Collection on Palm Sunday will support retired priests

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
 

It has been a challenging year, but one that we have not been left alone to face.  The pandemic has caused much uncertainty and we have all been impacted.  I know I join you in praying for brighter days ahead for us all, even as we particularly remember all those who are sick, have lost loved ones or have felt the economic impact of the pandemic.
 

I have often heard from you throughout this year about how grateful you are for your priests who have strived to serve you throughout this pandemic in creative ways.  I am so grateful for them, and all who have collaborated with them to continue to shepherd our beautiful flock in our four counties. In addition to your pastors and parochial vicars, our diocese has 31 retired diocesan priests and more approaching retirement this summer. At the retirement age for the majority of our diocesan priests at 75, their administrative responsibilities end, but their pastoral and sacramental ministry continues. Although retired, as long as they are physically able, I have seen this group so generously continue to help in so many ways.  We are fortunate to have been the beneficiaries of their sacred ministry: countless Holy Masses, baptisms, weddings and confessions. They have brought us the healing hand of Christ at the hour of death and they have mourned and prayed with us when we buried our dead.  Where would our diocese be without their sacrificial gift of their lives and their spiritual and pastoral leadership?  Indeed, their ongoing generosity, even during the pandemic, is nothing but inspirational. The retired priests, who for health reasons cannot minister in the parishes, also are asked to continue to support our local Church through their prayers, sacrifices and example.

We are now asked to share our blessings bestowed upon us so that our retired priests can enjoy their retirement even while continuing as able to celebrate public Mass and assist in your spiritual care. On March 27 and 28 we celebrate Palm Sunday, and the faithful of our diocese will have the opportunity to acknowledge these priests by responding to the Annual Collection for our Retired Diocesan Priests. All funds raised through this collection will be used exclusively to support our retired priests.
 

Your generous response to the special collection is a practical way to convey your personal appreciation to our retired priests for their many years of service. Thank you for your continued generosity and grateful heart. Know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you, and asking you to continue to pray for vocations from our local Church to the holy priesthood for service in our diocese!

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA

Bishop of Metuchen