What do you know about our diocesan priests that are facing or in retirement?  Here are a few facts according to studies published by the National Federation of Priests Councils (NFPC) and Center for Applied Research in the Apostate, Georgetown University (CARA):

• There are 28,000 total diocesan priests in the USA with 3/4 of them still active 



• In 2007, 25% of all diocesan priests in the USA were 75 years or older



• 50% of the all diocesan priest population still in active ministry expect to retire within the next 10 years (by 2019 or earlier)



• The median annual pension for all retired (senior) diocesan priests is $18,149.00 (2007) whereas; the average cost of living for these senior priests is estimated to be $32,119.00 according to national sources
  
  
  • Social Security benefits for senior priests are minimal due to low annual incomes over their earning lifetime
  
  
  
  • Diocesan priests are independent contractors often paying both the employee and employer portion of the Social Security & Medicare taxes
  
  
  
• Bishops have wide latitude in their individual diocese and the resulting retirement practices across the country range widely from the most basic to 403(b) programs with matching funds



• One of the major issues regarding these senior priests rests in the lack of awareness on the part of the laity. Many, if not most, fail to realize the annual collection for retired “religious” does not benefit our diocesan priests

Aside from the monetary issues there are a number of unknowns about those already retired. Where are they residing and why? Are they alone or isolated by choice or circumstances? Do they want to associate with other retired priests for social camaraderie, moral and spiritual support?