Feature
The Annual Bishop’s Appeal helps meet obligations to retired priests Story by Janet Marcel ~ Photo by Tyler Neil Once a year, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre makes a direct plea to the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to support certain diocesan ministries through their prayers and financial contributions to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal (ABA). “With regard to our retired priests, I reflect on the Scripture passage, ‘ … The laborer is worthy of his wages’ (1 Timothy 5:18) and even when the laborer retires he is still worth his wage,” says Bishop Fabre. “The Appeal helps us meet our obligations to our retired priests, which basically fall into two categories – retirement income for them and responsibility for their healthcare needs and health insurance.” Many of our retired priests still continue to minister to 20 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • June 2021
the faithful by assisting active pastors with celebrating Masses, funerals and the sacraments, as well as in other ways. Father Wilmer L. Todd was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 21, 1963, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans and retired from active ministry in June 2007 after almost 44 years of service to the people in Southeast Louisiana. He has been called to re-enter active ministry more than once to replace pastors who have had to leave for extended periods of time for various reasons. Father Todd says one of the things he loves most about the priesthood is the liturgy and celebrating Mass with people, especially those who appreciate liturgy. In addition to a master of divinity degree from Notre Dame
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