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The annual St. John Vianney Luncheon that has raised more than $2 million to support retired priests of the Archdiocese of San Francisco cannot be held this year. Instead, the archdiocese celebrates Priests Retirement Week. The honorees for 2020 are Father John Greene and Msgr. Michael Harriman. Highlights of Priests Retirement Week include: Nov. 14-15, special collection in parishes; Nov. 14-18, gift baskets will be delivered to more than 50 retired priests living in the Bay Area; Nov. 19, online celebration open to the public, 10:30-11:15 a.m., followed by Mass by Archbishop Cordileone in his chapel for Father Greene, Msgr. Harriman and their guests. For more information, visit https://sfarchdiocese.org/priestfund or contact Rose Marie Wong, (415) 614-5517, wongr@sfarch.org.
Father John Greene
“I want to help people feel the presence and power of God’s love in their lives.” That presence and power has been a part of Father John Greene’s life for as long as he can remember. It has been his life’s mission, ministry, and joy to share it with others.
Ever since he was a little boy, Father Greene wanted to be a Priest. In fact, it was the only thing he ever wanted to be.
He couldn’t wait to be ordained – a native of Vallejo, he entered minor (“junior”) seminary at St. Pius X Seminary in Galt, California, when he was just 13 years old. It was a life of prayer, Mass, and study, and he thrived. Eventually, Father Greene was the only one of 75 original classmates from minor seminary who became a priest.
He was ordained for the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1976 and since then has shared God’s love with many parishes – perhaps most notably as pastor at St. Monica’s in San Francisco and St. Robert’s in San Bruno, and also as the chaplain of the San Francisco Fire Department for 37 years.
Father Greene’s life is one of continuous learning and service: Being there for and with the people he served in his active ministry and continues to serve in retirement. His is a ministry of accepting people for who they are and what they believe.
It is in this way, Father Greene believes, that he can best share God’s love and presence, and it has always been his ultimate calling to bring “…the power of his love in their lives…”. Countless parishioners and members of the San Francisco Fire Department would certainly say Father Greene has done so.
Father Greene will be honored Nov. 19, 2020 at the annual and this year virtual Priests’ Retirement Lunch.
Msgr. Michael Harriman
The message of Christian discipleship, fellowship and significance of the Eucharist in St. Luke’s account of the road to Emmaus, is one that resonates with Msgr. Michael Harriman. It has had a powerful influence on his priestly ministry to individuals, families and youth of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
Msgr. Harriman, who will be honored at the annual and this year virtual Priest Retirement Celebration on Nov. 19, 2020, said the Gospel story tells us: “The role of a priest is to walk with our people – not ahead or behind – and listen to their life experiences.” He continued: “The priest’s response is to break open the Scriptures to allow the light of the Gospels to affect people’s lives.”
Msgr. Harriman has worked with many people since his ordination in 1968, serving as parochial vicar at St. Isabella and pastor at St. Thomas Apostle and St. Cecilia parishes. As Msgr. Harriman stated: “In a particular way it was a privilege to work with the three parish schools. Working with the principal, faculty and student leaders resulted in a collaborative effort to evangelize and catechize the school families.” Msgr. Harriman also assumed leadership roles at CYO, including director of the CYO Camp and Retreat Center in Occidental, and helped develop many youth and young adult programs that flourish to this day. His extensive work in youth ministry and in the parishes where he served left an indelible mark on him.
Msgr. Harriman celebrated 52 years as a priest in May 2020. “I have enjoyed being part of God’s own people,” he said. “I have been formed by the priests and people of our parishes and CYO.”
While enjoying his well-deserved retirement, Msgr. Harriman remains active in his priestly ministry, celebrating Mass at St. Bartholomew Church and leading occasional workshops for faculty and parents at his alma mater, St. Catherine of Siena School in Burlingame. He maintains the friendships he has forged saying his former parishioners, members of the CYO family, and his priest support group help to inspire him with their living and vibrant faith.