“The challenge I had to face was to make sure that I would not become isolated and to keep active”
These are the words of Monsignor Tom Egan, reflecting on life as a retired Parish Priest in our Diocese. On 16 June this year, Cardinal Vincent Nichols was once again able to welcome Mgr. Tom, together with Patrons and Supporters of the Sick & Retired Priests Fund, to the special reception in the Cathedral Hall, following the celebratory Mass in Westminster Cathedral. Welcoming the 150 guests, His Eminence said how delighted he was to see everyone together again, for the first time since 2019.
Thanking our generous Patrons and Supporters, Cardinal Vincent Nichols talked fondly of the Diocese’s retired clergy, keen to note that although retired, they continue to serve in different ways. Reflecting on what it meant to be a retired priest, he said that a significant difference between a Priest and a lay person reaching retirement was this, “when you finally reach retirement age, and leave your job, you go home. But for a priest, on the day they retire, they leave their home. They leave familiar surroundings, setting out for something uncertain, somewhere different to what they have known”.
These words, which resonated with our Patrons and Supporters alike, emphasised an essential truth: that priests don’t stop being priests– it is not just something you do: it is a way of being.
As well as Mgr. Tom, we were also incredibly lucky to have with us Father Brian Reynolds. As well as concelebrating the Mass, they enjoyed meeting up with the guests, including some they had previously met in parishes they’d supplied in. Mgr. Tom, talking about his life as a retired Priest, noted that his has been a happy one. However, he said that you never retire from being a Priest, but simply step down from active ministry in the Parish you were based. “You help your fellow priests working in parishes when you supply for them”, allowing much needed time off.
Retirement for Mgr. Tom sounds idyllic, but he was careful to ensure that he kept as active as possible, saying “The challenge I had to face was to make sure that I would not become isolated and to keep active. I do swimming and walking for my exercise, keep in touch with family and friends, and go to the monthly Deanery meetings”. For Mgr. Tom, like so many of our retired clergy, the Diocese has been able to offer support, by assigning a fellow priest to him, to ensure he is well and has what he needs.
Canon Gerard King, in speaking to our guests of the role of the Sick & Retired Priests Committee, and highlighting the tireless work of Sister Clement, explained that this vital support is thanks to your generosity. Your kindness ensures that our retired clergy have their basic needs for living, care in health emergencies or post-surgery, companionship and a host of other services, to ensure all their needs are met.
“I am grateful and thankful to all the Patrons of the Sick & Retired Priests Fund, for showing their interest and concern for the retired priest”, said Mgr. Tom.
They have been there for us, let us be there for them now.