| Type: | priest |
| Honorific-Prefix: | The Reverend |
| Ryan Stawaisz | |
| Church: | Roman Catholic Church |
| Ordination: | 1 June 2019 |
| Ordained By: | Cardinal Daniel DiNardo |
| Birth Name: | Ryan Andrew Stawaisz |
| Birth Date: | 18 August 1989 |
| Birth Place: | Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Death Place: | Tomball, Texas, United States |
Ryan Andrew Stawaisz (18 August 1989 – 21 June 2021) was an American Roman Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Stawaisz was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on 18 August 1989 to Ray and Susan Stawaisz. He had only one brother, Ross. Despite not being of Scottish descent, he developed a love for the Scottish countryside and traditions, especially the bagpipes. He loved serving at Church, enjoying sports, going hunting, spending time with his family, and was an Eagle Scout.[1]
He attended Texas A&M University and studied Petroleum Engineering as a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2011.[1] During his studies, Stawaisz was diagnosed with cancer and spent months fighting the disease after which he eventually recovered. After joining a Catholic retreat (Aggie Awakening Retreat), he began discerning the vocation to priesthood.[1]
After graduating from college, Stawaisz declined employment opportunities in order to fully discern his priestly vocation.[1] He entered Saint Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana, where he earned a degree in philosophy. He pursued his studies further at Saint Mary's Seminary in Houston, Texas, and shortly before his ordination, he received another cancer diagnosis. Despite his diagnosis, he was ordained to the diaconate and eventually to the priesthood on 1 June 2019.[2]
He began his priestly ministry at Prince of Peace Catholic Church as a parochial vicar.[2] While undergoing medical treats, which, at times, causes him to be confined in hospital facilities, he continued performing his ministries, being passionate about increasing vocational awareness in the diocese and celebrating the sacraments.[2]
Stawaisz died on 21 June 2021, with the reputation for holiness.[2] [1] He was regarded as "a young priest who touched the hearts of many and embraced God’s will after receiving a life-altering diagnosis."
A film entitled Love God's Will: The True Story of Fr. Ryan Stawaisz was produced by Palomita Films in memory of Stawaisz.[3] [4] It explores his life witnessed by a number of other people who knew him personally and the possibility of introducing his cause for beatification.[3] [4]