I write to ask for your support for annual special collection for Sisters, now retired, who have served the Archdiocese of Boston. This collection will be taken on the weekend of Nov. 17-18.

Sisters have spent their lives serving the Church. They have taught at every educational level from pre-school through graduate school. Sisters have cared for the sick, comforted the dying and developed new ministries to respond to "the signs of the times." We are all the beneficiaries of the devotion of the Sisters to the life of the Church.

The previous compensation system for our Sisters and their religious communities was very minimal. The annual stipend barely covered living expenses, leaving little or no money to be set aside for a Sister's retirement. The rising costs of health care are well documented. Social Security Benefits for a Sister cover a small fraction of the actual cost of her care.

Our retired Sisters offer wonderful examples of aging with grace, dignity, and faith in God. After living very active lives as teachers, administrators and providers of health care and social services, our Sisters continue to bring encouragement to others in a variety of ministries in our parishes, schools and hospitals. They pray for the intentions of the Church of Boston and for all who have been part of their lives.

This collection acknowledges the dedication of the Sisters who have been an integral part of our schools, hospitals and social service ministries for many years. I ask for your generous support.

Sister Marian is Delegate for Religious of the Archdiocese of Boston.