Bishop blesses new duplexes at St. John Paul II in Georgetown

By Darci Swisher | Correspondent

Bishop Joe Vásquez blessed the expansion of the St. John Paul II Residence for Priests on Aug. 27, marking the completion of an integral element of the Encountering Christ campaign.
“I want to express my gratitude to God that we have such a wonderful residence for retired priests here in Georgetown,” Bishop Vásquez said at the blessing, which was private to ensure the health and safety of residents during the pandemic. “This is a great place for our priests to come and spend their more mature years in community and in prayer after having served so long in the parishes in our diocese.”
A sum of $2 million from the Encountering Christ campaign was directed toward the construction of four new duplexes, which brings the capacity of the residence to 23. Each new unit features a kitchen, bedroom and a study, and is named for a saint.
“Thank you to all those who donated to the Encountering Christ campaign for making these additions possible,” Bishop Vásquez said.
The Diocese of Austin currently has 38 retired priests, with an additional 40 men within 10 years of retirement age. The aging presbyterate prompted the expansion. The residence has had a waiting list in the past, said Deacon Mike Aaronson, who serves as the minister to retired priests of the diocese.
Diocesan priests move from parish to parish, and rectory to rectory, during their years of active ministry but are on their own with no spouse or children to care for them during retirement, Deacon Aaronson said.
The St. John Paul II Residence for Priests “gives them community, and they can have as much community as they want,” he said. “It’s very much a home here for them.”
Those living at the residence are able to celebrate Mass and have healthy meals together, as well as enjoy fellowship. Many continue to assist at parishes as long as they are physically able, although Bishop Vásquez has asked them to remain “safe at home” due to their susceptibility to COVID-19.
Father Samuel Hose is the community’s newest resident, having moved in after retiring on July 6. He originally planned to remain in Lakeway, where he was pastor of Emmaus Parish for 13 years.
“I came over here for a visit and decided that it was the best option for me at this time,” he said. “There would be some community life. At the same time, our individual units in the duplexes allow us as much privacy as we need.”
Although Father Hose is in good health, he realized the benefits of living in community should he require additional support in the future. Deacon Aaronson, who has an office on site, keeps an eye on residents and often takes them to medical appointments.
“I appreciate the staff here,” Father Hose said. “Deacon Mike Aaronson is a dedicated and wonderful man. I am also very grateful to the cooks and the housekeepers for their excellent support. The regular cook makes terrific salsa, and she makes sure that I am adequately supplied ever since I told her how good it is.”
The expansion completes the St. John Paul II Residence for Priests, which was built in 2005 and is the only such residence for retired priests in the diocese.
On the day of the blessing, Deacon Aaronson walked the grounds with Bishop Vásquez. “He just kept telling me, ‘I’m proud of this. I’m proud of this place.’ Because he’s taking care of his retired priests.”