Collection for women religious set for Easter

Letter from Bishop DiNardo
Posted April 17, 2003

My dear Friends in Christ,

As we enter the heart and center of our Lenten observance, the celebration of the Triduum, from Holy Thursday evening until Easter Sunday, we are privileged to renew again in word and sacrament the event of the Lord's passion, death and resurrection. It is our salvation that we celebrate. Its reality and promise spurs us on each year to greater gratitude for the gift of Christ Jesus. We arise with the Risen Christ to be his witnesses - by words and by actions.

It has been customary in the Diocese of Sioux City to take up the annual National Collection for Retired Religious on Easter Sunday. The blessings that women religious have given to the local church of Sioux City are immense. These women worked diligently with very modest compensation. They trusted in the Lord Jesus and the generosity of others to provide for them in their advanced years. They had no insurance or pension plan, and were not eligible for Social Security. This has presented a critical problem for the church in the United States. Great strides have been made in the last fourteen years through the generosity of so many.

More than 60,000 - the majority of religious in the United States - are now past the age of 60. Those who are physically able, continue to minister long past the typical retirement age. They are our wise elders and as they confront the challenges of aging, they maintain a vision of ministry to others. Not matter their age, no matter their need, they look for ways to serve others. And, in doing so, they give us countless modern parables in the ongoing pilgrimage of faith.

Let us reassure our women religious of our gratitude for their dedication and service to the church, and through our generosity to this special collection, continue to assure them of our support and love. I thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity to the Retirement Fund for Religious this Easter Sunday.

I ask the Lord to bless each of you and your families as we participate together in the great mysteries of Holy Week and Easter.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

†Most Rev. Daniel N. DiNardo
Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City