Dear Bishop Neary,

It is with a heavy heart filled with hurt that I write this letter. I am asking on behalf of my family and peers that a listening session be instituted for all people involved in the Christian Brothers Pension Plan. Whether this occurs through letters or face to face, it is imperative that our stories be heard.

My story is certainly no different than countless others who have taught for the Diocese of St. Cloud. After four years of teaching English in a public school, I decided to become the first librarian at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Alexandria. My husband, Mark, and I felt this would be a wonderful fit for our future children as we believed a Catholic education was the best education.

How excited were we when The Church of St. Mary decided to enroll in the Christian Brothers Pension Plan? How hurt and betrayed are we as to how things turned out?

Mark and I gave and gave and gave to the Diocese over the 35 years that I taught. Our first check given each month was to the church. We gave Fair Share Tuition to St. Mary’s School while our three children were there. When something was needed for the library or our children’s classrooms, we gave that too. All of the people I worked with at St. Mary’s School worked harder and longer with less and for less their entire careers. Until this school year, I continued to give after retirement by volunteering weekly and subbing when needed.

I chose to take a smaller pension over the last eleven years so that Mark would have something if I were to pass. Obviously, he will never see that. I was recruited by two different public schools to leave St. Mary’s School. I chose to stay believing this is where God wanted me. 

I chose to put in new computers and Smart Boards over a number of summers. I also chose to not be compensated for hours and hours of work. I felt this is what God wanted me to do with my time, talent, and treasure.

I have friends who have nothing but their pension and Social Security to live on. I have a friend who is living above another friend’s garage and working two part-time jobs to make ends meet. What will happen to her if she loses her pension? What will happen to countless others?

Jesus taught extensively about making things right. Mark and I pray that things be made right for everyone involved.

Sincerely,

Jeanne M. Nelsen

retired St. Mary’s teacher

Alexandria