmitt was lauded as a great champion for Catholic schools. One of the major projects that he launched was the restoration of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Wheeling. 

Another long-held dream was realized in 2003, with the opening of the West Virginia Catholic Heritage Center, named in his honor in Wheeling.

Earlier this year, Schmitt was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in the category of religion and education. He also was the second recipient of the Wheeling YMCA's "Light of the Valley" honor.

Schmitt submitted his resignation as diocesan bishop on Aug. 17, 2003, in accordance with an age limit established under canon law. 

Pope John Paul II accepted his resignation on Dec. 9, 2004.