The Priests’ Retirement Foundation holds the Father’s Day appeal annually on the first Sunday of September, Father’s Day.  Funds raised from the appeal go towards the care of retired and sick priests by providing suitable accommodation, medical assistance and a comfortable standard of living for them.  Please give generously to this appeal.

Fr Frank O’Loughlin retired during 2020 to the Presbytery at Surrey Hills Wattle Park Parish with the generous support of the Priests’ Retirement Foundation.  Fr Frank reflects on the annual Father’s Day Appeal.

On Father’s Day over the last several decades, there has been an appeal throughout Melbourne parishes for the Priests’ Retirement Foundation. This has been a very successful initiative in the Archdiocese. It has ensured the comfortable retirement of many senior priests like myself. It has also provided the means for the care of priests who are in need of more intensive in-house care both at lower and higher levels. The Catholic people have been very generous in their contribution to the Foundation. Given present general economic circumstances and the large number of retired priests at the moment, the Foundation is continuing to call on the generosity of parishioners.

Fr Frank O’Loughlin

As Fr Frank reflects above, aged priests require varying degrees of care which is provided by the Foundation.  In 2023 there are 95 Melbourne priests who are retired.  They have generously ministered in most Melbourne parishes.  Of these 95:

• 10 retired priests are aged in their 90’s
• 48 retired priests are aged in their 80’s
• 27 retired priests are aged between 75-80.

The Retirement Foundation meets the needs of our retired priests assisting with accommodation, transport, medical etc. The physical and mental wellbeing of all retired priests is continually overseen by two highly qualified nurses also funded by the Foundation. In the last financial year, the Foundation contributed $4,700,000 in caring for our retired priests.  

Whilst we are blessed to have many clergy over the age of 65 still active in ministry in Melbourne, it is also true that in the near future they too will need the support of the Foundation.  

A special collection will be taken up at all Masses across our parishes this weekend and appeal envelopes are available or you may wish to donate online via the link below.  All contributions of $2.00 or more are tax deductible. 

With your support, the Retirement Foundation can better care for our 95 retired priests and those who are unwell giving them comfort, professional health care and guidance.

Thank you for your generous support of this appeal.

Donate online

By Kate Baines