Reverend Father Justin Reis

Reis, Reverend Father Justin
1943 - 2021
Reverend Father Justin James Reis, who was born on April 17, 1943, died on March 2, 2021 while in hospice care at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor. Baptized on May 30, 1943 at Saint Mary Church (Akron) Fr. Reis is a 1957 graduate of Saint Leo Elementary School (Columbus), later completing his high school and college seminary studies at Saint Charles Preparatory School (Columbus) in 1961 and 1965, respectively; he received his Theology degree in 1969 from Mount Saint Mary of the West Seminary (Cincinnati) and in 1972 received his Master's in Education degree from Boston College. Fr. Reis was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on May 24, 1969 at Saint Joseph Cathedral by Bishop Clarence Elwell. Following ordination Fr. Reis served Jesus Christ, His Church and His people as associate pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish (Columbus), Christ the King Parish (Columbus) Saint Matthew the Apostle Parish (Gahanna) Saint Philip the Apostle Parish (Columbus), and as pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (Marysville), Saint Bernadette Church (Lancaster) and Saint Peter Church (Worthington). In the field of Catholic education Fr. Reis also served as an instructor at Bishop Watterson and Bishop Hartley high schools. Serving the needs of the faithful at the Ohio Reformatory for Women (Marysville) was an important part of Fr. Reis' pastoral ministry, as was his active involvement in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Columbus, the Fraternity of Priests, Knights of Columbus, Columbus Cum Christo, and People of God's Love Community. He was also deeply committed to renewal movements such as the Christian Family Movement and Marriage Encounter. He studied at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute (Israel) whose mission is to be a living embodiment of the aspirations of Christian ecumenical dialog, interaction and community. Fr. Reis was passionate to helping those around him work to serve the poor and marginalized through the B.R.E.A.D. organization since its founding, and as a mission priest Unbound, whose mission is to walk with the poor and marginalized of the world, particularly in Central America. Fr. Reis "retired" in 2013, but it was only last Fall that Fr. Reis had to slow down. Father Reis is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Margaret (George) Reis and brothers Fr. Michael Reis and Regis Reis. He is survived by his sisters, Cecilia Reis (Michael Chambers) and Catherine (Mark) Mitchell; brothers, Kevin (Linda) and Deacon Christopher (Lisa); many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and many cousins. Sincere thanks to the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and staff at the Villas at Saint Therese and Mother Angeline McCrory Manor for the excellent care provided to Fr. Reis. Calling hours for Fr. Reis will take place at Saint Peter Church, 6899 Smoky Row Road, Columbus, 43235, Sunday, March 7, 1-3:30pm, resuming at 7pm with a Cum Christo prayer service. Calling hours will resume Monday, March 8, 9:30am, continuing until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. COVID-19 protocols are in place: social distancing, which limits seating; wearing a facemask is required. Funeral Mass will be live-streamed: visit (https://stpetercolumbus.com). The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Columbus, will celebrate the Mass; priests of the Diocese will concelebrate; the homily will be delivered by Fr. Reis' brother, Deacon Chris Reis; burial follows at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Lockbourne. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unbound, 1 Elmwood Place, Kansas City, KS 66103; Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, 5199 E. Broad St., Columbus, 43213; or Mt. Carmel Hospice, 1144 Dublin Road, Columbus, 43215. Arrangements under the care of the MAEDER-QUINT-TIBERI FUNERAL HOME, 614-444-1185. To view and sign the on-line register, visit www.MaederQuintTiberi.com