Hawaii Catholic Herald
Retired priests might not be as visible as their active counterparts, but they are still vital members of the Diocese of Honolulu. And just like retirees in other vocations, they need support as they age.
Isle faithful can help support the diocese’s retired priests next month on Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent.
Parishes will hold a special second collection May 10-11 that will go toward the Diocesan Priests Retirement Fund.
Parishioners’ donations during the annual second collection help cover the costs of housing, medical and dental insurance, sustenance and other needs for retired diocesan priests.
According to the Office for Clergy, there are about two dozen retired priests in the diocese. (The collection is not for priests who belong to other dioceses or religious orders.)
The official retirement age is 70, but some priests work beyond that age.
There is no dedicated retirement home for diocesan priests, but a section of the One Archer Lane condominium in Honolulu includes apartments the diocese rents to retired priests at a below-market rate. Retired priests may also live in parish rectories, with family or on their own. Some live on the mainland.
Please see Page 24 for more information on the collection as well as how to contribute online at www.catholichawaii.org/dprf.