"We have the responsibility to strengthen and encourage the spiritual, educational and professional development of our priests and religious throughout every stage of life."
Rev. Msgr. Thomas E. Gilleece
Chancellor
Throughout the past two centuries, the Catholic community of our Archdiocese has been blessed with a strong commitment to the faith that is largely due to the priests and religious who have dedicated their lives to serving our church. In gratitude for their years of service, the Archdiocese, through both the Cardinal's Annual Appeal and an annual Archdiocesan-wide collection, helps to provide these retired religious with the financial support they need as healthcare costs and living expenses increase.
Today, we have a responsibility to meet the needs of those who have given of themselves in our parishes, schools, charitable programs and healthcare institutions. While the Cardinal's annual Archdiocesan-wide collection provides a margin of comfort, the Fund for Clergy Care will help us ensure that priests' pastoral development will help us ensure that priests' pastoral development is enhanced and renewed through the continuation of retreat programs. Additionally, we will look to our Wellness Program to promote the health and fitness among our clergy.
As New York's cost of living continues to grow, priests who do not reside in Archdiocesan retirement facilities struggle to make ends meet. By augmenting the Archdiocese of New York pension fund for priests, we aim to increase monthly stipends and better provide for our priests in their retirement years.
Similarly, the renovation and expansion of various housing locations throughout the Archdiocese of New York will allow priests to live in vibrant environments throughout their lives.
