Antiochian Women Announce St. Simon of Cyrene Endowment Fund

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — Antiochian Women have announced their 2026–2027 NAB Project, which will establish the St. Simon of Cyrene Endowment Fund to assist clergy and their families during periods of serious need.

The project was presented as a new initiative following several years in which the NAB Project Endowment Fund supported widowed wives of clergy. The new fund is intended to address urgent and unforeseen circumstances affecting priests and their families, including mental, physical, and spiritual hardships.

The initiative takes its name from St. Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry the Cross of Christ. According to the announcement, the fund is intended to help carry the burdens of clergy who regularly bear the burdens of their parishioners. Financial assistance will be provided to clergy families when circumstances require it, while the fund may also support pastoral care for parishes when a priest is recovering or otherwise unable to serve.

The project will seek to establish an endowment similar to the Widowed Clergy Wives Endowment Fund. Antiochian Women are encouraging parishes to promote the project and organize fundraising activities, including bake sales and luncheons.

Lauren Ferris, NAB Vice President for 2025–2027, expressed gratitude for the organization’s continued contributions of time, money, and service. She encouraged members to participate in the project in the spirit of St. Simon of Cyrene by “helping our cross-bearers bear their crosses.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Order of St. Ignatius will celebrate its 50th anniversary in New Jersey.