A contribution of $122,773 from the Springfield diocese to the Retirement Fund for Religious in its 2008 appeal was gratefully acknowledged by Sister Janice Bader, CPPS, executive director of the National Religious Retirement Office in Washington, D.C.

"Your generosity surely helps religious address the many challenges religious face as they age," Sister Janice wrote Bishop George J. Lucas. "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. Your commitment to them is a heartfelt testimony to their faithfulness."

Over 37,000 religious are over age 70, and ever-increasing numbers of religious will be retiring soon. "This year's gift from your diocese is up nearly 6 percent, which is amazing in this economy. We are deeply grateful," Sister Janice said.

In the 21 years of the Retirement Fund appeal, the diocese's collections have brought in a total of nearly $2.6 million. Even before the national appeal was organized, the Springfield diocese was taking a collection for religious orders working in the diocese, said John Maxwell, director of the diocesan Office for Finance.