More than $850,000 was collected in the Diocese of Buffalo 2014 Appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious. A report of the funds, which will be given to women and men religious in the Diocese of Buffalo from the total National Campaign, will be issued in the early summer of 2015.

In addition to providing direct care assistance to religious congregations in need of funds to provide care for their retired religious, the campaign provides funds for advisement and professional assistance for those congregations in need of services to plan for their future needs.

The national staff continues to be available to lend their expertise to local congregations seeking to make prudential decisions regarding living facilities, collaborative ventures and other consultation that may be necessary.

Parish collections in the diocese continue to be the most significant source of donations to the local retirement campaign. Online donations from around the country have also increased significantly. We are especially grateful to pastors, homilists, and speakers who have taken an active role in making the continuing need known to the members of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Buffalo.

On behalf of the more than 750 women and men religious in the Diocese of Buffalo and the thousands throughout the United States, I thank you and ask for your continued prayerful and financial support as we prepare for the 28th anniversary of this campaign.

May all who have contributed to this collection over the past 27 years know of the gratitude and continued prayers of those who have been helped by this generosity.