Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal

Dear Friends in Christ,

Every year around this time, we have the opportunity to show our support of those who have given their lives to the Church. This year’s Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal will be taken up in our diocese the weekend of Dec. 12-13.

The annual Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal helps religious communities care for their senior members. Historically, Catholic sisters, brothers, and priests in religious orders served for little to no pay at a time when there were no 401k plans or pensions. Today, many religious communities lack sufficient retirement savings, and rising health care costs and a growing number of senior members compound the challenge to meet retirement expenses. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal provides vital funding for medications, nursing care, and more.

Through their chosen vocations to consecrated life, our elderly religious have given lifelong witness to God’s love and mercy. During their days of active ministry, they served in various ways all those whom the Spirit sent them. Through catechesis, education, health care, and service to the poor, their lives have shown how to live the Gospel to the fullest extent. In retirement, many continue to volunteer and serve in whatever ways they can.

This has been a difficult year financially for many families in our diocese. I invite you to give what you can. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, please pray for God’s protection and blessing on these religious who have faithfully served our Church and world. Rest assured, they are praying for you!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak Bishop of Grand Rapids