RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS

                Next weekend, December 9th and 10th, parishes will be conducting the 30th appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious, an annual collection that benefits more than 32,000 elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.

                Our senior religious are a treasure. Their dedication and hard work laid the foundation for Catholic schools, hospitals, and numerous social service organizations. Many continue in volunteer ministry today. Their ongoing prayer and witness enrich our faith in countless ways.

                Most elder religious worked for years for small stipends, leaving a substantial gap in retirement savings. Rising health-care costs and decreased income compound the challenge to meet such day-to-day needs as medications and nursing assistance. The Retirement Fund for Religious offers financial support that helps religious communities provide loving care for older members while ensuring younger ones they can continue the good works of their elders.

                It can be difficult to promote yet another collection, especially with many worthy causes vying for the limited resources of parishioners. Please consider giving what you can. Most importantly, please pray for God’s continued blessing on all our women and men religious. They are praying for you.