December 24, 2025

Dear Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., 

I am writing to share my concerns about the retirement plans for so many of us former and current employees of the St. Cloud Diocese. 

I have been a primary teacher in the diocesan schools for 50 years. After 45 years serving in Luxemburg, Breckenridge, Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud, I retired. Since 2020, I have continued my ministry as a volunteer and occasional substitute teacher. 

Teaching is difficult work, but also a rewarding profession where one feels that they are making a difference, and even continuing the work of Jesus, our Master Teacher.  However, those positive feelings, no matter how precious, do not help pay the bills, or buy groceries and gas.

None of us should have to be worrying about future compensation for the work we've done and continue to do. It is the responsibility of the diocese to fairly compensate its employees. There should be no reduction in benefits, either. The church’s commitment to social justice demands it. 

I believe that without a satisfactory solution to this matter, and soon, the St Cloud Area Catholic Schools (CCS) will have a very difficult time retaining and hiring quality staff, and enrollment will continue to decline. 

I believe that the diocese will, with God’s help, find a way to solve this problem, and that the dedicated teachers and staff of our Catholic schools can do their jobs without the worry of whether they will be fairly compensated both now and in the future.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless us as we navigate the challenges ahead. You are in my prayers.

Sincerely, 

Carolyn Opitz