Fr. Christopher Floersh suffered a stroke (Updated 8/6/2022 - now walking and good prognosis)

Fr. Christopher Floersch, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Knoxville and Parochial Vicar at St. John Neumann in Farragut, suffered a stroke on Saturday, July 9, and was in critical condition for several days. Please pray for his full recovery. Bishop Stika and Fr. Carter recommend praying through the intercession of Servant of God, Fr. Patrick Ryan. Fr. Floersh previously served at Sts. Peter and Paul as a transitional deacon in 2016.
 

Updates

August 6, 2022 - Fr. Floersh returned home on July 17 and is making considerable progress towards recovery. Bishop Stika shared yesterday that he has progressed from using a walker to a cane. He and his medical team believe that he will be able to return to full ministry in a few months. Thanks be to God! Please continue to pray for Fr. Floersh's full recovery. 

July 17, 2022 - Fr. Floersh's home parish, St. John Neumann, posted encouraging news yesterday. Prayers for Fr. Floersh's full recovery from the stroke are still requested:

"THANK YOU for your prayers! Fr. Floersh has made such remarkable progress that the doctors have discharged him to recuperate at home, free from distractions. He is resting comfortably with his family by his side. We know your prayers were instrumental in his dramatic healing, please continue to pray for his recovery.

If you would like to send cards or words of encouragement to Fr. Floersh, please address them to:

St. John Neumann Catholic Church
Attention: Fr. Christopher Floersh
633 St. John Court
Knoxville, TN 37934

Again, thank you for your prayers, and thanks be to God!"

July 12, 2022 - Bishop Stika shared that Fr. Christopher Floersh is in critical condition following a stroke, and he asked for prayers:

"Dear friends,

Fr. Chris Floersch suffered two cerebellar strokes on Saturday while staying at the home of his parents.

The Neurologist stated that the next 5 days are crucial. He is currently experiencing a swelling of the brain and so, now, he is in ICU and the medical focus concerns this swelling and to try to negate any further damage to his brain.

Right now, the focus is to determine where the actual blockage is located in the cerebellum and how it can be treated.

This type of stroke occurs in about 10 percent of stroke victims. The cerebellum controls movement and sensation, speech, thinking, reasoning, memory, vision, and emotions.

It is likely that he will be heavily sedated for the next few weeks. At some point, the medical team will access any possible damage to the cerebellum.

These next days are crucial. Storm the heavens with your prayers.

Father Joe Reed has anointed Fr. Chris and is my point of contact. I was at the hospital today but was not able to visit with Fr. Chris as he was undergoing some medical testing. I assured him in a note that we, his brothers, are holding him in prayer.

No visitors or phone calls please. If you wish to send a note, please send it to St. John Neumann."

 

Pray

Bishop Stika, Fr. Carter, and Dcn. Gaspar recommend the following prayer through the intercession of Fr. Patrick Ryan: