Dear Friends in Christ,
On the weekend of Dec. 13-14, our parishes will take up the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
This important annual appeal benefits more than 20,500 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who have dedicated their lives in service to the church.
These faithful servants have long been a source of inspiration and support in our communities. I am personally grateful for the religious who helped shape my own faith journey. Perhaps you, too, have known a sister, brother, or religious order priest whose quiet dedication, prayerful presence, or selfless acts left a lasting impression on your life.
Today, the challenges many of these senior religious and their communities face in meeting their retirement needs are greater than ever. Most received little to no pay for their service, and their communities struggle to cover rising health care expenses and the increasing cost of day-to-day eldercare. The financial burdens continue to grow, and the need is urgent.
Gifts to the Retirement Fund for Religious make a real, tangible difference to these many women and men religious. Contributions directly support their ongoing care today and help ensure that their communities can plan wisely for their future.
I know you are asked to support many worthy causes, and I thank you for the many ways you give. Please consider making a gift to this year’s collection if you are able — and continue to pray for all our elderly religious. They also remember us daily in their prayers.
May God bless you and your loved ones abundantly with peace and health.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend William E. Koenig, D.D.
Bishop of Wilmington
