?The senior priests look forward to this event every year,? said Father John Manning, the diocesan delegate for senior priests, referring to the annual senior priests? appreciation lunch.
About 70 senior priests, many of whom still are in active ministry, met Sept. 18 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership. They enjoyed a social hour with appetizers and beverages as they mingled with fellow priests and seminarians.
Bishop Nelson Perez stopped by to greet the group before he headed to Dallas, Texas, for the national V Encuentro, which he chairs. That event opened on Sept. 20.
Also at the event were Bishop emeritus Richard Lennon, Bishop emeritus Anthony Pilla and Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries. They chatted with members of the group and posed for a few photos before heading to the Founders Room for lunch.
Father Manning and Father Dan Schlegel, secretary and vicar for clergy and religious, offered a few welcoming remarks.
?It?s great to be here at this wonderful gathering,? Father Schlegel said. And he had a bit of humorous advice for the seminarians: ?Don?t believe everything you hear,? he said smiling and referring to stories being shared by some of the attendees.
Father Manning said a senior priest is a priest who has reached age 70. Some are retired, but many still are working as parish pastors, parochial vicars, professors at the seminary and in other ministries. The appreciation lunch traditionally takes place in September at the CPL.
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