The Catholic community in Chicago is mourning the loss of Most Rev. Raymond E. Goedert, who passed away at the age of 96 on December 9. Appointed as auxiliary bishop emeritus for the Archdiocese of Chicago and having served as vicar general, Goedert was a towering figure in the city's religious circles. His death was confirmed by the Archdiocese of Chicago, which also detailed the funeral arrangements, including a visitation and wake service on December 17 at St. Barnabas and a live-streamed funeral Mass presided over by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich on December 18 at Holy Name Cathedral, according to their website.
In a career spanning over seven decades, Goedert held numerous posts, including pastor, ecclesiastical notary, and president of the Canon Law Society of America. However, his legacy was marred by allegations and an admission, where he acknowledged to lawyers in 2007 that he had failed to report the criminal actions of 25 priests accused of molesting children—a controversy that came to light in the 1980s and has left a lasting impact on the church's reputation. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that at the time of the admission, Goedert was deposed, revealing the decision not to alert police about the abuse cases.
Born on October 15, 1927, in Oak Park, Goedert was ordained in 1952 and swiftly rose through the church hierarchy. He had a near-death experience in 1956 when the SS Andrea Doria, the ship on which he was traveling from Rome to the United States, collided off the coast of Nantucket and sank. Reflecting on this experience in a 2012 interview with the now-Chicago Catholic newspaper, Goedert expressed his gratitude for surviving and noted how the event underscored the unpredictability of death. The Chicago Sun-Times highlighted these sentiments in their reporting.
Amidst his many achievements, Goedert was a recipient of the Role of Law Award in 1975, and he once held the title of president of the Canon Law Society of America. His tenure also included time as administrator of the archdiocese following the death of Cardinal Bernardin. As Chicago grieves, Cardinal Cupich remembered Goedert as "a friend to me and to so many" and declares, "He leaves this earth to be at the banquet of Our Lord," in a statement acquired by the Chicago Sun-Times. Meanwhile, Rev. Scott Donahue, who began his priesthood under Goedert's guidance, recounted to the Archdiocese of Chicago his deep personal connection with the late bishop, saying, "One of the greatest blessings in my 42 years of being a priest is my friendship with Bishop Raymond Goedert."
Preceded in death by his eight brothers and three sisters, Goedert's passing leaves behind many devoted nieces and nephews. His interment will follow the funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in River Grove, with a host of clergy and faithful expected to pay their final respects to a man whose life was as complex as it was committed to his faith.
