Meet some of the women and men who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious collection.
“Gratitude is a religious expression. It is a thanksgiving to God for the service of so many religious individuals who have dedicated their lives not for profit, but for the benefit of others. We are most grateful to the donors who give,” shares Father Albert Judy, OP, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday and more than six decades of Dominican life.
“We are so grateful for our benefactors, whose prayers and support sustain our life of service. I’m eternally grateful for my vocation. My advice is to come in with your heart completely open and expect wonderful things to happen,” notes Brother Martin Schmitz, 95, a member of the Conventual Franciscans of St. Bonaventure Province.
“What you’re doing is letting us continue our ministry in praying for others, meeting others, and continuing our work as bringing the best of God to all. And we thank you for all you do, and you’re in our prayers,” reflects Father Terry Deffenbaugh, OSA, 78, a dedicated member of the Augustinian community whose ministry has been marked by faith, humor, and compassion.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Retirement Fund. For our small community of just 30 members, these contributions have lifted a tremendous burden and helped us plan for the future with dignity and care. The generosity of donors has been a gift to us—and we continue to feel its impact every day,” reflects Sister Barbara Mass, a founding member of the Sisters of the Living Word whose decades of service have centered on teaching, leadership, and spiritual formation.
“Your generosity is more than a gift—it’s a grace. Because of you, we are cared for in our later years with dignity and love. I thank God for you each day in my prayers,” reflects Sister Diane De Carli, MSCS, an 86-year-old member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinian) community in Melrose Park, Illinois.
“When our congregation began, we had almost no savings. But thanks to the generous donors who contribute to the Retirement Fund for Religious year after year, we’ve built a modest nest egg that brings us real peace of mind. Most of us are no longer able to work, and these gifts—from both Catholics and non-Catholics—help us live with dignity. We’re profoundly grateful. You’ve made our retirement years more secure, and we never take that for granted,” shares Sister Sharon Glumb, a 76-year-old member of the Sisters of the Living Word in Des Plaines, Illinois.
“Our ministries often face deep financial challenges—even struggling to meet basic living expenses. We rely on the generosity of donors, especially friends and family, whose support sustains our work when resources are scarce. Their giving isn’t just helpful—it’s vital,” shares Brother Jordan Coonen, 84, who has devoted 65 years of service as a Dominican Brother in Chicago, Illinois.
“As a retired sister, I’ve seen firsthand how many of our communities struggle to meet even basic living expenses. The support we receive from the Retirement Fund for Religious—and from the donors who give so generously—helps us live with dignity and peace of mind. Your kindness fills a need that we could never meet on our own. Thank you,” shares Sister Maria Ciglioni, an 86-year-old member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinian) community in Melrose Park, Illinois.
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.
Read More about Thankful Senior Religious Photographed in Chicago »
“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.