Fr Bernie Krotwaar has had a busy 12 months moving from his role as Parish Priest in Trafalgar which he held for 14 years into retirement.
With Arthritis impacting significantly on his health he made the move in August 2022 to Andrews House Care facility in Trafalgar. This move was made possible through the support of the Priests’ Welfare Foundation (PWF). The aim for the PWF is to provide retired priests with social welfare, maintenance, necessities of life and relief from poverty.
The focus of the charity is on those who are in challenging circumstances such as sickness, infirmity or old age.
Fr Bernie was assisted by Barbara Kingwill, Clergy Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator with CatholicCare Victoria, who helped him complete all the paperwork and go through the processes needed for the move.
“She was brilliant, I’d have been lost without her,” Fr Bernie said.
Fr Bernie has now settled into his ‘ministry in retirement’, saying Mass two times a week in Andrew’s House and joining in with bible studies sessions.
When the house was placed in lockdown during the 2021 COVID period he also helped out leading Christian ecumenical services for the whole community.
“I also provide spiritual support to those who are ill and near the end of their lives if the staff ever request,” he said.
While the transition has been a big change, Fr Bernie is grateful for the support from the PWF. “I’m not sure how I would have got sorted otherwise,” he said.
Ms Kingwill is also on hand to take Fr Bernie to medical appointments and assist with other wellbeing support.
Part of Ms Kingwill’s salary is supported by the PWF and the PWF also contribute to the living expenses of Fr Bernie’s care at Andrews house.
This Father’s Day the Priests’ Welfare Foundation will hold its annual appeal.
Donations made will assist Priests’ like Father Bernie in their transition to retirement and to remain comfortable in their later years.
Or use the QR code to donate. 
Visit www.cdsale.org.au/priestswelfarefoundation to learn more about the PFW.
