Mark Schultz

Schultz, Mark A.



Rev. Mark A. Schultz, 59, beloved priest, brother and friend, peacefully entered eternal life on Saturday, April 8, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Shirley Schultz. Father Schultz is survived by two brothers, Rev. Stephen Schultz, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Albuquerque, and Gregory Schultz and wife, Pamela of Corpus Christi, TX.



Father Schultz, affectionately known by all as "Father Mark" entered the seminary at the age of 40 as what is known as a "second career" vocation. He had earned a degree in law enforcement at Sam Houston State University in Texas and then chose to enter the family business as a meat cutter in his father's meat market. He later worked for 16 years as a meat cutter for a supermarket chain in Dallas, TX. After attending Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas, and Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Oregon, Father Schultz was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 2003 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. Following ordination, he was assigned for one year at the Cathedral Parish, and then he was assigned as Pastor at St. Anthony Parish in Penasco and San Antonio de Padua Parish in Dixon. In June of 2009 he was assigned as Pastor of Holy Ghost Parish and School in Albuquerque. Having grown up in Albuquerque and attended Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School, he felt that he had come "full circle." Father Schultz enthusiastically embraced his new assignment and was soon beloved by his parishioners and particularly the school children who would greet him with shouts of "Father Mark! Father Mark!" every morning as he walked to the church for morning Mass.



Father Schultz is remembered as a holy man of God who was humble, kind and filled with compassion and generosity. He was a "gentle giant" of a man - large in stature and large in heart, with a booming "Moses" voice that never required a microphone. He had been afflicted with much physical suffering in recent years but continued to serve his parish community in the spirit of Jesus Christ to whom we now commend his soul.



A Funeral Vigil with Rosary will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2017, 7:00 p.m., at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 833 Arizona St SE. The Mass of Christian Burial presided by Arch Bishop John C. Wester will be Wednesday, April 12, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd NE, followed by burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends may pay respects one hour before the Rosary at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church School Scholarship Fund. Please visit our online guest book for Father Schultz at

www.FrenchFunerals.com