A Participatory Residential Model Addressing the Needs of Retired Priests

Abstract

Diocesan clergy bring several impediments to successful retirement that arise from the celibate, pyramidal, and task focused structure of their lifestyle. This is also the first generation of priests to retire from their parishes because of age. To assist them, many diocese are providing group residences. Involvement of the retirees in designing and carrying out a participatory model for management of the residence can minimize the impediments to life satisfaction. Involvement promotes experiences in community building, advocacy on behalf of group needs, and candid exchanges about meaning and purpose that the residents want their retirement to provide.