Priest doesn't feel like a hero; parishioners disagree
By Denise G. Callahan

Staff Writer

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Rev. Dan Schuh marvels over the fuss his parishioners at St. Susanna Catholic Church in Mason have made over him as battles ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"I just try to do what I can, and they almost make me out to be a hero," he said. "I don't feel that way. To be able to preside over Mass is an honor and a joy. I just thank them for putting up with me."

Schuh was diagnosed in April 2007 with the progressive, neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It has affected his ability to speak audibly and clearly.

He remains pastor, but effective Oct. 4, he is sharing administrative duties with the Rev. John Tonkin. He now concelebrates rather than presides over weekend Masses, when 1,000 to 1,500 attend. He still says some weekday Masses.

Parish Office Administrator Jeannine Frank said parishioners have stepped up to the plate, offering Schuh a home, built him a ramp for his wheelchair, and they established Father Dan's Care Team.

"It amazes me how truly amazed he is that everyone thinks he is so wonderful," parishioner Karen Mullen said.

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St. Susanna's Fr. Dan is living life to the fullest
Diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease in April 2007, priest is now wheelchair bound.
By Denise G. Callahan

Staff Writer

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Rev. Dan Schuh has had a very full life. He has been a husband, is a father and grandfather and is pastor of St. Susanna Parish in Mason. He is not about to let Lou Gehrig's Disease keep him from performing all of his callings.

Diagnosed with the disease in April 2007, Schuh is now wheelchair bound. But he still lunches with parish office staff, dines with parishioners and attends an occasional Elder High School football game, in addition to ministering to his flock.

Parishioners have said his life experiences, as a husband and widower — his wife, Gail, died in 1992 — and father to Becky and Joe and his six grandchildren have given him a unique perspective.

"I love Father Dan. He is a super good priest and has brought a lot of people together," said parishioner Jane Brinkmann. "Having been married and having children and now grandchildren, he can relate to the problems of having children and grandchildren."

Schuh said one of the things he misses most, because of his condition, is to be able to socialize like he used to.

"I miss just being able to communicate with people," he said. "I used to love to kid around and joke around. It's not as enjoyable anymore."

Schuh was a manager for Kroger for 25 years before he decided to join the priesthood. It's part of the reason he was made a pastor so quickly — two years after his ordination — of such a large parish, said Cincinnati Archdiocese spokesman Dan Andriacco.

His children fully supported his decision to join, and they give him his greatest joy.

"I see pride in my kids faces and it's amazing," he said.

Parishioner Karen Mullen recalls how Schuh, during their Friday night dinners, used to "belt out the song, "Those Were the Days my Friends," when people complained about their kids and lives.

So is Schuh angry he was stricken with such an illness?

"I'm confused. I would never say angry," he said. "To be able to do this with a certain amount of grace is a good thing. But, when we have a shortage of priests, I get confused. But then who am I to think I shouldn't be sick because I'm a priest? That would be very selfish."


Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.
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