The SOAR! grants will assist religious congregations in need of very basic help–the purchase of therapeutic equipment, the renovation of space for handicapped accessibility and structural safety, and the installation of fire alarm and wander guard systems. Through this fundamental assistance many more women and men religious live out the last years of their lives in dignity, safety, and with modest care.

The severity of need among religious congregations cannot be overstated. More than 60% of all religious women and men are over the age of 70 and 32% are older than 80. According to recent studies, the total under-funded retirement liability for religious congregations is more than $11.6 billion. In addition to this shortfall, many religious congregations have limited capacity to build up resources to care for their elderly and infirm members. The current average annual Social Security benefit for religious is $4,670 compared to almost $14,000 for lay recipients.

“As religious women and men age in place, their ministries may change. They never, however, retire from their commitment to mission,” stated Michael Rodgers, chairperson of the SOAR! board. “Even the eldest and most frail members continue to serve others through their prayers. They long to continue their ministry and to live out the last days of their lives with dignity and in peace.”

SOAR! was formed in 1986 by a group of concerned lay people to help ensure financial stability of Catholic religiouscongregations in the care of their elderly and infirm members. Since its beginnings over 25 years ago, SOAR! has awarded over 1000 grants, totaling more than $12 million, to congregations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

The organization is separate from the annual retirement collection coordinated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

For more information, please contact Deborah Hudson Vornbrock at 202.529.7627 or by email.

SOAR!’s website is www.soar-usa.org.

SOAR! is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to assuring financially stable and personally secure futures forelderly and frail members of Catholic religious congregations in the United States, augmenting the efforts of theinstitutional Church.

View a printable version of the press release here.

~ Sister Katie McNamara, O.C.S.O. Cistercian Nuns
Mount St. Mary’s Abbey, Wrentham, MA

ARKANSAS

Subiaco Abbey
Subiaco, Arkansas
New equipment for wellness center

“Your sharing with us in our life of prayer and work is a blessing and a great encouragement.” – Abbott Jerome Kodell, OSB

CALIFORNIA

Sisters of Notre Dame of Los Angeles
Thousand Oaks, California
Recliner lift chairs

CONNECTICUT

Daughters of the Holy Spirit, U.S. Province
Putnam, Connecticut
Replace elevator

“It is a huge relief for us to know that this situation will be taken care of in a timely manner for the smooth functioning and safety of everyone at the facility.” – Francoise Gauthier, Ph.D., Director of Development, Daughters of the Holy Spirit, US Province

FLORIDA

Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine
St. Augustine, Florida
Bathroom renovation and ceiling repairs

GEORGIA

Carmelite Monastery of Savannah
Savannah, Georgia
Handicapped accessible bathroom renovations

“The much needed improvement will be of special help to the elderly who need to be in the infirmary. All the Sisters deeply appreciate your wonderful assistance and the work you do in providing necesary help for our aging Sisters.” -Sr. Mary Elizabeth Angaine, OCD

ILLINOIS

Sisters of the Living Word
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Four chair lift replacements

Benedictine Sisters of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Installation of handrails and new carpet in Chapel

“At every gathering in the chapel which I attend, I pray that no one will stumble or fall as they enter the choir stalls. With this grant from SOAR! the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago can replace the chapel carpeting and install handrails for additional safety.” – Kathy Caudill, Director of Development, Benedictine Sisters of Chicago

The Cenacle Sisters
Chicago, Illinois
Installation of railings on new handicapped ramp

“Your gift for the railings on this ramp will help to alleviate the need for many Cenacle Sisters to move out of the Convent and into assisted living simply because they can’t access their current home at the Chicago Cenacle. Additionally, it will enable physically challenged people to come to the Cenacle for retreats, spiritual direction and other programs. The Cenacle Sisters will pray for your continued success in helping all of our aging religious.” – James Rennert, Provincial Development Director, Cenacle Sisters

INDIANA

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
Donaldson, Indiana
Lift chairs and scooters for elderly members

“The Director of the Catherine Kasper Life Center will be so excited to receive this check and purchase the lift chairs and scooters for our Sisters. And when Spring arrives the Sisters will be able to use the scooters to ‘go out and about.’ May God bless all of you in your ministry of providing for the retired/aging religious in the many congregations you serve.” – Sr. Mary Jo Shingler, PHJC

Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana
Ferdinand, Indiana
Wireless emergency call system

“God bless you for all you do for the aging religious. Our sisters join me in expressing our gratitude for your kindness.” – Sr. Kristine Anne Harpenau, OSB

KANSAS

Sisters of St. Joseph
Concordia, Kansas
Used car for medical appointments

KENTUCKY

Sisters of Notre Dame
Covington, Kentucky
Reclining lift chairs and bariatric bed

LOUISIANA

Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
New Orleans, Lousiana
New ceilings for the Sisters’ residence

“Over the years, you have provided significant support to my congregation and to so many others. Thank you for your faithfulness to your mission providing support to aging religious. Be assured that we will keep the benefactors of SOAR in our prayers.” – Sr. Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, O. Carm.

