December 2023<\/p>\n
Dear friends in Christ,<\/p>\n
I write to tell you about the upcoming 2023 collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. The annual appeal assists nearly 25,000 elderly sisters, brothers and religious order priests nationwide.<\/p>\n
I am grateful for the significant influence that women and men religious, both past and present, have had on my own spiritual journey. I deeply appreciate their invaluable contributions to our diocese and the wider community. Perhaps you too have been touched by the kindness and guidance of an older women or man religious who made a positive difference in your life.<\/p>\n
We are called to recognize that many of our senior vowed religious have dedicated their lives to service, usually receiving little pay in return. Consequently, their religious communities face a shortage of retirement savings. Compounding this challenge are rising health-care costs and decreased income. Religious communities find it increasingly difficult to meet the day-to-day needs of aging members, including their medical expenses, nursing assistance and other necessities.<\/p>\n
Your generous donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious provide vital financial support, enabling religious communities to care for their aging members.<\/p>\n
I know you are frequently asked to support many worthy causes. I invite you to contribute whatever you can toward this year’s collection. In addition to your financial contribution, please keep all our women and men religious in your prayers.<\/p>\n
May God’s abundant blessings be upon you and your loved ones.<\/p>\n
In Christ,<\/p>\n
+Most Reverend Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This collection will be taken the weekend of December 9-10, 2023. If you wish to donate by check, make it payable to St. Philomena.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"