A Catholic organization recently announced a fund honoring the slain Sister Marguerite Bartz, who was murdered in New Mexico last year. The Catholic Church Extension society said on Wednesday that they have initiated a fund in the late sister's name in order to promote women religious communities throughout the U.S.
Adding to a preexisting fund, the group will pledge over $1.5 million to support the work of sisters in 33 dioceses across the country.
On Halloween night in 2009, Sister Bartz was murdered during a robbery in her home on the Navajo Reservation in Gallup, New Mexico.
Nineteen year-old Reehahlio Carroll was charged shortly after with beating the sister to death after breaking into her home and searching for valuables.
“Sr. Marguerite’s life is an invitation to all of us to support the work of selfless women religious dedicated to doing God’s work in the world,” said Father Wall, president of Catholic Extension.
“So many of us have wonderful memories of a sister who was a favorite teacher, a devoted nurse or community leader. This fund is for the women who are following in their footsteps.”
Contributions to the fund will be used in the U.S. mission dioceses, said the society, which are geographic regions where the needs are most pressing.
“Women religious have been and continue to be instrumental in developing innovative ways to serve the poor while nurturing faith – by their deep commitment to spreading God’s word and Christ’s presence,” added Joseph Boland, grants director for Catholic Extension.
“While we have always financially supported their work and celebrated their remarkable selflessness, we now invite the public to contribute to a fund that will honor a beloved sister by continuing her legacy.”
For more information on the Sister Marguerite Bartz Fund, please visit: http://www.catholicextension.org/sisterbartzfund/
SIC: CNA