By CatholicVote | Created at 2024-12-04 17:46:27 | Updated at 2024-12-05 02:15:40
8 hours ago
CV NEWS FEED // The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, a nationwide initiative promoted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will take place in parishes across the United States Dec. 7-8.
Now in its 36th year, the collection addresses the critical retirement and health-care needs of religious communities, many of whom have limited savings after years of ministry.
According to the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), which administers the fund, more than 20,000 religious in the U.S. are over the age of 70, with annual care costs surpassing $1 billion. The Dec. 7-8 collections not only provide direct care but also support initiatives like health-care collaborations and financial planning programs to help communities prepare for long-term needs.
The Diocese of Raleigh is among the many dioceses participating in this appeal, which seeks to provide much-needed support for aging Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.
Within the Diocese of Raleigh, parishioners contributed more than $187,000 last year. Bishop Luis Zarama recently expressed gratitude for this generosity in a letter to the faithful of the Diocese.
“The people of the Diocese of Raleigh have been generous in their contributions to this important collection,” he wrote. “And I feel certain they will continue to do so.”
Bishop Zarama recognized that many causes seek support during this time of year. However, he added, “Please consider lending your support to this important diocesan collection. More than anything, I urge you to join in prayer for all our aging women and men religious — just as they fervently pray for you.”
Since it was founded in 1988, the collection has raised more than $1 billion, with $870 million used for direct care and $103.5 million allocated to self-help projects. In 2023, the fund raised $29.3 million nationwide, offering financial assistance to 286 religious communities.
“The unwavering support of the Catholic faithful in the United States continues to inspire us,” said NRRO Director John Knutsen. “Every contribution to the Retirement Fund for Religious makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who have given so much to our Church and communities.”
To find more information and to donate, visit the NRRO’s website.
