Essential Family Resource Guide
The Archdiocese Presbyters Council, in collaboration with the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres and the Archdiocese Benefits Committee, is pleased to announce the release of the Essential Family Resource Guide—a comprehensive organizational tool created to assist clergy families in compiling, protecting, and communicating vital personal and household information.
Developed in response to the expressed needs of clergy and presvyteres across the Archdiocese, the Essential Family Resource Guide provides a single, secure place to record critical details that support effective planning, informed decision-making, and peace of mind during both ordinary and unexpected moments of life and ministry.
Click here or on the image above to acccess the Resource Guide
Key Components of the Guide
Section 1: Personal Information
A structured record for both clergy and presvyteres, including:
– Name, birth date, Social Security number, address, passport number, and wedding date
– Educational background and ministry history (ordination details, hierarch, offikion, parish assignments, ministry highlights, committees, awards)
– Family information, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with contact details
Note: All passwords should be stored separately in a secure location.
Section 2: Medical Information
An essential summary of health-related information including medical conditions, medications, allergies, prior surgeries, primary and specialty physicians, blood type, and insurance details. Space is also provided for documenting Medicare/Medicaid enrollment, living will, and health care power of attorney.
Section 3: Financial Information
A thorough overview of financial matters, such as bank accounts, debit/credit cards, investments, life insurance, Social Security, Archdiocese pension, retirement plans, real estate, and all liabilities (mortgage, home/car/student/personal loans).
Section 4: Key Contacts
A centralized directory of essential professionals including the family’s executor, attorney, accountant or tax preparer, financial advisor, and insurance agents.
Section 5: Archdiocesan Benefits Office Guidance
Important information outlining procedures and benefits related to retirement or the falling asleep in the Lord of a clergyman or presvytera.
Section 6: Guidelines for When a Priest Falls Asleep in the Lord
Pastoral and practical instructions for families and parish leaders, including funeral home contacts, the proper celebration of the funeral of a priest, and guidance concerning vestments, liturgical books, and other personal clergy items.
Important Security Recommendations
Families are strongly encouraged to print, bind, and store the completed guide in a secure and protected location.
To safeguard sensitive personal information, the document should not be stored on a family computer, email account, cloud service, or any online platform.
Additionally, it is recommended that all passwords for computers and personal accounts be updated regularly and stored separately—in a dedicated folder kept in a different secure location from the Guide.
A Gift of Organization, Clarity, and Care
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America stated:
“This Guide is a valuable pastoral tool for our clergy and their families. It reflects the commitment of the Archdiocese and the Holy Eparchial Synod to supporting those who serve the Church faithfully, helping families prepare thoughtfully for every stage of life in ministry.”
Rev. Fr. Peter Orfanakos, APC President, shared:
“The pastoral and practical responsibilities carried by clergy families are immense. This Guide was created to offer clarity and compassion—ensuring that every family has what they need to navigate both the blessings and the challenges of life in ministry.”
Presvytera Pearlann Bithos, NSP President, added:
“Our prayer is that this resource brings peace of mind to every clergy household. By gathering crucial information in one place, families can face difficult moments with confidence, dignity, and the assurance that they are not alone.”
Rev. Fr. John Touloumes, Chair of the ABC, noted:
“The Essential Family Resource Guide is not only a practical tool but a safeguard for clergy families. By consolidating personal, medical, and financial information, it allows families to act quickly and confidently in times of need, ensuring their affairs are well-organized and secure.”