RETIRED DIOCESAN PRIESTS’ MEDICAL BENEFITS PLAN

                This weekend of August 6th and 7th, the Diocese of Buffalo is holding its first-ever collection intended specifically for the benefit of retired diocesan priests. This collection is being held in conjunction with the Feast of St. John Vianney who is the patron saint of diocesan priests. The Feast of St. John Vianney was Thursday, August 4th.

                Bishop Malone decided to move toward creating a fund distinct from the Retirement Fund for Religious which does not benefit our diocesan priests. This separate fund (Retired Diocesan Priests’ Medical Benefits Fund) will help to address the increasingly rising costs of medical and dental care for the many priests who have served the majority of us as parish priests.

                This fund will help strictly with health care costs. Contributing to the care of the retired diocesan priests is one way to show our appreciation and gratitude for all our diocesan priests have done over the years. Many of the retired priests have served our diocese for 50 years or more. Like Msgr. Madsen and Msgr. Mack before him, they never really retire. They continue to serve the people of God sacramentally while giving up administrative duties. Our retired priests are not retired from active ministry. Those who are healthy enough still go out and serve in our parishes, hospitals and nursing homes.

                This weekend the second collection will be for the Retired Diocesan Priests’ Medical Benefits Fund. Thank you for supporting our retired priests, praying for an increase in vocations, and praying for our active priests serving you throughout the Diocese of Buffalo.