Small gestures greatly appreciated by retired priests

According to canon law “a diocesan bishop who has completed his 75th year of age is requested to offer his resignation from office to the Supreme Pontiff, who, taking all the circumstances into account, will make provision accordingly” (canon 401). This decision stems from the decree of the ecumenical council Vatican II, Christus Dominus, and the motu proprio of Paul VI, Ecclesiae Sanctae. 

As for priests, canon 538 §3 says: “A parish priest who has completed his 75th year of age is requested to offer his resignation from office to the diocesan bishop who, after considering all the circumstances, is to decide whether to accept or defer it. The diocesan bishop must make provision for the appropriate maintenance and residence of the priest who has resigned.”

We priests in the Archdiocese of Vancouver are fortunate to have a very good system for the members of the St. Joseph Society, receiving financial assistance plus civil benefits (Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security). The archdiocese has also opened in its new St. John Paul II Pastoral Centre nine well-appointed suites for retired priests. The St. Joseph’s Residence is designed for independent living and permits them a modest and comfortable life.

Unfortunately, not all dioceses enjoy such a “Garden of Eden.” Last month it was reported that eight priests in Ireland had committed suicide in the past 10 years. The Association of Catholic Priests blamed the phenomenon on a collapse in morale among the country’s clergy, describing it as a mental health crisis.

The suicide rate among clergy is still, thankfully, very low, but the figures from Ireland raise many questions, one of which is: what pastoral and moral support do retired priests actually receive? A priest who lives by himself and does not lead a life of prayer can fall very easily into alcoholism, laziness, and idleness. 

Traditionally – older parishioners will remember – larger parishes would have multiple members of the clergy living side by side, while smaller parishes would at least have a housekeeper to look after the pastor and elderly priests.

Now, as vocations and Mass attendance decline, many priests are finding the life more and more lonely. One priest said retirement would mean either isolation or a care home, adding, “I think I would have preferred death to both.”

According to the pontifical document Presbyterorum Ordinis, of the council Vatican II, bishops have a unique duty to care for their priests. “Bishops should regard priests as their brothers and friends and be concerned as far as they are able for their material and especially for their spiritual well-being.”

It adds: “They should gladly listen to their priests, indeed consult them and engage in dialogue with them in those matters which concern the necessities of pastoral work and welfare of the diocese.”

Although not all retired priests need financial support, many need some funds to cope with the day-to-day expenses and regular cost of living. Besides financial support for sick and retired priests, what about assistance for demoralized or lonely priests, including those still serving? While each diocese has its own support structure, there are those who believe that more must be done.

Over the years we have been greatly inspired by the kindness of people, including specialists and professionals of note, who have been willing to assist in the support of priests, even in the most extreme and difficult circumstances. We have nothing but admiration for their kindness, which can involve even the simplest tasks such as a greeting or a text message or a visit. These gestures may be small but they can have enormous impact.

The laity must help as diocesan authorities cannot be expected to provide everything. People should visit retired priests with the joy of seeing them and a willing ear for their concerns rather than bringing their own personal grumbles. In this way, you can help them gently share their worries without burdening them with your own. 

Priest numbers continue to decline and this is a problem that will not go away. If the Church is to have any hope of fostering new vocations, priests have to be assured that they will be looked after. The laity must play their part, but the hierarchy cannot be complacent either.