Retirement Fund for Religious

“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.

Born in Chicago in 1949, Sister Sharon grew up as one of six siblings in a first-generation Polish American household. Her childhood home was filled with faith, rich traditions, and close community bonds, shaping her spirituality.

Initially raised in a Polish neighborhood in Chicago, her family later moved to DuPage County, a then-rural suburb, where she continued to grow in her faith while enjoying a large extended family and plenty of outdoor time.

Sister Sharon entered religious life in 1968, joining the Sisters of Christian Charity, after being inspired by the renewal ushered in by the Second Vatican Council.

In 1975, in response to the call for active and contemporary ministry, she became one of 90 sisters who founded the Sisters of the Living Word. This diocesan congregation committed to active ministry throughout the Midwest and Southern United States, focusing on meaningful community engagement.

Throughout her 57 years of dedicated religious service, Sister Sharon embraced various ministries, including teaching in Catholic schools, religious education, and directing vocation ministries in Chicago.

Her true vocational calling emerged in 1992 when she began serving in a campus ministry, first in Jackson, Mississippi, and later in Memphis, Tennessee. Walking alongside young adults as they navigated their spiritual journeys brought her deep fulfillment and lasting friendships, which continue to enrich her life today.

From 2013 to 2023, Sister Sharon served two terms as congregational leader for the Sisters of the Living Word. In this role, she guided strategic planning efforts to address declining membership and ensure the congregation’s vibrant future.

Currently, in retirement, Sister Sharon remains actively engaged. She works part-time as Director of Shared Services for the Wisconsin Religious Collaborative. In this role, she coordinates and supports collaborative efforts among religious communities, fostering mutual aid and sustainable ministry practices.

Reflecting on the spiritual anchor in her journey, Sister Sharon shares, “Psalm 138 has always grounded me. It reminds me of God’s fidelity and my call to respond.”