Soon, our parishes will be conducting the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR). I urge you to offer this appeal your prayerful and vocal support. Your efforts are vital to its success.  Despite the unparalleled generosity of Catholics to the Retirement Fund for Religious, the needs of elder religious remain profound. Rising healthcare and facility costs along with decreased income make it difficult for religious communities to furnish adequate care for senior members. The RFR offers financial assistance and services that help religious communities provide for the ongoing needs of their elder members while continuing to focus on mission and ministry.  As you consider this year’s appeal, I ask you to reflect on the role of religious in your own life. Perhaps a woman or man religious nurtured your faith and your vocation to the priesthood. Or you may have ministered alongside a sister, brother, or religious order priest in a school, parish, or diocesan setting. I invite you to share these experiences with your parishioners or to consider hosting an RFR speaker. Most importantly, please announce the collection during Mass.  In thanksgiving for the faithful service of our senior religious and their many contributions to our Church and world, I ask for your heartfelt assistance. Above all, please join me in praying for God’s continued blessing on our nation’s elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.