About

healthier priests. stronger communities.

Clergy Trust is an independently managed trust that provides ongoing care and support for the health, well-being, and retirement needs of all active and senior diocesan priests in good standing across the Archdiocese of Boston.

For priests, bringing the presence of Christ to others is a daily calling that extends far beyond the walls of the Church, and impacts the lives of people of all faiths and backgrounds throughout the entire community.

Our active and senior priests remain an integral presence at the center of extraordinary causes that enrich the lives of so many. And every day brings powerful new examples:

  • Cor Unum: Founded by Fr. Paul O’Brien, the Cor Unum (“One Heart”) food pantry serves more than 250,000 meals annually to families in need throughout Lawrence.
  • Pine Street Inn:  Co-founded by Msgr. Frank Kelley and Fr. Bill Joy in conjunction with the Association of Boston Urban Priests (ABUP), the Pine Street Inn provides daily shelter, emergency services, and job training for nearly 2,000 homeless men and women in Boston.
  • Rostro De Cristo: Founded by Fr. Jim Ronan, Rostro de Cristo (“the face of Christ”) provides young adults from the US with an immersive experience in which they serve those who live on the margins in Ecuador and work alongside them in their homes, schools, and other community-based projects.

There are countless examples of priests in the Archdiocese of Boston working tirelessly and selflessly to make the world a better place for all of us. Our priests don’t just enrich the lives of Catholics in parishes, they enrich the lives of everyone in all communities.

Our priests are so committed to serving others that it can be very easy for them to forget that they must take care of themselves, too. That is why Clergy Trust is so dedicated to the mission of ensuring our priests receive the care and support they need to stay healthy.

It’s simple: healthier priests mean stronger communities. By supporting Clergy Trust, you are supporting dedicated priests who do so much for us and our communities.

James MacDonald

  • Current Senior Advisor, Fidelity Investments focusing on strategic initiatives.
  • 20+ years as Executive at Fidelity Investments with a proven track record of developing strategies and growing businesses, while delivering long-term financial performance in highly competitive markets.
  • Many years in technology including Athena Health, State Street Corporation, and Bank NY Mellon
  • Longtime parishioner of Holy Family Parish, Duxbury
  • BS, University of Massachusetts; The Wharton School Executive Development Program, University of PA

Rev. Thomas S. Rafferty

  • Ordained a Priest in May 2005
  • Currently serves as Pastor of St. Oscar Romero Parish in Canton, MA
  • Prior assignments include: St. John the Evangelist Parish, Swampscott, St. Patrick Parish, Natick
  • Before entering the seminary, Fr. Rafferty earned his law degree at New England School of Law and worked many years as a lawyer
  • Undergraduate degree from Boston College

Rev. J. Michael Lawlor

  • Ordained a Priest in May 1973
  • Currently serves as Pastor of The Church of St. Paul in Hamilton, MA
  • Prior assignments include: St. Joseph Parish, Needham, St. Maria Goretti Parish, Lynnfield; St. Ann Parish, Peabody; St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish, Danvers; St. Theresa of Avila, West Roxbury
  • Has served on the Archdiocese’s Presbyterial Council, the College of Consultors, the Board of Trustees for Saint John Seminary, and several other Archdiocesan committees

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Congratulations!

The Clergy Trust Team and Board of Trustees thank Cardinal Seán for his unfailing commitment to his brother priests and his enthusiasm in working with laity over the last 20 years, creating a lasting legacy on the Archdiocese of Boston and the future care of our clergy.

For his loving ministry, his servant leadership, and his gracious collaboration, we are eternally grateful.

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