TWO WEEKS AND COUNTING….

 

As you read this we will be halfway through Advent.  Hopefully, amid the busyness of shopping, decorating, writing Christmas cards, etc. you have been able to enjoy some of St. Joseph’s special offerings for the season:  Bishop Ryan’s Advent retreat; the Friday evenings of silence, scriptural reflection and music; daily Mass or quiet time in the adoration chapel.  An old song comes to mind: “What’s it all about, Alfie?”  A good question for reflection as we seek to balance the necessary tasks of the season with our own need to allow God into our lives in a special way.

 

Besides marking the halfway point toward Christmas, this weekend is also the time when you are invited to contribute to the annual collection for retired women religious (people like me!).  Some Catholics are unaware that diocesan priests are supported in their retirement by their dioceses; women religious are supported by their congregations; e.g. Sister Joan by the Holy Family Sisters and I by the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

 

For many years sisters received a small stipend for teaching or other services they provided to parishes.  The parishes provided convents and utilities, but sisters were responsible for their food, clothing, education, and medical care. After Vatican II and its subsequent changes, sisters requested and received a modest salary and were able, for the first time, to set money aside for retirement.  (It may surprise you to know that the average retirement age for sisters is 74 and many continue to minister in a volunteer capacity into their 80’s.)    

 

Like those of many Americans, retirement funds of sisters’ congregations have been adversely affected by the current financial crisis. Therefore, there is a greater need for this year’s collection.  All those sisters who taught you in school or CCD (and we hope those are pleasant memories!) are now asking you to be generous.  God will certainly reward you!

 

Sister Marie, O.P. (“officially” retired but still going at 82)

 

P.S. If you are writing a check, please make it out to St. Joseph’s and indicate “Retired Rel. Fund.”  Blessings!