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Home  / News & Publications /  Michigan Catholic News / 2009 /  Retirees honored for years of service with the archdiocese

by Jared Field of The Michigan Catholic
Published October 30, 2009

Jared Field | The Michigan Catholic Archbishop Allen Vigneron shares a laugh with Dawn Fraser, an employee of Sacred Heart Major Seminary, during the reception for retiring employees of the Archdiocese of Detroit on Tuesday at the seminary.

Detroit - The Archdiocese of Detroit honored 25 retiring employees, representing nearly 500 collective years of service on Tuesday afternoon at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

The reception, attended by several hundred friends, family members and colleagues, was bittersweet for all, staying or going.

Maureen O'Reilly, who is retiring after 40 years with the archdiocese, says she will miss her friends, but isn't planning on moving to Arizona.

"I've been blessed to work with some wonderful people," said O'Reilly, who is retiring as director the Office of Faith Formation/Catechetics. "But I'm fortunate ... I'll still be connected to people, and I'm very grateful for that."

Archbishop Allen Vigneron offered words of appreciation to during the short ceremony and luncheon.

"To serve in the Central Services is a way for all of us to each, in her or his own way, offer our talents for the building of the Church here in southeast Michigan," he said. "And so, on behalf of all the pastors, parish leaders, all the people in the archdiocese, I offer you thanks for your generous and loyal service.

"We all do what we do, ultimately, for the glory of God. Whatever thanksgiving I offer today, I hope it's an echo of what you can expect our Lord to offer you."

Pamela Beech, director of human resources for the archdiocese, was inspired by some who thought only of others as they made the difficult decision to retire early.

"This is a difficult time for our employees," she said. "I'm grateful to our staff that chose the retirement incentive allowing others to retain positions."

Beech recalled the story of one employee who had indicated her intention to retire later in life, but chose to retire early with the hope of keeping another employed.

Sr. Kathleen Matz, CDP, says she draws inspiration from the 29 moving on.

"I'm delighted to be here to affirm the work of our colleagues," said Sr. Matz, who works in the Office of Faith Formation/Catechetics. "To be here today to honor them is a blessing."

Many of the retirements come on the heels of the recently-announced restructuring of Central Service in the archdiocese that resulted in a new organizational chart and a 29-percent cut in staffing. Announced in early September, the plan will reduce the staff from 264 to 187.