Retirement Age

The Archdiocese of Boston has announced that as of 1 August they are raising the retirement age of diocesan priests from 70 to 75.

Under a new policy that will go into effect Aug. 1, archdiocesan priests will be expected to remain in active ministry until age 75, five years beyond the current retirement age of 70.

In an email sent to all priests of the archdiocese, Father Richard Erikson, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, explained that the amended policy states that “priests are normally expected (health permitting) to remain in active ministry, as pastor, parochial vicar, or special assignment, until the age of 75.”

Given the improving health of all of us and the needs of the diocese, this seems like a reasonable move.

On the other hand, why does the Deacon Program still have the age limit it does?  Should we not be taking advantage of faithful Catholic men to help out our existing force of Priests by making more Deacons available to do weddings and baptisms and to do visitations to the sick and the shut in and do some administrative work in the Parish?

Maybe Seán Cardinal O'Malley will get around to that.

Father Thomas S. Foley Episcopal Vicar for Parish Life and Leadership points out

“Priests do not really retire from priesthood.  They become senior priests.  We do use the word retirement because that is common language but priests are still priests and if they are able, they wish to stay in ministry and we certainly want to encourage that.”

Regards  —  Cliff