Imagine growing older with little assurance that you can afford the care you need. That is exactly the problem that many Catholic men and women religious are facing.
As the cost of care continues to rise, the majority of Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests lack adequate funding in retirement.
SOAR! a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1986 is stepping up to help.
Each year, SOAR! awards grants to assist Catholic religious communities across the United States in caring for their senior members. Grants cover basic needs such as handrails, hospital beds and emergency call systems.
“Why wouldn’t you want to show appreciation to our religious for their dedication and commitment?” said Mr. Fannin, a member of St. Steven’s Parish.
“They gave up everything to serve, and now they need help for their care. I think that resonates with anybody.”
Once Mr. Fannin found out about the challenges facing elderly religious, he said, “I immediately wanted to contribute SOAR’s efforts to alleviate the needs of these committed souls. They contributed to my education, faith, Christian walk in life, and to that of so many other Catholics.”
After becoming a donor to SOAR!, he wanted to find more ways to help. He felt called to raise awareness about its mission and wrote to its president, Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, to offer to sponsor the reception.
SOAR! was formed in 1986 by a group of concerned Catholic lay people to help ensure the financial stability of Catholic religious orders in the care of their elderly members.
In the past 32 years, SOAR! has awarded 1264 grants totaling more than $18 million to Catholic sisters, brothers and priests across the country.
The reception is open to all. Come and meet Sister Kathleen and learn more about SOAR! The reception will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, in the Saguaro Room of the Cottonwood Country Club. For more information and to RSVP, please email [email protected] or call 202-529-7627. You can also learn more about SOAR! or make a donation by visiting its website, www.soar-usa.org.
SOAR! is listed in the Official Catholic Directory.