Sisters need our support

	STILL SERVING: Retired Srs. Christine Martell (sitting) and Lillian Martell continue to serve the community. (Dick Meyer photo)

By Joanne Flemming
Compass Correspondent

Catholics across the Green Bay Diocese will be invited at liturgies this weekend to give back to the religious who served them in schools and parishes by contributing to the National Retirement Fund for Religious.

Last year, diocesan Catholics gave $421,326, said Sr. Mary Jo Kirt, OSF, diocesan fund coordinator. "Of all the dioceses in the United States, per person we are one of the highest in contributions."

Funds are sent to the national office in Washington, D.C. Communities then apply to the fund for gifts and grants, which are given based on income and the ratio of retired to total members. Some 90% of what is collected is returned to women's and men's religious communities across the country to help support their retired members.

The Green Bay Diocese has about 300 retired religious, Sr. Kirt said, but many who served here no longer live here.   Full story ...

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    Silent prayer facing Mecca while in the Blue Mosque was only one
    papal surprise

 • Bishop: New vision of shared parish ministry
    Faith Alive Project discussions continue

 • Priests promise to collaborate
    Bp. Zubik will meet next week with parish leaders on Faith Alive Project

A d v e n t

• Everyday People, Everyday Faith articles  • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David Zubik -- Jesus is THE Reason for ...  • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --     Embrace God's word and live it  • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Michael Stubbs --     Luke draws upon the Old Testament  • Editorial -- Focusing on social teachings     Advent series responds to reader requests  • Praying with Sunday's Scriptures  Advent articles from previous issues:  • Dec. 1, 2006 issue  • Nov. 24, 2006 issue

 • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David Zubik -- Jesus is THE Reason for ...

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    for December 10, 2006: Embrace God's word and live it (Advent)

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Michael Stubbs --
    for December 10, 2006: Luke draws upon the Old Testament (Advent)

 • Editorial -- Don't blame faith
    It's not religion but atheistic dictators out to abolish religion that have led
    to mass killing

 • Editorial -- Focusing on social teachings (Advent)
    Advent series responds to reader requests

 • Outreach Program puts love into action for others (Advent)
    Commitment to the common good leads diocesan group to help
    in Eastern Kentucky

 • Our idea of the common good flows from Trinity (Advent)
    We have a responsibility to live actively as Christians within a larger community

 • It is inherent in our human dignity that we help others (Advent)

 • Advent prophets -- Zephaniah (Advent)

 • Praying with Sunday's Scriptures

Articles on   2006 Bishop's Appeal • Editorial -- Appeal needs you (Mar. 31, 2006) • Helping to bring spirituality home (Mar. 31, 2006)    Sidebar: Traits of a Functional (not perfect!) Family • Kaukauna's Padre John serves far-flung parish (Mar. 24, 2006) • Students choose mission over Florida beaches (Mar. 17, 2006) • Young men invite God to help them discern (Mar. 10, 2006) • Brother brings social teachings to community (Mar. 3, 2006) • Faith comes alive for all ages at the same time (Feb. 24, 2006) • 'I never saw myself as a very holy guy' (Feb. 17, 2006) • Ministry helps Hispanic youth encounter Christ (Feb. 10, 2006) • Appeal targets $5 million for the first time (Feb. 3, 2006) • Pie chart of Bishop's Appeal use (Feb. 3, 2006)