The mission of The Shepherds’ Trust is to provide elderly and disabled diocesan priests with resources to lead a dignified life after many years of active ministry.
We ask the faithful in the Archdiocese to please give generously this year to help in caring for those who cared for us.
The Shepherds’ Trust
The Shepherds’ Trust supports the needs of the retired diocesan clergy of the Archdiocese of Toronto who have served our family of faith, bringing us the sacraments and enriching our parishes, homes, schools, hospitals and countless other gatherings through their ministry.
The Trust was started by lay people who recognized the needs of our retired priests and helped to establish the Trust as a reflection of the gratitude and appreciation of the faithful parishioners in the Archdiocese of Toronto.
“Beauty is a gateway to faith,” says Msgr. Michael Busch. As Rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral during its journey to becoming a minor basilica, he drew on his background in art as an evangelization tool to help parishioners and visitors connect with the sacred space.
Over 38 years of priesthood, I served in eight different parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto. I began in Mississauga, Brampton, Orangeville, Markham, Scarborough and ended my ministry in Toronto. During that time I met so many amazing parishioners and I felt like my vocation in many ways was to walk with people on their faith journey.
“I learned that real pastoral care is not helping people by offering simplistic solutions or pious platitudes – it’s standing with them in the midst of their pain. To do that, you have to be in touch with your own humanity. To connect, it has to come from the heart.”
Take a look at our video library with campaign videos created when The Shepherds’ Trust celebrated 25 years.
Here is some high-level information about The Shepherds’ Trust for your interest:
During 2024, a total of $4.1 million consisting mainly of monthly allowances was paid to 115 retired priests.
In January 2025, the maximum monthly allowance paid to the retired priests increased to $3,145.
