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A Shepherd Responds
Joseph Cardinal Bernardin made a different policy decision when faced with a similar request a number of years before. The proposal had come from both active and resigned priests that resigned priests who had served the Archdiocese of Chicago should receive a pension. The addresses of 374 resigned priests was compiled with the assistance of Chicago resigned priest leader Martin Hegarty, founder of WEORC.
A study was made oi the costs involved, actuarial tables, etc. Consultation took place with a few other dioceses which had programs which induded resigned priests. As a result of this research and consideration of related factors, "as a sign of our respect, our care and our gratitude," a decision was made by Cardinal Bernardin in 1987, to provide a pension to resigned priests who had served the Archdiocese for twenty years or longer. In a letter dated June 22, 1987, Cardinal Bernardin announced this decision to the resigned priests of the Archdiocese saying, in part
"I know that each of you has a unique story to tell of your work as priests, your decision to resign, and your life and work since then. But I want to say to each of you... Thank you for your continuing efforts to incorporate the Gospel values of dedication, generosity and unselfish living into your daily lives." No means testing for charity here, simply a frank statement of gratitude. No demand that one be "in good standing." Simply a just recognition that "a laborer is worthy of his hire" and that ecclesiastical compensation today customarily includes social security benefits of one kind or another.
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