Several readers have asked what life is like for a retired Priest.
Before responding to that question, allow me to offer some information, in a general way since each Diocese has its own particular protocols regarding the manner in which the retirement of a Priest actually takes place.
When a Priest has completed his 75th year of age, he is requested to offer his resignation from Office to his Diocesan Bishop.
It is only when the Bishop accepts his withdrawal from Office that his active Priestly ministry ceases.
In situations in which a Priest may be debilitated for reasons of chronic illness or any other medical reason, the Bishop may grant retirement status before he has reached the age of 75 years.
Retirement is when a new and completely different lifestyle starts for a Priest.
Some Priests, as a result of careful financial planning or the good fortune of being cared for by affluent family members, can afford to live in their own home and organize their spiritual life to celebrate daily Mass. Some will reside in a parish whose Pastor who will invite them to celebrate Mass in daily in the parish church and provide both room and board.
Some Dioceses provide residence facilities for their retired Priests as well as provide a health-care community for the sick and infirm in their number.
The welfare of retired Priests is set forth as priority in Canon Law: “The Diocesan Bishop must make provision for the appropriate maintenance and residence of the Priest who has resigned” (Canon 538 §8).
This same Canon decrees that the principles of natural justice and equity must be taken into account, as well as the traditions and circumstances of each Diocese:
“1: Each Diocesan Bishop shall see to it that a specific and funded plan is established to provide adequate support and accommodation for all retired Priests incardinated in his Diocese. Available government pension programs, public pension plans, and other social benefit programs shall be taken into account.
“2: Each Diocesan Bishop shall also see to it that Priests incardinated in the Diocese who have become incapacitated before the regular retirement age, will receive sufficient assistance to provide for adequate support and accommodation, taking into account any social assistance programs to which they may be entitled.
“3: The administration and verification of the adequacy of these retirement and disability funds shall be entrusted to persons who are recognized as being truly competent in the field.”
Canon 222 mandates: “Christ’s faithful have the obligation to provide for the needs of the Church so that the Church has available to it those things which are necessary for divine worship, for works of the apostolate and of charity and for the worthy support of its ministers.”
Retired Priests deserve to enjoy the last years of their lives with the honest and congruous support of their Diocese after having administered the Sacraments to their beloved parishioners for so many years.
My experience of retirement has been truly blessed and wonderful.
I am presently living in a retirement community in the City of Mesa, Arizona (I have loved the desert all my life and would vacation in the beautiful State almost every year). There are enough social activities to keep me busy and involved. I enjoy volunteering my services in the kitchen when we have our many dinners and social functions. The folks here are so kind and welcoming.
I offer Mass in my manufactured home and enjoy the time retirement has afforded me to pursue further studies in Church history as well as contemporary developments involving or affecting the Body of Christ.
One of my greatest pleasures is posting an article -- sometimes several -- on this blogsite every day. This effort provides me with the joyful opportunity to write, but more importantly keeps me tuned to the joys and sorrows of the Church I actively served for over 44 years before retiring for medical reasons.
I keep in touch with my brother-Priests in Saint Louis by way of the internet, Facetime and regular phone calls.
Every other month, I write to Archbishop Carlson to let him know how life is going and encouraging him to look forward to and enjoy his retirement which will take place in the Spring of next year.
So, life is good.
I have always said that God has spoiled me all my life: good parents, great teachers, dear colleagues and co-workers, wonderful parishes.
I pray that my experience of retirement will be that of my brothers and all who have served the Church in their Priestly vocations.
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