Retired, or Senior Priests
Unlike priests of a religious order, our diocesan priests live independently in retirement. Priests generally retire at 70, or beyond, often after 40-45 years of active service and ministry – many far exceed the typical years of most professions. Our senior priests are self-supporting and can no longer rely upon the parish services that once provided basic living expenses during their years of active ministry. Yet, many senior priests continue to lead lives of active ministry well into their retirement years, performing valuable services such as:
These priests are critical to carrying out the mission and good work of the Catholic Church. Right now, we are blessed to have 93 senior priests in our diocese.
The Priest Retirement Fund
Since priests are paid a minimal wage during their years in active ministry, they are not provided much in terms of a Social Security check upon retirement. In 1966, the diocese established a small fund to help senior priests obtain life’s basic living needs: food, housing, transportation and medical care. Priests rely upon the fund to provide basic needs after a lifetime of service.
The Challenges
Like many retirement plans, the Diocese of Providence is facing unprecedented challenges – similar to those of Social Security. Like many Americans today, priests are living longer, healthier lives. Living longer means drawing from the Priests’ Retirement Fund - our own retirement fund - for a longer period of time. Additionally, a greater percentage of priests in the diocese are nearing the retirement age – this will place even greater burdens on the Fund. Your increased support of this Fund will help us to meet these growing needs.
Bridging the Gap
Churches throughout the diocese will participate in a second collection to strengthen this fund so that we can provide for today’s senior priests and the senior priests of tomorrow. Please consider a gift to our senior priests' retirement fund today. Your support is crucial to our efforts. Please donate now.