MASSACHUSSETTS

Daughters of St. Paul
Boston, Massachusetts
Handicapped-accessible bathroom renovations

Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston
Brighton, Massachusetts
Adjustable height beds and therapeutic mattresses

“Please express to the SOAR! Board of Directors and to members of the staff our grateful appreciation. God’s blessing on all you do to help make a difference in the lives of our aging women religious.” – Sr. Jacquelyn McCarthy, CSJ

Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield
Holyoke, Massachusetts
Mandated fire sprinkler installation

Sisters of St. Anne
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Whirlpool replacement

Sisters of Charity – Halifax
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts
Installation of new whirlpool tubs

Religious Venerini Sisters
Worcester, Massachusetts
Electronic chairlift

“It is with deep gratitude that I write to thank you and the Support Our Aging Religious, Inc. for approving our request for a grant for the installation of an electronic chairlift. We had begun to arrange for this installation which was such a necessity for us, before we knew of the SOAR program. Not sure of approval, we sent in our request but proceeded with the installation, intending to pay for it from our retirement fund. That fund was so depleted in recent years, that we are especially grateful for the grant money to cover this expense.” – Sr. Hilda Ponte, MPV

Cistercians of the Strict Observance
Wrentham, Massachusetts
Hospital beds and dental sterilizer

“We continue to pray our thanks to God for the blessing of your wonderful foundation and the loving support you provide to aging religious.” – Mother Maureen McCabe, OCSO

MARYLAND

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Baltimore, Maryland
Handicapped-accessible bathroom renovations

Benedictine Sisters of Ridgely, Maryland
Ridgely, Maryland
Mattresses and lift chairs

“These items will provide increased comfort and greater ease and mobility to these sisters who have generously given of themselves for so many years. You may be sure of the grateful prayers of our entire community. May God bless you and all the good work that you do.” – Sr. Collen Quinlivan, OSB

Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity
Silver Spring, Maryland
Replacement of roof on retirement residence

Misson Helpers of the Sacred Heart
Towson, Maryland
Replace sliding glass doors and windows in the Sisters apartment

“May God bless you and the board and the ministry you provide our elder Sisters. You do very important work and for this I am most grateful.” – Sr. Loretta Cornell, MHSH

MISSOURI

Conception Abbey, Inc.
Conception, Missouri
Handicapped accessibility to infirmary

NEW JERSEY

Congregation of the Passion (Eastern Province)
Union City, New Jersey
Elevator to connect three floors of the Pittsburgh Monastery

“We are grateful to the generous benefactors of SOAR. Their donations and contributions help us to make the renovations that are so desperately needed to improve the quality of life of our aging religious to fruition.” – Very Rev. Robert Joerger, CP

NEW YORK

Dominican Sisters of Amityville
Amityville, New York
Security system

Sisters of Good Shepherd
Astoria, New York
New car for licensed rest home

Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt
Blauvelt, New York
Window replacement in infirmary and residential areas

“The work that SOAR! accomplishes and the resulting opportunities provided to religious communities throughout the country speak to the dedication and hard work of this wonderful organization. Please know that your efforts are greatly appreciated and we pray that you and
your staff will be blessed in all your endeavors.” – Sr. Catherine Howard, OP

Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk
Blue Point, New York
Chairlift

Sisters of Saint Joseph
Brentwood, New York
Handicapped-accessible bathroom renovation

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas NY, PA, Pacific West Community
Buffalo, New York
Call bell/alarm system for infirmary/assisted living areas

“As you may know, we have had great concern for our sisters’ safety since our present Call Bell System became inoperable. The installation of this new Call Bell Alarm System will assure a quick response in the event of an emergency and could make a difference in a life and death situation. … thank you for your kindness and all that you have done for the care of our sisters.” – Sr. Patricia Prinzing, RSM

Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Buffalo, NY
Clarence, New York
Hearing-impaired sound system for Chapel

Redemptoristine Nuns – Order of the Most Holy Redeemer
Esopus, New York
Handicapped-accessible safety modifications to new monastery

