| | A. | In the old code of Canon Law, a pastor was appointed for life to a parish. When the Archdiocese of Milwaukee adopted the Term of Office policy in 1980, any pastor who had already been appointed could stay in his parish for life. If a pastor chose to move to another assignment, then he became subject to the new Term of Office policy. There are still 9 priests who are "grandfathered" under this old law. Like any priest, they may retire at age 68. But at 75, they must submit their letter of retirement to the Archbishop. Some of these men are scheduled to retire soon; others have up to 5 years before the mandatory age of 75 for retirement.
Secondly, there are four reasons why a pastor might receive an extension beyond his two terms of office (six years each). They are outlined in the Clergy Manual. They are:
1) the needs of the parish in light of other staff changes;
2) the priest is within one or two years of retirement;
3) special or major events or projects in the parish; and
4) needs of the collaborative projects and models in the Archdiocese.
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