Laudetur Iesus Christus! It is with sadness that we share the news that Fr. Christopher Riehl, a Latin Mass priest formerly with our diocese, has passed away yesterday. 

For those who may remember, Fr. Riehl came from the Diocese of Knoxville (TN) and was assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas parish around 2014 and offered the Latin Mass frequently. He was later assigned to St. John the Evangelist in Waynesville before returning to his home diocese in Knoxville. Father Riehl was invited to briefly return to Charlotte in April 2020 to offer the St. Ann Latin Triduum at Charlotte Catholic High School, but sadly those plans did not take shape. This is the second loss for St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners in recent weeks. Please pray for the repose of his soul, and for consolation of his family (his father is a deacon at St. John the Baptist in Tryon).

We share the announcement made by the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul in Chattanooga and His Excellency Richard Stika (bishop of Knoxville), where Fr. Riehl was serving.

Fr. Christopher Riehl passed away last night. Fr. Riehl was a priest in residence at the Basilica in 2018. He celebrated his 45th birthday on Monday, November 7. Bishop Stika sent the following announcement to the Diocese of Knoxville early this morning. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.

Brothers and Sisters,

I wish to inform you of the death of Fr. Chris Riehl from complications of diabetes.  Fr. Chris died shortly before midnight. He had been making progress in his recovery, but this segment of his life ended at Tennova last night.

Please remember Fr. Chris and his family in your moments of prayer.

+RS

Bishop Richard StikaMay Fr. Christopher Riehl rest in peace.

We will keep everyone posted if any arrangements are announced.