Rev. Charles Ritter named administrator for Toledo diocese

Rev. Charles F. Ritter takes questions during a news conference at the announcement of his election to serve as Diocesan Administrator until the new Bishop is named.

The Rev. Charles F. Ritter, 71, a Toledo native and Central Catholic High School graduate who has been a priest for 47 years, was introduced as the diocesan administrator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo early today.

At a news conference at the Catholic Center, Father Ritter explained his role, saying the administrator "basically keeps things running until a new bishop is appointed," which could happen as soon as in three months or could take more than a year. Canon law dictates that there be "no innovation" in the interim between bishops, he said.

He characterized his job as an officer on a ship's deck while the captain is away: "Don't start a war, don't sink the ship." 

Father Ritter currently serves as associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Sylvania. He will continue his duties there as time permits.