On Nov. 21-22, the second parish collection will benefit our retired sisters who have served the Archdiocese of Boston.

For many years, the sisters have responded with love and great care to the pastoral needs of the faithful in the schools, hospitals, and social service agencies of our Church of Boston. Rising healthcare and retirements costs make it challenging for religious communities to maintain a level of care that respects the dignity of those who have given so much.

This annual collection provides vital financial assistance for more than 2,000 sisters, helping to meet basic day-to-day needs such as prescription medications, dental costs, nursing care, and more. Together, our devoted sisters have dedicated more than 54,000 years of ministry to the Archdiocese of Boston. This collection gives us an opportunity to say thank you to these faith-filled women, and to respond generously just as they have done for so many years.

All our sisters remain deeply committed to their vocations, accepting the limitations of aging with humility and grace, and continuing in active and volunteer ministry as they are able. I simply ask that you pray for the success of this effort, and give what you can.

Our retired sisters have served us well. Let us remember them in their retirement, and pray for God's continued blessing on all our retired sisters as they continue to serve the Church through their prayers, witness, and fidelity.

Sister Marian Batho is delegate for Religious of the Archdiocese of Boston.