Annual Father's Day Appeal for our retired priests

Each year on Father’s Day weekend a special appeal is held to raise funds to support the work of the Priests Retirement Foundation, which cares for clergy who have retired due to age or sickness.

The Priests Retirement Foundation was established more than 30 years ago with a mission to care for retired priests across the Archdiocese of Melbourne. This includes the provision of suitable accommodation, health care and medical out of pocket expenses. The physical and mental wellbeing of all retired priests is continually overseen by two highly qualified nurses also funded by the Foundation.

Retired priest Fr Ted Teal shared how appreciative he and others are of the assistance provided by the Appeal.

‘We spent our lives trying to do things for other people and now we need a bit of assistance ourselves. And the Foundation helps us enormously.’

Within the Archdiocese, there are two purpose-built retirement homes: Justin Villa in North Balwyn and George Maher House in Clifton Hill. Priests may also choose to live privately in their own house (often inherited) or a house or unit where the rental is funded by the Foundation.

‘It has been a wonderful custom in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to allow the faithful of the Archdiocese to show something of their own appreciation through an annual Father’s Day Appeal,’ said Archbishop Peter A Comensoli.

‘In the midst of a year like no other we have experienced, I am deeply thankful for the ways in which you are the face of Christ for our priests, and the support that you give to them. May I commend the Appeal to you.’