Retired clergy find care, community of faith at Fiorenza Priest Retirement residence

Priests who live at the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Priest Retirement residence are among those benefiting from the Clergy Pastoral Outreach Ministry of the Archdiocese. (Herald file photo)

HOUSTON — For many priests and deacons who have dedicated their lives to answering God’s call to serve His flock, transitioning into retirement can bring uncertainty. At the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence, these committed servants of Christ find not only a home but a community that honors their lifetime of service and focuses on nurturing their spiritual and pastoral hearts. 

Leading the ministry is John Descant, director of Clergy Pastoral Outreach of the Archdiocese, who, with his team, oversees the care and well-being of the retired priests residing at the residence, which is located at St. Dominic Village in the Texas Medical Center. Supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), the ministry provides independent, assisted living and nursing care while ensuring the retired clergy and lay residents receive the physical, emotional and spiritual support they need. 

“I encourage the faithful in the Archdiocese to donate to the annual DSF appeal, as many ministries like ours depend on it to fulfill Christ’s call to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked and welcome strangers,” Descant said. “We can’t fulfill Christ’s directive without the DSF. The Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence and Pastoral Clergy Outreach need this support and prayers.” 

Descant’s team, which includes a secretary, elder care specialist, and driver and aide, ensures the retired clergy stay connected to the Archdiocese and receive the necessary care. 

“My team works daily with the clergy who live here, helping with their needs, such as doctor visits, taking them to the store, helping them get things they need for their ministry to parishes, convents, or people across the street at St. Dominic’s,” he said. 

Beyond offering essential care, the ministry helps maintain a strong connection with the Archdiocese through regular communication, special events and partnerships with community organizations. The clergy remains engaged through visits, phone calls, mailings and other activities, which ensures their well-being and creates a secure, healthy and hopeful environment. 

Gloria Portillo, secretary of the Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence, is part of Descant’s team and experiences firsthand the joys and challenges the retired clergy face. With eight years of experience in the Archdiocesan Office of Aging Ministry, she has developed a deep understanding of their needs and life journeys.  

Portillo considers her work with the retired clergy a blessing and deeply appreciates their enduring commitment to the Archdiocese. 

“Working with the retired priests and deacons has made me realize they are just as human as the rest of us,” she said. “They are still fully committed to offering all the help they can to us and being a source of communication through Christ.” 

One of Portillo’s most memorable experiences was when Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, the residence’s namesake, personally offered to baptize her daughter upon learning she needed the Sacrament. Despite his full schedule, Portillo gratefully accepted, and the Archbishop’s gesture created a cherished memory that continues to hold deep meaning for her and her family. 

“It was an amazing blessing to have Archbishop Fiorenza with my family,” said Portillo. “It was a small gathering, yet you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The way he spoke and opened up to us was something I will remember forever.” 

Portillo said she finds it beautiful to witness the faithful in the Archdiocese giving back to the retired clergy, honoring their years of selfless service and care. She takes joy in seeing the priests laugh and engage with former parishioners and other visitors who regularly come to the facility. 

“I am inspired each day to work here and serve our retired priests and others living in the nursing home,” Portillo said. “Sometimes they need a little bit of light. Even though they’re retired, they still need to see more people from their previous communities actively engaging with them from time to time.”

As the Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence facility approaches its 10-year anniversary, maintaining the buildings and replacing essential furnishings — such as mattresses, power lift recliners and chairs — have become a priority. Descant stressed that the annual DSF appeal plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts, funding trips for the priests, covering administrative needs, and essentials for celebrating the Liturgy and Sacraments. 

In addition to supporting the DSF, Portillo encouraged the faithful in the Archdiocese to stay connected through regular visits to the retired clergy. Simple gestures, like writing a card or letter or sharing a meal, remind the priests that they are remembered and valued. 

“They need to know they are still remembered and can remain active — not just within a parish, but also within their families and homes,” Portillo said. “After all they’ve given to our Archdiocese, it’s important that we give something back.” 

To learn more about the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence and Clergy Pastoral Outreach, call 713-440-3436 or visit the website at www.archgh.org/clergyoutreach. 

To donate to the DSF, which supports over 60 ministries, go to www.archgh.org/DSF. Every dollar donated to the DSF directly supports these ministries, including direct services and education, which rely on this vital funding.