12/19/2025

Dear Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C.,

I am deeply concerned about the loss of our retirement plan through Christian Brothers. After dedicating 44 years of service to the Diocese of Saint Cloud as a teacher, principal, religious education coordinator, and parish administrator, I accepted compensation below that of my public sector counterparts with the understanding that I would have a secure retirement, as promised by both the Church and this diocese. There are only so many times trust can be requested; it must now be earned.

At minimum, I believe the diocese has been negligent in overseeing our pension plan. Other schools, parishes, and Catholic colleges in Minnesota became aware of similar shortfalls five years ago. It appears there was a lack of vigilance, and once again, dedicated and underpaid employees are facing the consequences of this oversight.  I view this as morally unacceptable.

I am concerned by the limited representation on the Diocesan Pension Committee. Greater inclusion of stakeholders—including retired and current teachers, administrators, and principals—is necessary. Those whose lives are directly impacted should have a voice in creating a trusted and effective plan.

Additionally, I urge consideration of options such as a capital campaign to address the shortfall, as was done for the priests of the diocese when they had a need, rather than defaulting to reductions in retirement benefits. Reducing retirement payments should not be seen as the solution. The social justice principles of the Church, when implemented, are profound, and if lived out and acted upon, particularly in this situation, will lead to fair and just solutions that haven’t even been considered. 

I request greater transparency from the Diocesan Pension Committee throughout the decision-making process, rather than being informed only after decisions are finalized.

Bishop Neary, I respectfully ask for your leadership and compassion during this time. I hope you will prioritize the needs of individuals over institutional concerns, following Jesus’s example of caring for the vulnerable and those in need. 

Sincerely,

Ervin J (Jim) Boyle

Retired from Lay Ministry in Service to the Catholic Church

cc: Joe Spaniol