Uniondale — The diocese is preparing to relocate about a dozen retired priests from St. Pius X Residence here to Dominican Village, a retirement community in Amityville, Bishop William Murphy said last week.
“I think it’s going to be great for all our retired diocesan priests, who are very enthusiastic about the change,” said Bishop Murphy in a joint statement with Dominican Sister Mary Hughes, prioress of the Amityville Dominicans, at the Telecare studio here Oct. 2.
Dominican Village, a non-sectarian, not-for-profit retirement community on the grounds of the Amityville Dominican Mother-house, opened in 1993.
There will be about 20 suites for senior priests in one of the four buildings at Dominican Village. There will be space to house more senior priests than those moving there initially.
The hope is to move in by the end of the year after modifications have been made, said Msgr. Thomas Mulvanerty, diocesan vicar for senior priests. Then the Uniondale residence will close.
“I think it’s going to be wonderful,” Sister Mary said. “The residents of Dominican Village are happy and engaged. There are beautiful grounds to walk and programs and activities. The residents are delighted to have the company of the Fathers.”
There was some initial adjustment for some of the residents who were relocated to other quarters to allow for the space designated for the retired priests, but accommodations were made for the residents who were moved.
St. Pius X Residence, which houses older priests who need limited assistance, once housed St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary.
“The average age of these priests is 83,” said Msgr. Mulvanerty, “and we provide companion care, which involves assistance with daily hygiene, mobility, and other simple tasks of daily living.”
“There are services available at Dominican Village that our priests can benefit from,” Msgr. Mulvanerty said, “but we are bringing the enriched living services with us.”
The decision to move the retired priests from St. Pius, the bishop said, followed a study led by Msgr. Mulvanerty that concluded costly renovations would be necessary in Uniondale. “The priests are going to have larger suites than they have now,” he noted, as well as a separate entrance, large dining room, living room and visiting parlor, and chapel. “And they are also going to be able to mix with the other residents at Dominican Village.”
“The chapel is important,” Msgr. Mulvanerty said, because the retired priests are “a source of prayer for the people of the diocese.” He needs volunteers to help with the transition, particularly as drivers for priests going to medical appointments. To help, call him at 516-485-4200.
Bishop Murphy noted that the new arrangements are more costly, but “it is worth it for the quality of care that our retired priests will receive.”
To finance the increase, there will be an annual collection over the next five years, Bishop Murphy said. “I think the people will be willing to contribute for the care of their priests whom they love so much,” he said.
In addition, there will be a modest increase in the amount that the priest residents pay for their living space, Bishop Murphy said. The arrangement with Dominican Village is planned for five to 10 years, after which time the diocese anticipates a decrease in the need for such accommodations.
“I’m very grateful to the leadership of the Dominican Sisters,” Bishop Murphy noted, “and to the leadership of Dominican Village.”