Father Clifford A. Martin

Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, I was the oldest of four children. As a youngster, I attended Catechism classes (then known as CCD) and I appreciate the Sisters who, along with my family, encouraged my faith and helped me learn more about Jesus and his ministry. At 14, I entered the minor seminary in Mountain View, CA and, after many years of study, was ordained a priest in 1976 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco.

During my years as a diocesan priest, I served in 14 parishes – seven as an associate priest and seven as a pastor. Throughout my priesthood, I admired the many dedicated religious who not only taught in our Catholic schools but also ministered to the wonderful people in the parishes of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

One Sister in particular to whom I am especially indebted is Sister Elizabeth Lee, a Medical Missioner, who took the time to help me learn Cantonese in order that I might celebrate Mass in the native tongue for the parishioners of St. Ann Parish.

The meager stipends that religious received for their ministries supported the convents and rectories in which they lived but left little extra for retirement planning.

Since my mother was an accountant, one of the values she stressed to me was the importance of saving. Throughout my life, I followed her example and managed to save for retirement. Because of her example, I am presently able to donate to some of my favorite religious communities with whom I worked. And I am especially happy to support SOAR! I loved SOAR! from the moment I heard about this organization. I was attracted to their caring, vital mission — helping both men’s and women’s religious communities with retirement needs, allowing them to enjoy a safer, more respectful retirement. Throughout its almost 40 year history, SOAR! exists as a valuable lifesaver to our elderly religious and one well-deserving of our support. I am also honored to have left SOAR! in my will. Through this avenue, my gift will benefit SOAR! well into the future.

Father Martin retired in 2015 and settled in Vancouver, WA to be closer to his family. He continues to minister at Holy Redeemer and St. Thomas parishes in Vancouver and has been a faithful supporter of SOAR! for many years.