This weekend, in parishes throughout the Diocese of Trenton, faithful will be asked to contribute to the 21st annual appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious.

It’s an annual event that never fails to move me for it always sets off reveries of days long past and times closer at hand.

Memories of the sisters and brothers who added so much to my life and contributed so much so selflessly to countless other people are treasures to be savored during this time of Advent recollection.

Summoning up these dearly remembered faces is a favorite pastime during the weekend. Mercy Sister Simon Robb, pioneer of senior services at the Jersey Shore and in the Diocese of Trenton, is one of the first to come to mind; Charity Sister Carmela Cristiano and Mercy Sister Rosemary E. Jeffries who shepherded Georgian Court from a successful small college to a dynamic university are part of the litany as well.

All of them and the sisters of their orders have given unsparingly of themselves to the Catholic community and the community at large. They have given generously of their spirituality, responding unsparingly whenever a call for prayer was sent out.

There are others, so many others and having the chance annually to contribute to the general well being of those in religious orders is a gift in itself for it enables us, in a very special way, to give something of value in their name.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Donna Watson, diocesan Delegate for Religious, is another sister I think of every year when the collection is taken.

Since we first met, her prayers and the prayers of the sisters of her order have been at my back and on my side every time trouble has reared its head in the lives of my family and friends.

Last week, we had a long conversation about the need for this collection and how it benefits 482 of the nation’s Catholic religious institutes of men and women.

“The main emphasis of this collection is to raise monies to care for the needs of religious who spent their entire lives at the service of the Church,” Sister Donna said.

Since the first national annual appeal took place in 1988, she said, the National Religious Retirement Office of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has raised more than $550 million, making it the most successful appeal in U.S. Catholic Church history, she said.

“This monetary assistance has enabled active working religious to continue to minister to the current needs of our people.”

Speaking of the many elderly retired sisters and brothers, she said: “Congregational members who receive the generosity of these donations take their ministry of prayer seriously.

“If you were to visit any of our retirement nursing homes, you would find religious quietly sitting in their rooms, reciting the Rosary, praying the Office, praying to God for you.

“So, if on any given day, something good happens to you,” she said with a smile, “know that it might be the result of this prayer line.

“In the name of every religious, we thank everyone for their generosity. We know how tight money is for everyone. Whatever anyone can give is so appreciated. If people can share our concerns in their prayers, that would be a gift in itself.”