SOAR! Celebrates 30 Years of Caring

SOAR! 30th Anniversary

In 2016 SOAR! reaches a milestone, the organization’s 30th anniversary.

Thanks to you, our faithful benefactors and supporters, SOAR! remains strong and our mission is still focused and clear – to help aging men and women religious. The fact that we are celebrating 30 years of caring means that the need for which SOAR! was founded still exists. Today, 30 years since the financial crisis facing religious in the U.S. was brought to light, there are still congregations of religious that do not have sufficient funds to care for their aging members.

And so we carry on. And thanks to your support, we continue to change lives and make a difference. In its first full year of operation in 1987, SOAR! distributed grants to 11 congregations. In 2015 SOAR! awarded 61 grants. The outreach of SOAR! grows with each and every donation you send. Your financial support is the foundation of our 30 years of caring.

Throughout our anniversary year, we’ll be looking back on our past – and looking forward to sharing our mission with new generations.

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Religious women and men have blessed our days with their wisdom and presence. Pearls of Wisdom contains some wonderful insights from those whose communities have been blessed by the generous support of SOAR! donors and friends.

Download the Booklet
View the Blog Series

Pearls of Wisdom

Every Day Is a Blessing
It’s not “just” another day.
It’s a gift to enjoy the sparkle of the sun, the sound of rain,
the beauty of a snowflake, the color of Autumn leaves,
the scent of Spring flowers. A day to give to others a smile,
a wink of the eye, a gentle pat on the back, a word of encouragement.
Thank you, God, for the gift of just another day!    
Sister Francis Mensik, SSNDAtlantic Midwest Province of the School Sisters of Notre Dame 
God is the Giver
The generosity of God is evident in the giving of others. Good parents, family members, friends, teachers, leaders in all areas have greatly enriched the lives of others, including me. Kindness, encouragement, attentive listening, walking with, providing whatever is necessary — however one gives, God is obviously the Giver.  I hope I die of gratitude for all of you.
Sister Denise LandersSinsinawa Dominicans
Keep singing
“Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?” The Gospel is such Good News, what else is there to do but sing?
Sister Jeanne AmbreSisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Share the Word
Speaking the words of Scripture to high school students brought me life. To realize that Scripture came alive for them brought me into the classroom for over 25 years. There was a strength and joy in sharing the Word with them. I continue to do this with Scripture groups I belong to and in prayer experiences I develop and facilitate.
Sister Barbara SableSisters of the Living Word
Say 'Yes'
Scripture is my field for pearls of wisdom, like Isaiah 30:15: “Thus said the Lord God … by waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust shall be your strength. But this you did not will.” Disasters followed of course! I learned to say “Yes” to God’s will, and found that to be the Greatest Pearl of All!
Sister Placida AnheuserBenedictine Sisters of Erie
Community is Key
My favorite part of being a Sister is my community. They have been very loving, supportive and affirming and I have thrived on that. Community made me what I am today. I’m grateful for my education, the sisters I’ve lived with, and for all the ministries I have had: teaching, ministering in parishes, tutoring, giving service at our motherhouse — it’s been a great ride, really!
Sister Marceline MattinglySisters of Providence

History

Learn more about our founding in 1986 and look back on 30 years of working together to help aging religious in the United States.

Learn about SOAR!’s History

Founders’ Grants

For our 30th anniversary, we’re announcing a new funding opportunity – The Founders’ Grant.

Learn more

Upcoming Events

Don’t miss out on opportunities to celebrate our 30th anniversary, with events planned throughout the year.

View Upcoming Events