Pictured is a preliminary drawing of the new senior priest apartments complex (far left). The drawing includes two additional buildings that may be constructed in the future as needs arise. COURTESY OF LEE MILLS, BRYANT ENGINEERING
Faithful: Senior priest apartments to provide community, support, for diocese’s aged clergy
ADA-compliant complex to replace outdated facility
BY ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
This summer, the Diocese of Owensboro launched a new campaign to give back to those who have given of their lives to serve Christ, his Church, and all people of western Kentucky.
With the title of “Faithful Foundations,” this campaign seeks to raise the funds needed to build a four-unit apartment building to house senior priests of the diocese who prefer to live in community.
Bill Blincoe, director of project and risk management for the diocese, has been involved with the initiative, which began several years ago in conversations about how to care for and support aging clergy.
He said the plan is to build on diocese-owned property up the hill from the Carmel Home in Owensboro, which is operated by the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus and offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care.
Currently, that area is occupied by the diocese’s Bishop Cotton Apartments, which were built in the 1980s and include eight small units intended for senior priests. Unfortunately, Blincoe explained, time has not been kind to the present building, which lacks the space and ADA-compliant accommodations for someone with physical limitations or mobility issues that can come with age. No retired priests currently reside at the Bishop Cotton Apartments due to these issues.
“The existing building is coming down,” said Blincoe, adding that the new structure will be ADA-compliant. The Carmel Home will continue a partnership with the diocese so that the sisters and staff can assist with any needs that arise among residents of the apartments.
“The Carmel Home has been so gracious in taking care of our priests and continue to be,” said Blincoe. “They will be just a phone call away.”
He explained that the plan is to build one initial four-unit complex, but that there will be space to build additional structures as the need grows among senior priests. The diocese is currently working on a campaign to raise $1.5 million that will include the demolition of the old building, the construction of the four-unit facility, and a fund for future maintenance.
The Bishop Cotton Apartments, which are located up the hill from the Carmel Home in Owensboro, are seen on June 19, 2025. The building, which is outdated and not suited to the accommodation needs of older adults, is set to be torn down so that an improved structure can be built for senior priests. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Each apartment unit will be approximately 1,000 square feet, including a one-car garage with space for someone to maneuver with a walker or wheelchair.
Fr. John Vaughan, who recently celebrated his 51st ordination anniversary and retired from active ministry this past June, said he has long supported the construction of these apartments.
“This will be a place where priests can go, have companionship with each other and support each other as we get older,” said Fr. Vaughan, who said he could envision himself moving to the new apartments in years down the road.
“The new plans seem very nice, and more accessible (than the Bishop Cotton Apartments),” he said.
Fr. Jerry Riney, who retired from active ministry in 2021 and celebrates his 50th ordination anniversary this August, explained the need for these new apartments to be built.
He said the Faithful Foundations campaign will provide a space for older priests to be near resources and support at the Carmel Home, “but be as independent as they want.”
“At the moment I’m happy to live independently, but I can foresee a time where I may welcome living at these apartments,” said Fr. Riney.
He said the new apartments will have a small chapel, “which will be nice to concelebrate together the greatest prayer we have as priests – the liturgy – as well as pray the Divine Office, which is meant to be prayed communally.”
Fr. Riney said it is not uncommon for other dioceses to provide a shared home for their senior priests, but each diocesan facility is unique according to the needs of its clergy.
He credited chancellor Tom Lilly, director of stewardship and development Valeria Vessels, Bill Blincoe, and Bishop William F. Medley for coordinating Faithful Foundations.
“I’ve been reading a lot about the epidemic of loneliness – I would hope these apartments would bring an opportunity to come together and support one another (as senior priests),” he said.
As of this story’s publication, 29 priests have already pledged $127,000, and the campaign is now open to anyone who wishes to donate. This month, receptions are being held around the diocese to spread awareness about the campaign; all are welcome to attend.
These gatherings will be held Aug. 13 at Immaculate Parish in Owensboro; Aug. 14 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Owensboro, Aug. 19 at St. Thomas More Parish in Paducah; Aug. 20 at Holy Spirit Parish in Paducah; and Aug. 21 at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Hopkinsville. Registration information and more details about the campaign may be found at https://owensborodiocese.org/senior-priests-apartments.
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Originally printed in the August 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
