By Natalie Romano
They could simply walk away…
No more meetings,
no more budgets,
no more middle of the night phone calls...
But five special pastors in our diocese aren’t looking for easy, they’re looking to serve, despite being at least 75 years old and eligible for retirement.
“If I had to just up and quit, go to a retirement center, I don’t think I would be a happy camper,” said Father John Kavcak, M.S.C., Pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Palm Springs. “I love being a priest. I love working with the people.”
Last month the diocese announced Fr. Kavcak along with Monsignor Tom Burdick, Father James McLaughlin, Father Michael Onwuemelie C.S.Sp., and Father Earl Henley M.S.C., have all been approved for an additional one-year term as pastor that officially began July 1st.
“To be honest, I feel as if I’m just starting again,” chuckled Fr. McLaughlin, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, La Quinta. “Every day is a challenge. Every day is a new day. I’m very blessed. This is my family here. I love them all.”
While the priest retirement age in the diocese is 75, the bishop does not have to accept the required letter of resignation. Priests can continue to serve on a year-to-year basis provided they submit a “clean bill of health” from their doctor and can carry out the demands of the job. The bishop, with consultation from the Ministerial Personnel and Placement Board (MPPB) makes the final determination.
The MPPB is made up of ten clergy and currently includes Monsignor Gerard Lopez, STL, Vicar General, Father Erik Esparza JCL, Office of Priest Personnel Director and Deacon Luis Sanchez, Vicar of Deacons. MPPB members say it’s rare, if ever, that they decline a priest’s request to continue, noting the diocese benefits “immensely” from these men.
“Anytime a seasoned pastor, age 70 or even 75, is still able to serve, it helps us meet the assignment needs we have every year,” said Fr. Esparza, Pastor of The Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Redlands. “The people are also enriched by the preaching and experience of these priests…They have a wisdom gained after many years in multiple parishes.”
Combined, the five pastors have some 200 years of service that spans not only the diocese but the globe, and they’re not done yet. The men attribute their longevity to adaptability, a passion for ministry and maintaining their own well-being.
Msgr. Burdick is the founding Pastor of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Winchester. He was ordained in 1984 after serving nine years in the U.S. Navy. The 77-year-old exercises to keep his body strong and prays to keep his faith strong.
“I have good spirituality,” said Msgr. Burdick. “I have a good support group. I pray with people all the time and have the time to pray by myself.”
Fr. Onwuemelie is also fervent about devotion. At age 75, this is the first year he deferred retirement, opting to stay at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Hemet. The native Nigerian says he tries to be a happy and prayerful priest and urges young clergy to do the same.
“Don’t be too busy to pray because that’s where you’ll get your consolation and advice,” explained Fr. Onwuemelie. “We are not married. We don’t have kids. Priestly life is a lonely life, kind of, therefore you need to be close to God.”
What gets the pastors out of bed each day is their flock and the parish work that needs to be done. Fr. McLaughlin, ordained 51 years ago in his native Scotland, has spent nearly half his priesthood at St. Francis of Assisi in La Quinta. He’s currently focused on building a new parish hall and serving the changing demographics of his church.
“More families are coming to the parish and that’s wonderful,” said Fr. McLaughlin. “We’re rethinking our Youth Ministry, our formation programs so they’re more in line with where the Church is going.”
It’s been 18 years since Msgr. Burdick was appointed his parish’s founding pastor, yet his list of goals often seems to get longer instead of shorter.
“I have more goals than I can handle,” joked Msgr. Burdick before citing everything from construction projects to more Masses. “We’re growing here so we’re putting an emphasis on newcomers; newcomers’ socials, a newcomers’ table after Mass. In the future, I would like a shepherding program where established people can walk beside them so they can be better integrated in the parish.”
Of course, there have been challenges and changes throughout the decades. Fr. Kavcak, who has served in parishes everywhere from Pennsylvania to Papua New Guinea, tackled things he never thought he would when he was ordained in 1973.
“If God puts something in your way, try it,” encouraged the 78-year-old. “For me it was working in prison ministry and working with the gay community. I would’ve never volunteered for those, but they were put in my way, so I tried them and I came to love them and care about them very much.”
Fr. Henley also serves a unique population in the diocese as the Director of Native American Ministry and Pastor of St. Joseph Mission on the Soboba Reservation in San Jacinto. The 81-year-old was recently nominated for the Lumen Christi Award given by the Catholic Extension Society. The honor goes to people who prove the “power of faith can transform communities.”
While the priests admit they may not be as good with names as they used to be or up on the latest technology, they have learned a lot about human nature and humility. After serving on three different continents in both administrative and pastoral roles, Fr. Onwuemelie says he’s more patient and less sanctimonious.
“Basically, people are good… take your time, study them, give a chance for the real person to come across,” recommended Fr. Onwuemelie. “When we judge, we make mistakes.”
Mistakes can also be made during times of crisis but with years of experience these pastors feel more calm and capable.
“When there’s a problem, it’s much easier for me to put it into perspective,” said Msgr. Burdick. “I’ve been here before and this too shall pass.”
Additionally, they now embrace parts of the job that were less appealing as younger priests. For Fr. McLaughlin, it’s the current synodality process.
“I think I appreciate that more now than I would’ve in the past,” said the 77-year-old pastor. “I’ve always had lay ministry involved and promoted that, but this is exciting to me. I want to be in the parish as this process continues.”
However, the day will come when he hangs up his clerics. Fr. McLaughlin says he’ll do that before becoming a “burden” to his parish. Once retired, he wants to visit family in Scotland while Msgr. Burdick envisions something contemplative like a “self-directed sabbatical or silent retreat.” HAM radio (amateur radio communication) is the hobby of choice for Fr. Kavcak and he looks forward to firing up some scanners and receivers. Catholic pilgrimages may be in the future for Fr. Onwuemelie but if he could start his life all over again, he knows exactly what he would do.
“It’s been a wonderful experience…If I died today, and Jesus said, ‘Michael go back to the world,’ I would be a priest again!”
Natalie Romano is an award-winning freelance writer based in Southern California.