By Sr. Katie Eiffe, CSJ
Contributing writer
The Diocese of Syracuse will once again take part in the National Religious Retirement Collection on the weekend of August 16 and 17. This collection, sponsored by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, provides funding for religious congregations to care for their retired and infirm members — men and women who have given their lives in service of the people of God.
The NRRO states that “many elderly religious served with little to no pay, and unfortunately, today, many US religious orders lack adequate retirement savings.”
As you know, for many religious communities, the “demographics” reveal that the vast majority of their members are elderly and retired, while only a small percentage of members are engaged in active ministry, and thus, are not able to contribute much to the financial state of their orders.
These men and women have cared for others in varied ministries — teaching, nursing, parish positions of pastoral care, hospital visitation, social work, among many other ministries — for decades. Many continue to minister to the needs of the people of God well into their 80s!
Perhaps you have a memory of a religious priest, brother, or sister who ministered to you and your family in a time of need. Maybe you remember a sister who taught you or visited you, or a family member in the hospital or in a nursing home. Maybe a religious priest counseled you at a difficult time in your life, or brought you back into the Church. Maybe a religious brother served in a parish and worked with those who live in poverty. All of us, in some way, have experienced the love and mercy of Christ through these men and women.
Please be as generous as you are able to the Religious Retirement Collection.
Every gift, no matter how large or small, is an expression of gratitude to God and to these religious women and men who have touched our lives.
Your generosity to the Collection helps to ensure that their communities will be able to provide them with the care they need.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. May our loving God bless you and all you love.
