Meet some of the women and men who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious.
The Retirement Fund for Religious team recently traveled to Chicago, Illinois, where we had the honor of photographing senior religious from a number of communities across the archdiocese.
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“Donors play a vital role in supporting our mission. Their contributions help care for both the young and elderly, sustaining our wide range of services. From our daycare center to our nursing home, their generosity makes a lasting impact on the lives of so many,” reflects Sister M. Anne Maskey, 70, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, Illinois.
“Donors to the Retirement Fund for Religious are the heart and soul of its mission, and their generosity is a living testament to compassion in action. Each gift, large or small, expresses deep respect and care for our elderly religious, honoring their lifetime of service and ensuring their needs are met with dignity,” reflects Brother Joe Rogenski, 75, a member of the Order of Friars Minor in St. Louis, Missouri.
“Donors to the Retirement Fund for Religious play a vital role in our mission. They become prayer missionaries and partners, helping us bring souls to Christ. Their financial support allows us to reach out to those on the street who are most in need. Both prayer and financial aid are essential to continue this holy work, and together, we can make a real difference in the lives of so many,” says Sr. Mary Fidelis Lane, 88, a member of Daughters of Our Mother of Peace in High Ridge, Missouri.
“Religious individuals dedicate their entire lives to serving others and fulfilling their call to God and the Church. Even in retirement, they remain steadfast in their mission, continuously engaged in prayer and service. For them, retirement does not mean rest but rather a continued commitment to supporting others and living their faith. It’s essential that we recognize and support this dedication, ensuring they have what they need to continue their holy work,” reflects Father John Hansen, 72, a member of The Sons of Our Mother of Peace in High Ridge, Missouri.
“Donations are needed to have the ordinary kinds of things many senior religious need in terms of food, clothing, and housing. We owe it to them to take care of them. Maybe even more than we have in the past… they need it,” says Father Maury Smith, 87, a member of the Order of Friars Minor in St. Louis, Missouri.
“Thanks to your generosity, we can provide the very best care to the sisters in our community,” says Sister M. Stephanie Belgeri, 72, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, Illinois. “Your contributions enabled upgrades, including building an infirmary, ensuring our sisters’ well-being.”
“Thank you very much for your donations, always,” says Sister Olivia Bellegante, 92, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St. Louis, Missouri. “Since most of the sisters are getting older and not working anymore, it is difficult. It is a help to them; without it, I’m not sure that they could survive.”
The Retirement Fund for Religious team recently journeyed to St. Louis, Missouri, to photograph senior religious from various communities within the archdiocese.
These dedicated sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have all benefited from the impact of generous donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious collection, held annually nationwide.
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“It’s this kindness,” Brother Ronald of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and the Captives (The Trinitarians) says, “that keeps us old birds chirping and fluttering, far from just waiting for the undertaker.”