Retired Religious – Did you know that not everyone in the U.S. receives Social Security? It was a comment made by Sr. Barbara Beasley, a sister of the Good Shepherd, who made an appeal last Sunday for the Retired Religious. In the past, the religious who took vows of poverty and worked in schools, hospitals, and parishes received no salary and so did not pay into the Social Security system. In 1972, they were allowed to enter into the Social Security system, but had to pay a huge amount in order to be eligible. The smaller religious communities, who were unable to pay this huge amount, were sadly, unable to enroll their sisters in Social Security. In the past, when there were more religious women working than retired, they could afford the care of their older sisters. However, as the number of working sisters decreased and the number of retired sisters increased, with longer life expectancy and the rise of medical costs kyrocketing, this has become a problem for many religious communities.
They still see their mission as important and are anxious to use their financial resources for ministry and service to others. At the same time, the religious communities are responsible for the health and retirement expenses for each sister and take this responsibility very seriously. Most sisters feel a deep discomfort with this appeal on their behalf. They would much rather keep their need hidden and trust that God will provide. That is why I am writing and making an appeal on their behalf. In fact, I only learned the depth of their need in the past few months. Because the current practice, the employer (parish or school) and employee (priest or religious) pays into Social Security, I assumed it was the same for everyone. But in fact, many older retired religious do not receive the same benefit we take for granted. So if you have not given to this collection yet, might I invite you to join me and make a donation on behalf of a Sister who taught you in school or a Priest who celebrated the Sacraments with you? Your check can be made to St. Brendan Church and add in the Memo line, for Retired Religious. Thank you!
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner – Please reserve on your calendar, the evening of Saturday December 31 as an appreciation evening for all of you who give your time and talent to the parish. From the Advisory Board, to the Finance Committee, Men’s Club, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Choir, Liturgical Environment, Building Committee, Welcome Committee, Sunday Hospitality, Youth Ministry, Under Five and so much more, we want to honor and thank you for all that you do to make our parish vibrant and strong. So the evening will begin with Mass at 5pm offered for your intentions, followed with dinner in our beautifully remodeled hall. Invitations will follow.
Appreciation Gift to our Bishops – To be a Bishop these days is no easy task. Often times they have inherited the problems of their predecessors and have become a lightning rod for all who are angry with the Church. So on your behalf, St. Brendan parish gave Archbishop George Niederauer, Auxiliary Bishop William Justice and Auxiliary Bishop Robert McElroy an appreciation gift for their selfless sacrifice to serve God and His people in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
Fr. Dan
