Sister Janice Bader, CPPS, executive director of the National Religious Retirement Office, recently sent a letter to the Catholic Pastoral Center in Springfield, thanking those from the Springfield diocese who contributed to the Retirement Fund for Religious in 2007. The annual collection is usually held the second Sunday of Advent in most parishes across the country.

"On behalf of men and women religious throughout the United States, I extend heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the annual appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious in 2007," Sister Janice said. "Your generous donation totaled $115,906.42, almost 5 percent more than was contributed in 2006. We know this represents great sacrifice on the part of many in these difficult economic times, and we are deeply grateful."

Sister Janice said proceeds from the fund help to provide care for more than 37,500 religious in the United States who are past age 70, including more than 4,900 who need skilled nursing care. "These women and men pray daily for your intentions, asking God to bless you abundantly," she said.