December 10, 2025

Dear Bishop Patrick,

For almost my entire life, I have been involved in some manner of work for the church. From assisting my mother, as a child and teenager, who was in charge of the social committee at our parish, to being a youth minister in college, to singing in the choir and with a small ensemble group at mass, to teaching Faith Formation, Confirmation, and Vacation Bible School, and finally, choosing to teach at a Catholic School for 27 years. I loved my fifth-grade students and then moved down to third grade for the last four years before my retirement in May 2024. And then, I still wasn’t done working for the church. I became a Faith Formation Coordinator at St. John the Baptist and also accepted the call to be on the All Things New committee. I have also been a Eucharistic minister and a lector. One could say I have dedicated my life to the Church as a lay person.

So, when I received a letter in the mail from the Diocese informing me that my pension was in jeopardy, I was shocked. When I began teaching back in 1997 at a pittance of a salary, I was promised that the Diocese would take care of me in my retirement. Now, to be told that I will be financially in jeopardy as a senior citizen, after the countless hours I have given, is not acceptable. It is frustrating that the church I have worked so hard for over the years is now telling me to “trust” that they will do the right thing. At our online meeting, I was expecting clear communication from the Diocese about what was going to be done to protect the employees and retirees. I was hoping to see the faces of all those who are as concerned as I am about their future. I wanted to hear from others that they had the same questions I had. Instead, it was a “closed” meeting. I went away having more questions than ever. My lack of trust is diminished.

What are the retirees who have depended on this pension as part of their retirement plan supposed to do? I want some clear answers to what the “plan” is for my future. Another question… how are all the people who have been giving money, time, and talent to the Diocese and the school supposed to stay loyal? Especially when none of this has been made public? I find it ironic that this weekend there is a collection for religious retirement. Who will fund the full-time employees of the Diocese who have put in many years beside the religious?

I expect that the public will be made aware of what is happening to everyone who has worked full time for the Diocese. I expect there to be representation from the people—retirees, current employees, and the public. And lastly, we should be made aware of everything moving forward. It is our future that is on the line. I never thought I would be this stressed out about money at age 65.

Tess Koltes