Fr. Ralph Poirier, C.S.Sp. of Bethel Park, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, died peacefully at ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Bethel Park, PA.  He was 85 years old.
 
Fr. Poirier was born March 7, 1937 in Bay City, MI.  He professed his vows as a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit on August 22, 1958 at Holy Ghost Novitiate in Ridgefield, CT and was ordained to the Priesthood May 30, 1963 at St. Mary’s Seminary, Ferndale in Norwalk, CT.
 
Fr. Poirier’s first appointment was to the District of Kilimanjaro in 1964 where he served until 1983.  During his time in Africa, Fr. Ralph created a beaded circle to teach the Maasai lessons from the Bible.  He chose ten events or parables that were touchstones for all the teachings of the New Testament, the Church, Sacraments, morality, feast days etc.   The lessons were clear and uncluttered so that those who could not read could still understand the essentials of the faith.  He published a book titled Christ Before Literacy which details his time in the missions teaching the Maasai.  The lessons from that book are still used today.
 
After his return to the United States, he ministered at St Joseph’s in Bay City, MI, St Philip Neri, Houston, TX, Sacred Heart Parish, Emsworth, PA, Sacred Heart Parish in San Diego, CA and Our Lady of Grace Church in El Cajon, CA.  He retired first at Casa Laval in Hemet, CA, and then in 2010 took up residence in Libermann Hall in Bethel Park, PA.  His last few years were spent at the Manor Care nursing home due to his medical condition.
 
Fr. Poirier was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Margaret Poirier. He is survived by his brothers Ernest Poirier of Essexville, MI and Gary Poirier of Hoover, AL, nieces, nephews and extended family members.
 
There will be viewing at 8:30 AM in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel at the Spiritan Center, 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park on Friday, September 9, 2022, with the Funeral Mass being celebrated at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Sharpsburg.
 
In memory of Fr. Poirier, donations may be made to the Congregation of the Holy Spirit designated for retirement or for the education of future Holy Spirit Fathers and Brothers 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102.