“Let us pray for all good and faithful priests who dedicate themselves to their people with generosity and unknown sacrifices”  Pope Francis

Priests Retirement Foundation annual Father’s Day Appeal

This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day – but who do we celebrate?  We celebrate our fathers, grandfathers, and the many other father figures in our lives.  On this day we also take time to celebrate priests who have ministered throughout our Diocese over many years, who have helped us all in one way or another in our spiritual journeys, the Sacraments, teaching, counselling, they have cared for our church and helped to cultivate it through the ages.

Some 50 years ago, Archbishop Knox introduced the practice of priests retiring when they turned 75 years of age.  Before that our parish priests served their community until they died as elderly diocesan priests had nowhere to live, apart from the Presbytery in the parish in which they were serving.  

So what now becomes of our retired priests?  When our priests retire from active work within the Archdiocese, there is no superannuation for them as they are not employees of the Archbishop or the parish, nor are they self-funded retirees.  They leave their parish or last place of work with the few belongings they have gathered over the years.  

To acknowledge retiring priests who have ministered throughout the Diocese over many years and may be in need of assistance, we hold the annual Father’s Day Appeal for the Priests Retirement Foundation (Foundation).

The Foundation’s beginnings go back to the early 1900s when the Infirm Priests Sustentation Society was set up to provide support for sick priests.  In 1970 this became the Priests Remuneration fund initially caring for 12 retired priests.  By 1990 this had grown to 115 retired priests and the Diocese established the Priests Retirement Foundation.  The Foundation is funded by priests contributing 12.5% of their weekly Presbytery Collection and by donations from parishioners. This provides for the care of retired and sick priests of Melbourne. 

The Diocese anticipates that over the next five years, an additional 30 or 40 priests will retire.  Upon retirement, priests may choose to live privately in their own home (some are fortunate to inherit) or rent accommodation.  The rental for this is funded by the Foundation.  The Archdiocese of Melbourne also has two purpose-built retirement homes exclusively for retired priests: Justin Villa in North Balwyn and George Maher House in Clifton Hill. 

Like all of us, aged priests require varying degrees of care which is provided by the Foundation.  In 2022 there are 95 Melbourne priests who are retired.  They have generously ministered in most Melbourne parishes.  Of these 95:

• 7 retired priests are aged in their 90’s
• 49 retired priests are aged in their 80’s
• 29 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 $4,375,000 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.  All contributions of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.  Appeal envelopes will be available in all our churches.  To donate online visit the Foundation website. 

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.

By Kate Baines