RETIRED DIOCESAN PRIESTS’ MEDICAL BENEFITS

                Each year in December we conduct a collection for retired priests and sisters who belong to religious orders. Unfortunately, this fund does not benefit the retired diocesan priests who have served in our many parishes over the years. Your support for the Retirement Fund for Religious is most appreciated.

                This year the diocese, in consultation with various clergy, financial organizations of the diocese and the Priest Retirement Board, has determined that there is a need to establish a fund to ensure that the future medical needs of our retired diocesan priests will be met. Actuaries for the Priest Retirement Board have determined that a fund of $27,000,000 would be needed for the care of our retired priests in the future. The current Upon This Rock campaign has designated 7% or $7,000,000 for this purpose. This however, will not meet the total need.

                Throughout the long history of our diocese, we have been served by hundreds and hundreds of dedicated priests. Today, there are 128 retired diocesan priests incurring the cost of living on their own or in one of the four diocesan retirement homes. Although retired, many of these priests continue to minister sacramentally in the parishes of our diocese much like Msgr. Madsen does at St. Louis and Msgr. Mack before him. Some of the retired priests currently assisting in ministry are in their 90’s.

                The weekend of August 6th and 7th, the closest weekend to the feast of St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests, there will be a second collection for the Retired Diocesan Priests’ Medical Benefits. Once again your generous support is encouraged. Please continue to pray for our priests, whether serving or retired, and for an increase of vocations to the priesthood.