Letters

Assisting Religious

Posted

Thank you for sharing the news of the SOAR! Covid Rapid Response grant program with Catholic New York readers  (CNY, July 16).

I want religious women and men to know that they can turn to SOAR! for financial assistance during these difficult times. Since we announced the program June 1, we have awarded 43 congregations with a grant (no more than $15,000) for purchasing PPE, funding lost income due to closing of ministries or even food. The needs are real.

One group asked for funds to cover the cost of Uber fares for their housekeeping, kitchen and nursing staff. We said yes to that one! I thought it was kind for them to be concerned about their workers on public transportation. We also funded requests for iPads. The older religious need to stay connected with Zoom and watch Mass on Facebook Live, as many others are doing. Thanks for sharing that story.



Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, I.H.M.
President
SOAR! Support Our Aging Religious
Washington, D.C.