Reverend Monsignor Donald Louis Fischer

Monsignor Donald Louis Fischer of Dallas, beloved Catholic priest, teacher, spiritual guide, brother, uncle, and friend, entered eternal life on May 24, 2026, after 86 extraordinary years of faith, love, and service to God and His people. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Dallas on May 13, 1967, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Monsignor Don recently celebrated his 59th year of priesthood — a vocation he embraced wholeheartedly and joyfully throughout his life.

Born on January 23, 1940, in Cincinnati,Ohio, Don was the son of Fred J. Fischer and Muriel C. (Hehman) Fischer, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Tom Fischer, who passed away at birth.

He is survived by his brother, Fred H. Fischer of Green Valley, and Fred’s wife, Joan Fischer; his loving sisters, Kathy Fischer and Libby Fischer-Osborne and Libby’s husband, Jerry Osborne; his nephews, Jim Fischer and Fred P. Fischer and Fred’s wife, Laura Fischer; his niece, Amy Fischer Temple and her husband, Tim Temple; and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

Monsignor Don began his ministry as a priest serving at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and later at St. Monica Catholic Church. In 1973, he became chaplain at University of Dallas, where he served for 13 years. He worked closely with the architects Jane and Dwayne Landry to raise funds, design, and build the campuses cornerstone Church of the Incarnation. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church marked his first assignment as lead pastor, where he shepherded the parish community for nine years. He served as pastor for 15 years at Saint Joseph Catholic Church. During his tenure he oversaw the major construction and development of a new school facility serving kindergarten through 8th grade students kindergarten through 12th-grade students.

Don’s voice and message reached far beyond the walls of parishes where he ministered. Through his weekly homilies broadcast on WRR radio, thousands came to know his compassionate, thoughtful, and deeply personal way of preaching the Gospel. After retiring from parish ministry in 2010, he founded Pastoral Reflections Institute. He shared daily reflections, homilies, podcasts, and spiritual teachings with listeners across denominations, cultures, and countries. His message remained centered on love, mercy, forgiveness, hope, and the indwelling presence of God.

Don had a love for Italy and the people there. He led many spiritual pilgrimages to Tuscany, inspired by the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, whose humility and love deeply resonated with Don. Those who traveled with Don often described the experience as transformative, and many experienced a spiritual awakening through his preaching, teachings, and guidance.

Don faced death with remarkable peace, courage, and even joy. He did not see death as an end, but as a return to home, to the God he loved and served throughout his life. During his final days, he expressed excitement about continuing to help others from heaven. Monsignor Don will not abandon his flock.

He will be profoundly missed by his loving family, devoted friends, former parishioners, listeners, students, pilgrims, and the countless people across the world whose lives were made more meaningful, hope-filled, and spiritually grounded through his ministry. His teachings and reflections will continue to touch lives for generations to come through the enduring work and archives of the Pastoral Reflections Institute.

One friend expressed what so many felt when he wrote: “Monsignor Don, being in your life has forever changed mine.” Whether someone knew Don personally, heard him preach from the pulpit, listened to his radio broadcast or podcast, traveled with him, or encountered him through his recordings and reflections, they often felt more loved, known, seen, and spiritually changed. His life reflected the message of God’s love that he so faithfully preached, and we are all better for having known him.

Visitation will be held at University of Dallas Church of the Incarnation, 1845 E Northgate Dr, Irving, Texas 75062, on May 31, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. A Rosary will be prayed at University of Dallas Church of the Incarnation, 1845 E Northgate Dr, Irving, Texas 75062, on May 31, 2026, at 6:30 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 600 S. Jupiter Rd, Richardson, Texas 75081, on June 1, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Funeral services will also be streamed online by St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Link: https://youtube.com/live/pjUOmX1XIVc?feature=share

In lieu of flowers or other honorariums, and in accordance with Monsignor Don’s wishes, the family asks that donations be made to Pastoral Reflections Institute. Donations can be made on the website www.pastoralreflectionsinstitute.com