Meet some of the women and men who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious collection and read news from the National Religious Retirement Office.
“Elderly Is Dynamic”: Sister Aida’s Lifetime of Faith, Language, and Service
“Elderly is dynamic,” says Sister Aida Sansor. And she means it. The 87-year-old member of the Missionary Guadalupanas of the Holy Spirit shares, “Growing older has not been a negative experience for me. It has been one of the richest seasons of my life. I am still learning, still growing, and still discovering new meaning in this time.”
From Refugee to Refugee Advocate: Sister Anne’s Lifetime of Service
At age eight, Sister Anne Lanh Tran already knew she felt called to religious life. That calling would eventually carry her from Vietnam to Thailand and the United States—and into decades of ministry with refugees, and women and children experiencing homelessness.
In February, the National Religious Retirement Office team traveled to Los Angeles to photograph members of religious communities for the upcoming 2026 Retirement Fund for Religious collection, which will be held in most (arch)dioceses on December 12–13.
Read More about Capturing Joy: Senior Religious Photographed for the 2026 Campaign »
“Your support through the Retirement Fund doesn’t just sustain us; it honors our life’s work and allows even our smallest communities to continue serving with dignity and grace. We are so deeply grateful,” reflects Sister Paul Mary of Jesus, LSP, whose vibrant ministry with the Little Sisters of the Poor has been defined by unwavering commitment and love.
“Gratitude is a religious expression. It is a thanksgiving to God for the service of so many religious individuals who have dedicated their lives not for profit, but for the benefit of others. We are most grateful to the donors who give,” shares Father Albert Judy, OP, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday and more than six decades of Dominican life.
“We are so grateful for our benefactors, whose prayers and support sustain our life of service. I’m eternally grateful for my vocation. My advice is to come in with your heart completely open and expect wonderful things to happen,” notes Brother Martin Schmitz, 95, a member of the Conventual Franciscans of St. Bonaventure Province.
“What you’re doing is letting us continue our ministry in praying for others, meeting others, and continuing our work as bringing the best of God to all. And we thank you for all you do, and you’re in our prayers,” reflects Father Terry Deffenbaugh, OSA, 78, a dedicated member of the Augustinian community whose ministry has been marked by faith, humor, and compassion.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Retirement Fund. For our small community of just 30 members, these contributions have lifted a tremendous burden and helped us plan for the future with dignity and care. The generosity of donors has been a gift to us—and we continue to feel its impact every day,” reflects Sister Barbara Mass, a founding member of the Sisters of the Living Word whose decades of service have centered on teaching, leadership, and spiritual formation.
“Your generosity is more than a gift—it’s a grace. Because of you, we are cared for in our later years with dignity and love. I thank God for you each day in my prayers,” reflects Sister Diane De Carli, MSCS, an 86-year-old member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinian) community in Melrose Park, Illinois.
“When our congregation began, we had almost no savings. But thanks to the generous donors who contribute to the Retirement Fund for Religious year after year, we’ve built a modest nest egg that brings us real peace of mind. Most of us are no longer able to work, and these gifts—from both Catholics and non-Catholics—help us live with dignity. We’re profoundly grateful. You’ve made our retirement years more secure, and we never take that for granted,” shares Sister Sharon Glumb, a 76-year-old member of the Sisters of the Living Word in Des Plaines, Illinois.
