SHARE IN THE CARE

                Many of us recall a special Catholic sister or brother who had a profound influence on our lives. Never counting the cost, these dedicated individuals shared with us faith, love, and a belief in all that we could become, choosing to invest in our futures rather than their own. Today, that sister or brother may be elderly and need care.

                In the early and mid-twentieth century, religious communities attracted record numbers of women and men to lives of service and prayer. Having many members afforded these communities a certain degree of financial security. Funds that religious communities earned or saved were used to build Catholic hospitals, schools, and social service agencies. Retirement was funded on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, with the stipends of the younger members providing the basics of daily living for themselves and for elder members. Health-care services were often provided at little or no cost to the religious institute. As a result, many religious communities now lack adequate retirement savings.

                To help address this challenge, U.S. Catholic bishops initiated the Retirement Fund for Religious in 1988. Each year, proceeds from the annual Retirement Fund for Religious are distributed to hundreds of eligible U.S. religious congregations. In the Diocese of Buffalo the communities of religious men and women that benefitted from this appeal are: the Barnabites, Dominican Nuns, the Columban Sisters, Sisters of Mercy, Social Service Sisters, Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of St. Mary Namur and the Sacred Heart Sisters.

                This weekend (December 12th and 13th), in the Diocese of Buffalo, the annual appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious is being conducted. Your support of those who have done so much for us in the past is greatly appreciated.