Photo Caption: The poster for the 2011 national collection features Augustinian Father Ronald Turcich, who served at St. Joseph’s Parish, Pekin, and Sacre Coeur Parish, Creve Coeur.

The following is a letter from Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, Bishop of Peoria

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To: The Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Diocese of Peoria

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

In 2010, while visiting a senior-care facility, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI noted, “Indeed, the provision of care for the elderly should be considered not so much an act of generosity as the repayment of a debt of gratitude.” Soon, our parishes will be taking up the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious, an opportunity to honor and thank thousands of senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests for their faithful service.

Whether or not we realize it, we are all beneficiaries of the tremendous contributions these women and men have made to the Church in the United States. Through hard work, prayer, and sacrifice, they built Catholic schools and hospitals, initiated programs to promote social justice, and ministered to the neediest among us. As I reflect on the dedication of elder religious, I remain grateful for the ways they have shaped my own faith and for the tremendous service they have offered our diocese. I hope you, too, recall a sister or brother who made a positive difference in your life.

Today, many religious communities struggle to care for their elderly members. Sky-rocketing health-care costs and decreased income make it increasingly difficult to provide necessary medications, nursing care, and basic services. Aging convents and other facilities pose additional challenges in terms of safety and handicap accessibility.

I recognize this is but one of numerous worthy causes in need of support and that many in our own community face financial difficulties. I ask you simply to give what you can. In thanksgiving for all that senior religious have done, please join me in supporting the Retirement Fund for Religious and in praying for God’s continued blessing on our nation’s elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
BISHOP OF PEORIA

NOTE — The collection will be received in all parishes of the Diocese of Peoria the weekend of Dec. 10-11.