Annual collection helps in caring for vowed religious

by Sister Mary Kabat

With the U.S. Bishops I again ask for your help this year for our retired Sisters and for all men and women religious throughout the United States.  Like me, you may have been personally blessed by religious who are now retired.  Perhaps you were educated by religious, had religious serving in your parish or received health care in hospitals founded by religious.  

The need continues. Last year of the 531 communities that provided financial and membership data to the National Religious Retirement Office only 29 were adequately funded. Why? For decades, religious men and women received small stipends that may have met the needs of the day.  Any surplus funds were used for further education in ministry for themselves or younger members. 

Currently there are fewer earning members and more members needing retirement care and some needing skilled nursing care. More need and less earnings!

The national collection dates this year are Dec. 12-13.  

• You can give directly to the religious who have served you or your family.  How to give to our Community is detailed here.
• You can give to the national collection and have your gift help those communities that qualify to receive a portion of the collection.  How to give to the national collection is detailed here.   The Diocese of Buffalo is hosting the online giving site for the National Religious Retirement Office.

Whatever your choice, your gift is most appreciated and most needed.  

God bless you for your thoughtful support!

Sister Mary Kabat
Development Director