PROVIDENCE – The faithful of the diocese will have an opportunity to support the ministry of senior priests through a second collection at Masses on February 23 and 24 for the Priests’ Retirement Fund, an effort that provides for retired, or senior, priests in their later years.
Diocesan priests live independently in retirement, no longer relying upon the support of a parish. Since they are paid only a modest wage during their years in active ministry, priests receive a minimal Social Security benefit. In 1966, the diocese established the Senior Priest Retirement Fund in an effort to help retired priests meet the basic needs of food, housing, transportation and medical care.
This annual collection provides significant support for senior priests in the Diocese of Providence.
The continued and generous support of the faithful of the diocese will ensure that the fund can meet its demands both today and tomorrow.
Many senior priests continue to lead active lives of ministry well into their retirement years. As with other retirement programs, such as Social Security, the fund is burdened by increasing current and projected costs that exceed its income. Additionally, a large percentage of priests in the diocese are nearing retirement age. The rate of those drawing on the fund is projected to only increase in the foreseeable future. In 15 years, some 50 percent of our priests presently in active ministry will be eligible for retirement.
This annual collection is but one way for the faithful to thank diocesan senior priests for their many years of faithful service as this effort is a significant means of support for senior priests. Please consider a thoughtful, generous contribution to support your senior priests.
