Case For Support
Capital Campaign
Retired Priests - $9,000,000
When a priest is ordained, there is much excitement and enthusiasm about his first assignment and initial celebration of the sacraments. Like us, priests work hard — they dedicate their lives to furthering the mission of the Church and bringing people closer to Christ. The sharing of the baptismal priesthood, which we all receive at baptism, would not flourish or grow without the ministry and example of the parish priest. We are grateful to the many priests who have served our families and, in retirement, continue to play important roles as members of our communities.
In the Diocese of Austin, the average age of a priest is 56. Over the next five years, a total of 40 priests will be age 70 or older and therefore eligible for retirement benefits. With a high average age and an enormous number of priests preparing to retire, there is a pressing need to provide for these men who have so faithfully served the local Church.
Pension Plan and Medical Benefits Fund - $5,000,000
Although the Diocese of Austin now requires that priests participate in Social Security to ensure future retirement benefits, this was not the case in the past. Priests are also encouraged to initiate their own investments for retirement. Still, many faithful priests are left with minimal income upon retirement.
Currently, the Diocese of Austin has a pension plan in place for diocesan priests. Like many companies in today’s world, however, it is not fully funded. Parishes have been contributing to the plan, which allocates benefits of $1,350 a month to each retired priest. It is essential that we continue to provide financial stability for our retired priests and guarantee future security for our active priests by fully funding this plan.
With costs of health care skyrocketing nationally and no end in sight, the diocese must also plan to meet the health care needs of retired priests now and in the years to come. Funding from special collections, the CSA and annual operations simply cannot meet these needs. With the high costs of medical expenses, this fund would provide necessary resources for expenses such as prescription drugs, gaps in Medicare coverage and long-term care.
Pope John Paul II Home for Priests - $4,000,000
With the great foresight of Bishop John McCarthy, talks began in 2000 to develop a retirement facility for priests. The residence will offer retired priests independent living space in a setting that encourages community prayer and activities. Because of the great need for the residence and thanks to a few generous supporters, Bishop Aymond was able to break ground on this facility in Spring 2005. Originally slated to open with only eight units, high demand pushed forward the timetable for completion of the second group of units! As a result, sixteen 2-bedroom units, a community center and chapel will open this winter. In order to reduce long-term construction costs, site work will also be done to prepare for the final eight units.
Campaign funds will supplement rental income to address the necessary operational, maintenance and long-term needs of the priest retirement residence.