Vintage Voice: Rite of Passage

Father Boucher lives in Richmond, Virginia (Diocese of Southern Virginia) with Laura Sims Boucher, his wife of 52 years.

After serving 37 years in five dioceses throughout the South and the Midwest doing parochial and diocesan work, I retired almost 12 years ago from full time ministry. I have discovered that retirement is, indeed, a rite of passage into a new stage of my life.

I have continued working as a part-time priest, but I have also developed other communities, such as the friends I’ve made at my local fitness center. I connect on a regular basis with other retired Episcopal clergy in a support group and belong to an ecumenical group that meets weekly to discuss spiritual issues raised by contemporary Christian authors. Maintaining and expanding these circles has been invaluable. I also make sure to spend time with my spouse, children, and grandchildren.

There are several places, namely Quebec City and some national parks, that my wife and I would like to explore while our health is still good. Thanks to The Church Pension Fund and its retirement benefits, we have financial stability and proper health insurance to give us peace of mind.

Although each day can bring its own set of challenges, such as helping family as well as former parishioners who are suffering from life-threatening conditions, both my wife and I find our lives fulfilled and that our spiritual journeys have deepened over the past decade.