A Lifetime of Service, A Moment of Thanks Many Northern New Jersey Catholics remember with fondness a man or woman religious who had a positive influence on their lives. They may have been a school teacher or principal, a religious educator, a counselor, a nurse, or simply a friend from their church. A Sister, Brother, or Religious Priest may have made a small gesture that made a difference in someone's life. On December 13 and 14 the community of the Archdiocese of Newark will be able to recognize a "Lifetime of Service," with "A Moment of Thanks" by contributing to the Retirement Fund for Religious. The appeal helps offset an almost $8 billion underfunding of retired Sisters, Brothers and priests in Religious orders. There are more than 45,000 Religious over the age of 70, and more Religious are over 80 than are under the age of 50. "Our older Religious spent their lives preparing millions of us to meet Jesus every day. They showed us that walking with Jesus is the way to peace," said Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, president of the National conference of Catholic Bishops. He said the collection was "a wonderful way to begin" the Advent season. Sister of Charity Regina Suplik, coordinator of the collection in the Archdiocese of Newark, said the annual collection is an important way to meet "the real and great need" of retired Religious. Sister pointed out that the people of the Archdiocese of Newark are among the most generous in the nation in their response to this collection.
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