Easter collection to support legacy of retired, infirm priests

By DAWN PROSSER
Director of Communications
 
As the approximately 43 retired and infirm diocesan priests have each provided thousands of sacraments to the faithful during their active ministry years, many continue to serve the faithful well into their retirement years. For those who are able, many of these priests are called upon to fill in for weekday and weekend Masses assisting pastors who are ill, on retreat or traveling.
 
In gratitude for their dedicated service over the years and in an effort to provide for the needs of priests no longer in active ministry, the Diocese of Sioux City established the Retired and Infirm Priest Collection (RIPC) at the Easter weekend Masses throughout the parishes.
 
The goal for the 2026 April 4 and 5 collection is $250,000, according to Lexa Hawkins, diocesan manager of donor relations. Last year, the faithful contributed over $236,000 for the retired priests.
 
“It’s been a successful and tangible way for the parishioners to thank our priests for all they have done for us and what they continue to do for the people,” she said.
 
Heidi Probasco, diocesan director of stewardship and development pointed out that the contributions raised through the Easter collection are deposited into the Priests Pension Fund.
 Retired priest Father Rich Ball often visits Danbury Catholic School classes.“Not only does the Priests Pension Fund provide monthly pension payments, but it can also provide for out of the ordinary health care needs of any priest – active or retired,” she explained. “We are fortunate that our diocesan parishioners give generously to this collection to help the diocese care for them.” 
After retirement, priests are no longer financially supported by parishes for their living expenses, so regular distributions from the pension fund is crucial for them. Retired priests are grateful for the generosity of donors that give to the fund at Easter and throughout the year.
 
“I want to offer my sincere appreciation for everyone who supports the collection,” said Father Dan Guenther, retired priest residing in Lake Park in the Iowa Great Lakes area. “We need it and we appreciate the support as those funds help take care of us in our retirement.”
 
Like many retired priests, Father Guenther often substitutes for Masses around the diocese when he is available. He also serves as the state Knights of Columbus Chaplain and manages a family foundation for scholarships at Bishop Heelan High School. Father Guenther pointed out that many priests enjoy continuing their ministry after their retirement from active ministry.
 
“Retired priests note that they still enjoy serving the diocese,” he said.
 
Father Armand Bertrand, who is retired in Sioux City, celebrates Masses at Holy Spirit Retirement Home and Sioux City parishes and helps with confessions. He also noted that retired priests are very appreciative of the generosity of those supporting the Easter collection.
 
“On behalf of myself and my brother ‘senior’ priests, I would like to thank the good people of our diocese for their continued support these many years. As many of us are now in retirement and some in deteriorating health, it is a great comfort to know if the occasion arises, we can count on the people we served in active ministry for many years,” he said.
 
Ways to support the collection:

• Participate in the Easter weekend collection at your parish
• Contribute online at scdiocese.org/ripc
• Mail a check to: 
  1. Diocese of Sioux City, P.O. Box 3379, Sioux City, IA  51102
• Gift grain, stock, charitable gift annuity (CGA), qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from an IRA or through a donor-advised fund (DAF)
• Include the retired and infirm priests in your estate plan

 
“Your continued support of the collection for retired and infirm priests of our diocese is a beautiful gift to us,” Father Bertrand said. “In the words of St. Paul the Apostle, ‘We give thanks to God through Jesus Christ for all of you.’ A blessed Easter to you in the risen Christ.”

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