When Father Jeremiah O’Shea began thinking about retirement, he looked forward the next stage of his priestly ministry but he also wondered if there would be a void.
The longtime pastor of St. Winifred Parish in Mt. Lebanon had been busy as a senior priest in recent years, celebrating Mass, presiding at baptisms, weddings and funerals and doing some counseling.
Now Father O’Shea is helping his brother priests plan for retirement through a program called “Encore Priests.” It helps them prepare emotionally, spiritually and financially, and to see retirement not as a drop off in their ministry, but as a transition.
“There are many ways you can continue to be of great help to the Church,” Father O’Shea said. “Teach adult education, become a chaplain, mentor younger priests, or perhaps write a book.”
The largest ordination classes of the 1960s in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are approaching retirement. Anticipating the growing need, Our Campaign for The Church Alive! is providing support for senior and retired priests who have spent their lives in service.
As the diocesan delegate for retired priests, Father Leroy DiPietro understands the needs, assisting priests living in nursing homes and recovering from a stay in the hospital or rehabilitation facility. Most can no longer minister to God’s people.
“Many want to be active, but Christ calls them to share the powerlessness of the cross with him,” Father DiPietro said. “Each person has to come to grips with that in their own time.”
There are currently 96 retired priests in the diocese, according to Father Mark Eckman, episcopal vicar for clergy personnel. Several are being cared for at Vincentian Home in McCandless Township, others reside at Saint John Vianney Manor in Crafton and the rest live in private residences or rectories.
“They’ve served faithfully to the best of their abilities and touched so many hearts and lives, that it’s only right that they’re taken care of in retirement,” said Father Phil Przybyla, director of St. John Vianney Manor.
Formerly the home of the Franciscan brothers who taught at neighboring Bishop Canevin High School, St. John Vianney Manor was converted into an independent living facility in the 1980s. A number of retired priests there still help out in parishes, celebrating Mass and hearing confessions.
“Many people in our diocese are quite supportive of this part of the campaign,” Father Przybyla said. “It’s near and dear to the hearts of parishioners who recognize their priests’ service and sacrifice.”
In the campaign video, Bishop David Zubik speaks about the importance of caring for older clergy.
“Our retired priests are so generous,” Bishop Zubik said. “So many of them have even served the church beyond the mandated retirement age.
“This campaign is one way to be able to show how much we love them, how much we appreciate them and how much we really need to thank them.”
Primary among the Bishop’s goals in providing for retired priests is improving and expanding our infrastructure to accommodate the need for more housing. Chief facilities officer Mike Arnold said the diocese is actively looking at alternatives, including adding onto St. John Vianney Manor.
Besides supporting the campaign, how else can the faithful help retired priests? Look to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy—to care for the sick and comfort the suffering.
“If you learn of a priest who is retired, send him a note or perhaps visit him,” Father DiPietro said. “Let him know the impact his ministry had on your life; remember and honor him. You can also volunteer at nursing homes.”
“Let these priests know you’re still thinking about them,” Father O’Shea said. “A phone call or a note means a lot, saying ‘we’re praying for you, and please keep us in your prayers.’”
