Bishop George J. Lucas has received a letter thanking the people of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois for a contribution of $115,906 to the 20th annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection.

Sister Janice Bader, CPPS, executive director, wrote that over the years, the diocese has contributed more than $2.4 million to the fund.

"Your generosity surely helps religious address the many challenges religious face as they age," Sister Janice wrote. "Religious today, as always, continue to make an impact on our society. Even as they age, their commitment to the ministry of their community, their prayer and spiritual life are vibrant testimony to the faithfulness they promised so many years ago."

Sister Janice wrote that this year's contribution was $5,141.37 over last year.

"We are most grateful for all you do," she wrote. "You can surely rely on the prayers of the over 37,000 religious now over age 70 and the ever-increasing numbers of religious who will be retiring very soon."