Support Retirement Fund for Religious

April 13, 2006

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we approach the first anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death, we recall that he, by his steadfast example, focused our attention on the suffering that is often endured by those who are aging. With dignity and humility, he placed his own frailty in public view and reminded us that the suffering endured in old age is part and parcel of the redemptive mystery.

Far removed from public view, many of our elderly religious brothers and sisters also suffer the frailties that can accompany aging, and I ask your compassionate response to this appeal for their benefit. They have served the church and they have done so for no material reward. They have not, in fact, "retired," but have only withdrawn from paid ministries that are now beyond their physical abilities; and their institutes are in genuine need of assistance meeting skyrocketing health care costs and providing adequate facilities.

The second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be conducted in our diocese on April 15-16, 2006.

The Diocese of Sioux City has been extremely well served by the religious women and men of these institutes who continue to serve through the ministries they sponsor and the example of commitment, faith, and hope they offer to all whom they meet.

U.S. Catholics have donated almost $460 million to this appeal, now in its 18th year. While vowed religious are the first to remind us that our faith tradition contains no guarantee of financial security, their generosity of spirit, energy, talent, and prayer - both past and present-surely prompts a grateful response.

Please support this campaign.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City

Priests and Deacons: Please make this information known to your parishioners through my letter in The Globe or your parish bulletins.