A Legacy of Caring

The 40-year story of SOAR! 

In 2026, SOAR! celebrates a milestone: 40 years of caring for aging Catholic Sisters, Brothers and Priests.

The story of SOAR! begins with a question. In the mid-1980s, Wall Street Journal reporter John Fialka found himself wondering what had become of the Sisters who had taught him in Catholic school. As he began to investigate, he connected with Frank Butler of Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA), who was already deeply concerned about the growing retirement crisis facing religious communities.

Religious communities across the United States were aging rapidly. Vocations had declined, leaving fewer younger members to support a growing population of aging Sisters, Brothers, and Priests. For decades, many had worked for little or no pay, and there were often no provisions for retirement. Meanwhile, healthcare costs were rising dramatically.

In May 1986, Fialka’s front-page article, “Sisters in Need: U.S. Nuns Face Crisis As More Grow Older With Meager Benefits,” appeared in The Wall Street Journal. The response was immediate and overwhelming. Phones rang nonstop; people from all walks of life were moved to help. Fialka and Butler quickly organized a gathering at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. That meeting would mark the founding of SOAR!.

Forty years later, the mission of SOAR! remains focused and clear: to enhance the quality of life for aging religious women and men. Through grants to religious congregations acrossthe country, SOAR! continues to help them age with dignity and grace.

As we celebrate our past success, we look toward the future with a deep sense of gratitude to our donors. Because of your faithful support, SOAR! is able to respond to the growing needs of aging Catholic Sisters, Brothers and Priests.