Palm Sunday collection will support residence for retired clergy

Members of the diocese will have an opportunity to thank some of their former familiar shepherds by donating to the diocese’s annual “Collection for our Retired Diocesan Priests” the weekend of Palm Sunday (April 9-10).
 

Donations will be designated solely to support the operation of Maria Regina Residence, Somerset.
 

In a letter to be published in parish bulletins, Bishop James F. Checchio wrote, “Currently, the Diocese of Metuchen has 32 retired priests, 10 living at our Maria Regina Residence for retired priests while others live in rectories or in private homes or apartments which they or their family and friends have arranged...

“Your generous response to next week’s special collection is a practical way to convey your personal appreciation to our retired priests for their many years of service as well as make it possible for us to continue to properly care for them. Please keep all of our priests in your daily prayers.  We depend on your prayerful support in order to accomplish the work of the Gospel in our challenging times.”

Any financial support is greatly appreciated, said Father A. Gregory Uhrig, one of 11 residents of the facility who come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese, Colombian and Irish. “There is a good spirit in the house. Guys get along pretty well,” he said.
 

Mass is celebrated each day at 8 a.m. in the facility’s chapel, but some priests prefer to do so in their suites, Father Uhrig said. Although they are officially retired from active ministry, many of the priests  who live at Maria Regina celebrate Mass at parishes on weekends.
 

One resident, Father John Pringle, recently began serving as interim administrator of St. Luke Parish, North Plainfield, because of the death of Msgr. Michael J. Corona, pastor.
 

A retired priest may choose where to live and some are in other states.
 

The Maria Regina Residence costs about $550,000 a year to operate. The collection helps provide for a support staff of cooks and domestics.
 

Built during the tenure of Bishop Edward T. Hughes, the facility opened its doors in 1989. Maria Regina is situated in a “relaxing surrounding” that is also home to deer, squirrels and a fox, Father Uhrig said.
 

The collection for retired priests is separate from the annual collection for retired religious in December. That collection is for sisters, priests and brothers whose religious orders have worked in the diocese.