Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does the LSRP do?
A. The Laity in Support of Retired Priests (LSRP) is a group of concerned Catholic laity in Southwest Florida formed to understand the issues of our diocesan priests in their retirement years.
Q.What are the primary goals of the LSRP?
- To enhance the lives of our diocesan priests in their retirement
- To create an awareness with the laity of the plight of many diocesan priests in retirement
- To form a national association of senior diocesan priests to deal with issues of isolation, loneliness and to speak with a uniform voice
- Develop guidelines for a just and equitable pension and benefit plan
Q. Is there a set retirement age for diocesan priests?
A. There is no set retirement age for priests as it ranges between 65 and 75.
Q. What is the average annual income for a priest in retirement?
A. The average is $18,500 plus $8,000 from Social Security benefits.
Q. What does a priest require for an adequate retirement?
A. $32,000 annually
Q. Do we have an adequate supply of priests?
A. On average, dioceses now have one retired priest for every two active priests. Half of all priests currently in active ministry are over age 60.
Q. Does the annual special collection for religious cover diocesan priests’ retirement?
A. No, the diocese provides for the retirement benefits of senior priests.
Q. What happens to priests when they retire?
A. Just like the general public, priests often rely on Social Security, retirement plans and family. Throughout the years, their income levels are generally low, and therefore their benefits can be lacking in some areas.
Q. Do priests have vesting privileges?
A. Vesting refers to the length of service after which a priest has a guaranteed right to some level of retirement benefit. Most dioceses have vesting provisions ranging from immediately vesting upon ordination to some specified number of years with the average being 14 years.
Q. Can they take their benefits with them no matter where they live?
A. This is actually called portability, which refers to the transfer of funding and/or credit to another retirement vehicle.
Q. How does a retired priest receive health benefits?
A. Most dioceses provide health insurance coverage for retired priests. However, many are not covered for long-term health care specifically when they become incapacitated or disabled and need nursing home facilities. Appropriate skilled nursing facilities that allow access to a chapel and sacraments are also needed.
Q. Are there other issues facing retired priests?
A. Sometimes priests can feel a lack of connection with the community when they retire. After working so many years to support the community they may feel alienated and no longer needed.