Currently there are 42 retired diocesan priests, eight of which are over the age of 80 and seven of which are over the age of 85.
Many of these retired priests continue to serve throughout the Diocese when needed.
Unfortunately, low salaries and low Social Security benefits do not meet the retired priests current needs such as health care, aging needs and housing.
With 21 new priests ordained in the past seven years and 41 seminarians preparing for the priesthood, the Father’s Day collection also helps to continue building the endowment fund to provide for future needs.
In the past eight years the appeal has collected over $1.8 million dollars with over $300,000 coming from the 2016 collection.
If you would like to donate, please find the Collection for Retired Diocesan Priests brochure at your parish or you can mail your donation to Accounting Services, Diocese of San Bernardino Pastoral Center, 1201 East Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, California 92404-4607.
For additional information contact Norma Verdugo in the Office of Vicar for Retired Priest, (909) 475-5160.