Next weekend there is a second collection for the ‘retired priest fund’. Every year more than £200,000 is needed for the support of our retired priests. The amounts incurred are likely to increase in coming years as more priests reach retirement age. This support ensures that priests do not face financial hardship when their parish ministry comes to an end.
While in active parish ministry, priests’ accommodation and domestic needs are met by the parish and a modest personal income is usually provided from offerings at Christmas, Easter and from baptisms, weddings and funerals. There is no charge to the parish for pension contributions to fund the future needs for their priest. The Retired Priests’ Fund supplies these needs, whether the priest is able to live independently or whether more care is required.
In recent years, this collection has contributed only a fraction of the amount needed. Please give generously so that we can express our concern and gratitude towards those who, in many cases, have served us so loyally over many years.