The Priest Retirement Fund: Rev. Msgr. Michael R. Braun

Article by Rev. Msgr. Michael R. Braun

On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18th this year, every parish in the Diocese of Fresno will take up a second collection for the Priests’ Retirement Fund. This collection assists in caring for the retired priests of the diocese and for the retired priests of the religious communities serving in our parishes.

When I was ordained in 1967, I did not expect to one day retire. Most priests passed away before that time arrived. Our monthly income was less than $100.00 a month, so our required contribution to Social Security was never going to be adequate.

Thanks to the late Bishop John Steinbock and due to the efforts of a late classmate, Msgr. Tom Kleinhans, a Retirement Fund was established for the living expenses of priests who would retire, either at 70 or earlier for health reasons.

Unlike most people who purchase a home and build up equity for a future residence, priests of my day could not afford to do so. So upon retirement, we found ourselves facing housing and living expenses we never expected.

This is the reason the Priests Retirement Fund has proven to be so beneficial to me and for the other retired priests of the Diocese. 
 
I have now been retired for seven years and celebrated my 56th anniversary of my priesthood May 29th. I assist pastors of the area when needed, but my retirement years have proven so welcomed.

One reason is the assistance I receive from the Priests’ Retirement Fund. For that and on behalf of all the retired and future retiring priests of the Diocese, I thank you for your contribution to the second collection for the Priests’ Retirement Fund on Fathers’ Day.

Remember, as I have, to include the Priests Retirement Fund in your will and, whenever you can, make a contribution to it. It is a way we can all say to not only our retired priests but also to our current clergy, “Thank you!”