Sick and Retired Clergy Appeal
Saturday 26th September 2026“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” Psalm 71:9
Throughout our lives, our priests accompany us in moments of great joy and great sorrow. They celebrate baptisms and weddings, comfort us in times of grief, visit the sick, and faithfully lead our parish communities in prayer and worship.
Their ministry is a lifelong vocation of faithful service to God and His people. As a diocese we must assume responsibility for those who have dedicated their lives to serving us. Today, 68 retired priests are supported by the Diocese of Salford’s Sick and Retired Clergy Fund. The generosity of parishioners is more important than ever.
Support this important appeal today – click here
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We asked Canon Anthony McBride, who has served in the Diocese for more than fifty years, to reflect on his vocation and the reality of priestly retirement.
My vocation began through simple relationships. As a young man in Burnley, I joined the youth club at St Mary’s parish. Through the example of priests who gave their lives in service to others, I saw priesthood as a life lived alongside people… (Read more)
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We support one another because we recognise our shared responsibility for each other.
Our priests devote themselves to serving the people of our diocese, accompanying them through their happiest and most difficult moments; celebrating the sacraments, visiting the sick and offering pastoral care. As Canon McBride explains: “Retirement does not bring that vocation to an end. That’s the nature of the vocation… it’s for life.” He recalls the encouragement he received from his bishop as he prepared to retire from his parish ministry: “The bishop said to me, ‘You’re not retiring as a priest; you’re retiring from a particular post… and you can still say Mass, and you can still help out.’”
Like many retired priests, Canon McBride continues to celebrate Mass, lead funerals and support parish communities. Retirement has marked a change in his ministry, but not the end of it. He is continuing to serve.
The Sick and Retired Clergy Fund exists to ensure retired priests can begin this next chapter of their vocation with confidence, knowing that the Church they have faithfully served will continue to accompany them as they age, whatever challenges that brings.
Canon McBride spoke warmly of the reassurance that support provides: “The fund gives priests, especially those with no family locally, the security that support will be there.”
The generosity of parishioners across our diocesan family means the fund is there to help provide accommodation, healthcare, nursing care and practical assistance as the needs of priests’ change. Caring for our retired priests is a responsibility we share together. Every gift to the Sick and Retired Clergy Fund helps provide the care, dignity and practical support our priests deserve after years of dedicated service.
Support the Sick and Retired Clergy Appeal today
There are 68 retired priests in our diocese. The cost of supporting our retired priests, including housing, pension, care and nursing home fees is £1,566,500 each year.
- Send a cheque – make it payable to The Salford Diocesan Trust Clergy Fund at: Finance, Cathedral Centre, Ford Street, Salford M3 6DP
- Set up a standing order by emailing finance@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Every gift makes a real difference. Thank you.
