A Year-End Reflection and Invitation: The Office of Pastoral Life’s Commitment to Support and Growth
A Year-End Reflection and Invitation
As we come to the close of another year, we give thanks for the steady, faithful ministry of our clergy and clergy wives—those who serve with joy, persevere through quiet struggles, and now welcome an increasing number of newcomers into the life of the Church across North America.
By God’s mercy, parishes continue to grow as places of prayer, healing, and transformation. At the heart of each parish stands a priest—and often, a priest wife—whose daily labors, both visible and unseen, nourish the people of God. Strengthening them in their calling is essential to the ongoing health and flourishing of our communities.
The Office of Pastoral Life (OPL) exists to support this sacred work. With full respect for the episcopal ministry of care entrusted to each diocesan bishop, the Office of Pastoral Life walks alongside that ministry by offering resources, connection, and encouragement to clergy and their families.
Encouraging Growth Amid Complexity
The priestly vocation does not end at ordination; it grows over time. As the pastoral responsibilities facing clergy families become more complex, so too does the need for ongoing development, rest, and reflection. Administrative demands, pastoral care, preaching, community leadership, and personal spiritual renewal all require sustained energy and support.
The Office of Pastoral Life provides structured opportunities for clergy and clergy wives to reflect, grow, and connect. Through online gatherings, retreats, clergy wife initiatives, and the Thriving in Ministry program—a peer-learning initiative supported by the Lilly Endowment—we foster a culture of shared wisdom, spiritual strength, and mutual encouragement. This work is not about solving problems. It is about helping good priests and their wives become even better at what they are called to do, for the good of the parishes they serve.
Financial Strength for Spiritual Service
One of the most persistent challenges clergy families face is financial strain. In response, the Office of Pastoral Life launched the Financial Health Initiative, a growing effort—also supported by the Lilly Endowment—to equip clergy and their families with the tools and knowledge they need to serve with stability and peace of mind.
From budgeting and clearing debt to building savings and preparing for retirement, this initiative helps clergy families grow in financial confidence and stewardship—strengthening their ability to serve faithfully and freely. While compensation decisions remain within the purview of each diocese, the Office of Pastoral Life focuses on practical skills and resources that empower clergy households to navigate their financial lives with clarity and hope.
An Invitation to Support
As the year draws to a close, we invite you to participate in this work. Your year-end offering to the Office of Pastoral Life will make a direct impact in the lives of those who serve—strengthening not only individuals, but entire parishes
Your support helps:
- Provide learning and gathering opportunities for clergy and clergy wives
- Expand financial literacy and stability through the Financial Health Initiative
- Sustain peer learning and renewal through the Thriving in Ministry program
- Encourage a culture of spiritual strength and support across our Church
This is not simply administrative support. It is a ministry of encouragement for those who labor daily for the salvation of souls
Building Up the Body of Christ
“For the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ…”
(Ephesians 4:12)
The Office of Pastoral Life serves to build up those who build up others. In supporting this work, you help ensure that every parish has a priest and a priest wife who are growing, thriving, and well-equipped to care for their flock in faithfulness and joy.
To make your offering, visit opl.oca.org/giving or contact our office directly.
May the Lord bless you richly in this holy season, and may the year ahead bring renewed strength to all who serve Him.
— Office of Pastoral Life, Orthodox Church in America