December 13, 2025

Dear Bishop Neary,

I am writing concerning the crisis with Christian Brothers retirement plan. I am 81 years old. I served several parishes during the 1980’s and 1990’s as religious education coordinator, youth minister and adult formation director. I was qualified for those positions having invested in a degree in Religious Studies and Ministry. I loved my work and was pleased when I retired and was able to claim a few hundred dollars to add to social security to live on in my retirement years. Now I fear that will be taken from me. Fortunately, due to mine and my husband’s age, we sold our home and move into a more modest living situation and are cutting back on activities such as travel. Any cut will sting but we will continue to have food on the table. 

But I fear for some of my friends who served the Church longer than I did or don’t have a spouse to contribute to their retirement. One I know will have to live on social security alone. I am also concerned about the current Catholic school teachers. Will the schools survive if those who are now teaching leave their positions to work where they can get reliable benefits? I understand some are already leaving.  

And will parishes be able to serve their communities if they are unable to hire qualified persons to manage religious education and youth ministry programs?

I don’t yet know all that caused this crisis, but I hope that as we move forward, you, as Shepherd of the people of the St. Cloud Diocese, will seek justice for those who have served over the years and for those now serving. 

Sincerely, Judy Jeub