– by Lisa Fletcher

“We may be retired,” Fr. Edward Shine says with a wink, “but we’re still very much alive in our ministry.”

It’s a crisp Tuesday morning in Harrison, Ohio. The last echoes of Mass have faded from the sanctuary of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and two old friends step out into the church hall, the scent of fresh coffee already luring them forward. Their steps are slow but steady.

At 93 and 95, Rev. Edward Shine and Rev. William Dorrmann are the oldest priests in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Officially retired, yes – but you wouldn’t know it from their schedule. Today, like most Tuesdays, they’ve concelebrated Mass, Adoration, and Reconciliation. And now, it’s time for coffee.
Sometimes they linger in the church hall, surrounded by parishioners who stop by for stories and smiles. Other times, they head out for breakfast—just the two of them.
“We make a great team,” Fr. Dorrmann says, taking a sip from his mug. “I’m the chauffeur, and Fr. Shine here? He’s the doctor of knowledge.”

Fr. Shine chuckles and nods, acknowledging his friend’s compliment. Their banter is easy, familiar – woven from decades of shared ministry and friendship. The two first met at St. Gregory Seminary, where Fr. Dorrmann was two years ahead. Even as young men, they were drawn together by a shared sense of purpose and a curiosity about the priesthood that would become their life’s calling.

Fr. Dorrmann, raised on a farm near St. John’s Dry Ridge, remembers the moment that calling took root. “I was in seventh grade,” he says, “watching the priests during Mass. They had such a presence. I was mesmerized.” He became an altar server, and from there, the path was clear. Seventy years later, he’s still serving – concelebrating Mass, assisting with funerals, visiting the sick. Though he officially retired in 2001 after 46 years in active ministry, he never stepped away.
“I still love presiding at the Holy Mass,” he says, eyes bright. “Especially ministering to the sick and dying. I see the peace that comes over them. I’m grateful God put me in this position.”

Fr. Shine nods. He, too, knew his path early. Raised in St. Dominic Parish in Delhi Township, he was inspired by his uncle who was a priest and the welcoming clergy who made the Church feel like home. Over the years, he’s served at seven parishes, taught theology, and made 18 mission trips to El Salvador to minister to a sister parish. Now fluent in Spanish, he continues to celebrate weekly Spanish Masses at St. John the Baptist in Harrison, where he served as pastor for 20 years.
“There was never another path for me,” he says simply. “It’s been a deeply fulfilling life.”

Their retirement doesn’t mean they have stopped working – it just means serving differently. Fr. Shine still loves to cook, often preparing meals for Fr. Dorrmann. They concelebrate Mass together, gather with fellow priests, and, of course, never miss their Tuesday ritual.
Fr. Dorrmann also meets monthly with a group of priests—a tradition that dates back to the 1980s. “It’s a lifeline,” he says. “A fraternity. The priesthood is something a little extra special, and it helps to share that with others who understand.”

Across the Archdiocese, there are more than 100 retired priests. Many, like Fr. Shine and Fr. Dorrmann, remain deeply involved in their communities. And thanks to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA), these men are able to live independently, receive quality medical care, and continue their ministry on their own terms.
“I never could save up much,” Fr. Dorrmann admits. “But the Archdiocese has been a great support. In our aging years, we’ve been given stability and care.”
Fr. Shine adds, “That’s what allows us to keep giving. We’re not finished – not yet.”

Their story is a testament not only to their enduring friendship, but to the lifelong impact of the priesthood. Through every Mass celebrated, every hand held at a hospital bedside, every shared laugh over breakfast, Fr. Dorrmann and Fr. Shine continue to give. And thanks to the support of the CMA, their lives remain a living testament to faith, friendship, and service.

The Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) is the annual campaign supporting six local ministry areas that teach, feed, and heal.
Through the CMA, all parishes of the Archdiocese join together as the Body of Christ to collaborate in the Corporal Works of Mercy.

YOUR financial gift to the CMA is what makes these life-changing moments possible. To Donate, Click HERE