The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, which takes place in the Diocese in December, is designated exclusively to support retired religious Sisters and Brothers of the United States.
In an April letter from the National Religious Retirement Office, Director John Knudsen expressed his thanks to Bishop James F. Checchio for the $211,701.53 donation in support of the 2023 Retirement Fund for Religious collection.
Knudsen wrote, “Please extend our heartfelt to your parishioners for their ongoing support of senior religious and their communities. Since the collection was launched, contributions from your Diocese have totaled $8,545,840.48.”
Gifts to the collection enable the national office to distribute financial and educational assistance that help religious communities provide for older members while continuing to serve the People of God, wrote Knudsen, noting that proceeds offer much-needed support for medications, nursing care, and other day-to-day necessities. They also underwrite programming and education that promote long-term retirement planning, and focus on helping religious communities reduce costs, enhance eldercare, and identify additional sources of income.
“Joined with the 30,000 elderly sisters, brother and religious order priests who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious, I offer a daily prayer of thanksgiving for all whose love and sacrifice make the work of our office possible. May God bless you and your parishioners,” wrote Knudsen.