Stories & News
Meet some of the women and men who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious collection.
Brother Jordan Coonen, OP, 84
“Our ministries often face deep financial challenges—even struggling to meet basic living expenses. We rely on the generosity of donors, especially friends and family, whose support sustains our work when resources are scarce. Their giving isn’t just helpful—it’s vital,” shares Brother Jordan Coonen, 84, who has devoted 65 years of service as a Dominican Brother in Chicago, Illinois.
Sister Maria Ciglioni, MSCS, 86
“As a retired sister, I’ve seen firsthand how many of our communities struggle to meet even basic living expenses. The support we receive from the Retirement Fund for Religious—and from the donors who give so generously—helps us live with dignity and peace of mind. Your kindness fills a need that we could never meet on our own. Thank you,” shares Sister Maria Ciglioni, an 86-year-old member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinian) community in Melrose Park, Illinois.
Thankful Senior Religious Photographed in Chicago
The Retirement Fund for Religious team recently traveled to Chicago, Illinois, where we had the honor of photographing senior religious from a number of communities across the archdiocese.
Sister M. Anne Maskey, FSGM, 70
“Donors play a vital role in supporting our mission. Their contributions help care for both the young and elderly, sustaining our wide range of services. From our daycare center to our nursing home, their generosity makes a lasting impact on the lives of so many,” reflects Sister M. Anne Maskey, 70, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, Illinois.