Philadelphia Archdiocese Prioritizes Supporting Priests

Planning study focuses on care for seminarians, active clergy, parish leaders, and retired priests

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Catholic Church of Philadelphia is undertaking a planning study with a focus on supporting priests at all stages of their ministry, from seminarian formation to retirement. The study aims to ensure the Church can continue to provide physical, mental, and spiritual care for its clergy, as well as resources for parish life directors who assist pastors with administrative duties.

Why it matters

Priests are central to the Catholic faith, performing sacraments and providing pastoral care. Ensuring the well-being of priests is essential to the future of the Church in Philadelphia, as the average age of clergy continues to rise and the demands on individual pastors increase with the decline in overall number of priests.

The details

The planning study includes initiatives to increase educational and financial support for seminarians at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, improve physical, mental, and spiritual wellness programs for active priests, expand the parish life director program to assist pastors, and enhance care for retired and infirm priests. With rising healthcare costs and a growing number of retired clergy, the Archdiocese seeks to provide dignified support for those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Church.

  • The planning study is currently underway in the Catholic Church of Philadelphia.
  • The first three parish life directors were appointed in July 2025.
  • The average age of priests in the Archdiocese is 58 years old.

The players

Father Michael Hennelly

Archdiocesan Vicar for Clergy, overseeing support for priests at all stages of ministry.

Father Christopher Redcay

Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, responsible for the formation of future priests.

Mark McLaughlin

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Marc Fisher

Archdiocesan Chief Financial Officer, overseeing financial support for seminarians and clergy.

Deacon Jim O'Neill

Director of Strategic Operations, leading the parish life director program.

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What they’re saying

“Forming seminarians is one of the Church's greatest responsibilities and joys, because in shaping their hearts after the Heart of Jesus, we are safeguarding the future of our faith.”

— Father Christopher Redcay, Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary (catholicphilly.com)

“If they are not healthy, they can't take care of us.”

— Marc Fisher, Archdiocesan Chief Financial Officer (catholicphilly.com)

“We have to care for the caregivers.”

— Father Michael Hennelly, Archdiocesan Vicar for Clergy (catholicphilly.com)

What’s next

The Archdiocese will continue the planning study to determine the specific initiatives and funding needed to support priests at all stages of ministry, with the goal of launching a future capital campaign.

The takeaway

By prioritizing the care and well-being of its priests, the Catholic Church of Philadelphia is ensuring the long-term viability of the faith community and its ability to serve parishioners through the sacraments and pastoral guidance.