In response to the Diocese of Trenton’s donation to the 2017 Retirement Fund for Religious, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., received a letter of gratitude April 5 from Presentation Sister Stephanie Still, executive director of the National Religious Retirement Office.

“Thank you … for this very generous support of our mission,” Sister Stephanie wrote. “Please extend our heartfelt gratitude to your parishioners for their ongoing support of senior religious and their communities.”

In December, the Diocese responded to the fund’s annual appeal with a check for $310,447.24. Sister of St. Joseph Rose McDermott, delegate for religious in the diocesan Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life, noted that at the time, there were 317 Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests serving in the Diocese’s four counties.

“Our people are extremely generous and have great respect for the religious,” who serve in hospitals, schools, social services and parishes, as well as in contemplative orders, she said.

Since the collection was launched in 1988, the Diocese of Trenton has contributed almost $10.4 million.

“Generosity to the collection enables our office to distribute financial and educational assistance that help religious communities provide for older members, while continuing to serve the people of God,” Sister Stephanie wrote. “Proceeds offer much-needed support for medications, nursing care and other day-to-day necessities.”

A portion of the appeal, she continued, also underwrites programming and education that promote long-term retirement planning.

“These resources focus on helping communities to reduce costs, enhance eldercare and identify additional sources of income,” she explained.

“Joined with the 32,000 elderly sisters, brothers and religious order priests who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious, I offer a daily prayer of thanksgiving for all whose love and sacrifice make the work of our office possible.”