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet – Albany Province
Latham, New York
Whirlpool tub replacement, purchase of hot cart and mainkin

“Your support of the CSJ Community means a great deal not only to us but also to the people whose lives we touch.” – Sr. Carol Rohloff, CSJ

Urulines, Order of Saint Ursula, St Teresa’s Convent
New Rochelle, New York
Handicapped-accessible bathroom renovations

Order Minor Conventuals
Rensselaer, New York
Window replacement, St. Catharine’s, Seaside Park, New Jersey

Sisters of St. Joseph
Rochester, New York
Food preparation/distribution equipment

Domincan Sisters
Sparkill, New York
Upgrade sound system

“The Dominican Sisters are grateful for the assistance SOAR! has given us in the past for projects that have benefited our retired/infirm members and once again appreciate your financial help. God’s blessings on all at SOAR! for who you are and all you do.” – Sr. Peggy Scarano, OP

Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Syracuse, New York
Handicap-accessible van conversion

“Your support towards our handicap accessible van conversion project will enable us to promote the safety and comfort of our retired and infirm women religious. We are so grateful for your support!” – Sr. Patricia Burkhard, OSF

OHIO

Sisters of Notre Dame, Christ the King Province
Chardon, Ohio
19 electric lift chairs

“This generous gift will enable us to address mobility concerns and ensure a healthy quality of life for our retired sisters. Most of our ‘retired’ sisters have been life-long educators and continue to support our schools and other ministries with their interest and prayers. You and all your generous benefactors can be assured a remembrance in those prayers as well. Thank you for adding a real ‘lift’ to their days! – Sr. Patricia Mary Garrahan, SND

Dominican Sisters of Peace
Columbus, Ohio
Replace unrepairable heating and cooling unit in Chapel

Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Pepper Pike, Ohio
Nurse call system

“In order to maintain licensure, the St. Angela Center must make upgrades to its current nurse call system. Your support will help
us to make these needed repairs, which will not only assist the center in maintaining licensure, but will also enhance the safety of our Sisters.” – Sr. Maureen Grady, OSU

Sisters of St. Francis of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes
Sylvania, Ohio
Electric beds, mattresses, otoscope

“The entire Sylvania Franciscan Community joins me in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to you for providing us with these funds.” – Sr. Diana Lynn Eckel, OSF

Sisters of St. Francis
Tiffin, Ohio
Install air conditioning in retired Sisters wing

“Our retired Sisters wing is located on third floor of our building, so it can become quite uncomfortable during the summer months. The Sisters who live there will be happy to hear that we can now move ahead with installing air conditioning. … Your generous help has assisted us in making our Motherhouse building more handicapped accessible and more pleasant for those who live here.” – Sr. Jacquelyn Doepker

PENNSYLVANIA

Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern PA, Inc.
Erie, Pennsylvania
Beds, mattresses, bed tables and Broda Peddle Rocker

Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Haverford, Pennsylvania
Replacement of flooring in the Sisters’ Residence

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Mid-Atlantic Community, Inc.
Merion Station, Pennsylvania
Electronic wander guard system for Sisters’ skilled nursing facility

“SOAR has provided irreplaceable help to all the religious in the United States, and plays an invaluable role in allowing religious communities to meet the needs of their aging members with dignity and respect. We thank you for the generous support….” Sister Patricia Vetrano, RSM

St. Joseph Villa, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
Reading, Pennsylvania
Purchase of 8-Passenger Van with a Lift for 2 wheelchairs

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Scranton, Pennsylvania
IHM Center Fire Detection & Alarm System Upgrade

“This grant, along with the grants you have given us over the past decade, is invaluable as we prepare Sacred Heart Convent to be the primary location for our retired sisters requiring skilled nursing care. Your support is a blessing to us – please know that you have made possible the safety and comfort of our sisters.” – Sr. Carol Rigali, OSF

Read a press release about the SOAR! 2012 Grant Awards here.

• Winter 2011 Newsletter
• Spring 2011 Newsletter
• Winter 2010 Newsletter
• Spring/Summer 2010 Newsletter
• Spring/Summer 2009 Newsletter
• Winter 2008 Newsletter
• Summer 2008 Newsletter
• Fall 2007 Newsletter
• Spring 2007 Newsletter
• Fall 2006 Newsletter
• Summer 2006 Newsletter

If you have questions about SOAR!’s grant program please contact Deborah Hudson Vornbrock at 202.529.7627 or by email at dvornbrock@soar-usa.org.

Thank you!

Grant FAQs

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