Priests in the Diocese of Parramatta have walked beside us through life’s greatest moments, celebrating baptisms and weddings, and offering comfort in times of sickness and loss.
Even as they grow older or face illness and step back from active ministry, their vocation remains steadfast.
With your prayers and support of the Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal, run by the Clergy Support Foundation, you can help ensure these priests and other clergy continue to receive safe housing, quality healthcare and daily care.
A life-long Vocation
Meet Fr Alan Layt, one of 21 priests in our Diocese who have stepped back from parish leadership due to age or illness.
At 76, he is among the youngest, with others ranging from 73 to 92. With the Foundation’s support, Fr Alan continues to serve, albeit differently.
Dr Mark Buhagiar, head of the Diocese’s Clergy Health and Wellbeing team, explained that while some priests remain very active, carrying workloads similar to parish priests, others face physical limitations.
“But that never diminishes their priestly ministry,” he said.
Fr Alan Layt with the Head of Clergy Health and Wellbeing in the Diocese, Dr Mark Buhagiar. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
This is a truth reflected in Fr Alan’s own journey. Shaped by family tragedy and a profound calling, his path highlights why your support is so vital for our priests and clergy.
A path marked by challenge and calling
Almost three decades after his ordination as a deacon in 1996, Fr Alan now embraces this new season of life with a grateful yet reflective heart.
In June, he moved into James Dixon House in Harris Park, named for the convict priest who celebrated the first officially approved Mass in the colony of NSW in 1803. “This is the first time we’ve had a full house,” noted Mark.
Now, amid boxes from years of ministry, Fr Alan is settling into a quieter rhythm. He looks forward to reconnecting personally with parishioners he once had little time to visit and completing unfinished theological studies on St Thomas Aquinas.
“Priests don’t retire,” he gently reminds. Though they may step back from administration and decision-making, they continue offering vital support, administering sacraments, hearing confessions, assisting at services, and serving as chaplains in aged care.
“It’s easy to get to Rooty Hill from here,” he added, smiling at the closeness of his beloved St Aidan’s Parish, where he ministered until recently.
Born and raised in Silverwater, his journey was far from straightforward. Initially joining the Pallottines at 18, he left the seminary after a few years, working in varied roles, from kitchen hand to high school teacher.
Fr Alan with his parents, Mary and Fred. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
His life changed dramatically after the sudden death of his older brother, who drowned at Lord Howe Island at age 40. “That rattled everything,” Fr Alan recalls.
This loss, alongside challenges in teaching, awakened a deep vocational call. After 18 months of wrestling with it, he re-entered the seminary in the Diocese of Parramatta, completing nearly seven years of formation before being ordained by Bishop Bede Heather at age 47.
Fr Alan served in 10 parishes before arriving at St Aidan’s in 2008.
Reflecting on pastoral care, Fr Alan cites author Fr Jacques Philippe: becoming a spiritual father takes time and grace, involving drawing people closer to Christ through preaching, confession, and most importantly, the celebration of the Mass; the ultimate proclamation of the Gospel.
Standing with our priests at every stage
The Clergy Support Foundation nurtures the health and wellbeing of priests and other clergy at every stage of their journey, helping them live their healthiest, most supported lives.
Led by Mark, alongside Clergy Health Coordinators, Ellen and Peter, the Foundation provides essential support including wages, health insurance, medications, food, housing, and transport to medical appointments.
Recently, two new apartments were added for priests who have stepped back from active ministry. When priests require nursing home support, the Foundation assists with these costs.
Beyond these essentials, the team offers assistance with everyday challenges, whether it’s IT troubleshooting or renewing driver’s licenses.
This care is personalised and flexible. “We have a little box that says, ‘How do you want to interact with our team? Do you want a weekly call, a monthly call? Or there’s ‘Don’t call me, I’ll call you,’” Mark said. “It’s about being there for them, no matter how often or little.”
Fr Alan Layt (second left) with fellow Diocesan clergy who have stepped down from active ministry (from left) Fr Paul Hanna, Fr Bob Sheridan, Monsignor John Boyle and Fr Chris Dixon. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
How your donation makes a difference
Asked what he would say if face-to-face with a donor, Fr Alan’s answer is heartfelt: “You become very aware that once you retire, things can decline quickly. Having support makes you feel much more relaxed and comfortable.”
He reflects on Saint Paul’s words about life being poured out like a libation: “That’s essentially what a priest’s life is, poured out in service to others.”
“Jesus loved us to the end, and priests are called to imitate that love. As they grow older, they especially need that kind of backup and support just to keep doing it.”
“Our priests are part of our extended family; supporting them is simply about looking after those who care for us,” said Mark.
Your tax-deductible donation to the 2025 Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal can help in very practical ways:
- $75 can supply fresh food and provide nourishing meals for a priest
- $100 supports transport costs to take unwell priests to medical appointments
- $500 can support an ageing priest’s medical care and wellbeing
Please support the Bishop’s Father’s Day Appeal by calling (02) 8838 3482, or visit: parracatholic.org/fathersdayappeal.
