Dear Friends in Christ,

In the coming weeks, our parishes will take up the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. This campaign is crucial, benefiting more than 24,000 elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who have been faithful servants within the Church, devoting their lives to service. Since 1988, the collection has raised over $1 billion. In the Archdiocese of Hartford, five communities totaling 280 women religious benefited from last year’s collection.

As I reflect on their ministry, I am grateful for the influence these women and men religious have had on our faith journeys. Their devoted service has enriched our Archdiocese, inspiring and guiding us as we grow in faith.

Most senior religious worked many years for little pay, leaving their religious communities with a shortage of retirement savings. Rising healthcare costs and decreased income compound the challenge to meet day-to-day needs for medications, nursing assistance, and other necessities.

Your contributions to the Retirement Fund for Religious play a vital role in providing necessary financial support. This support enables religious communities to care for their aging members while ensuring that the newer generation can carry forward the invaluable work of their elders.

Please consider a contribution of any amount, if you are able. Above all, I ask for your
prayers for God’s continued blessings on all our women and men religious, who keep you in their prayers as well.

Together, let us support the many religious women and men who continue to make enormous
contributions to our Church and to the world.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne
Archbishop of Hartford