BY BRIAN J. LOWNEY, Assistant Editor
PROVIDENCE — Father Roger A. Houle, pastor of St. Joseph Church, Scituate, was appointed to the newly-created position of Senior Priest Advisor by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, effective November 1.
Father Houle will be visiting and ministering to the needs of the diocese’s 95 senior priests. While most of the retired priests live in nursing homes, residences for senior clergy or in their own homes throughout Rhode Island, a few live outside the diocese.
Father Houle said he initially will be focusing on the needs of the diocese’s most senior priests, many of whom have no family members still living, or elderly siblings.
The most senior priest is Msgr. John F. Cox, 98, who resides in Providence.
“Bishop Tobin wants to be assured that they are living in adequate living conditions and are receiving proper nutrition,” Father Houle said. “He wants to make sure they are not forgotten and to know that the diocese still cares for them.”
In his letter of appointment, Bishop Tobin advised Father Houle: “Your ministry to our retired brothers should include normally an annual visit, evaluation of their physical and environmental needs, solicitation for their spiritual well-being, and sensitivity to their arrangements at the time of their death.”
Father Houle noted that during his 31 years in the priesthood, he has either met or worked with almost all of the senior priests.
“There is a fraternity of priests,” he continued. “I think that this is a very important ministry.
“I would like to visit priests who are hospitalized, if and when I hear about it,” Father Houle added, noting that oftentimes a retired priest has returned home from a medical facility before it is known that he was ill or had surgery.
“I’ve received several letters of congratulations,” he acknowledged. “It’s a very important sign for the diocese that the bishop is concerned for his priests.”
