Retirement Fund for Religious Collection Nov. 5

This annual collection on November 5 benefits more than 32,000 elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.
       
Our senior religious are a treasure. Their dedication and hard work laid the foundation for Catholic schools, hospitals, and numerous social service organizations. Many continue in volunteer ministry today. Their ongoing prayer and witness enrich our faith in countless ways. I am grateful for the service of religious, past and present. I hope you, too, recall a sister or brother who made a positive difference in your life. 

Most elder religious worked for years for small stipends, leaving a substantial gap in retirement savings. Rising health-care costs and decreased income compound the challenge to meet such day-to-day needs as medications and nursing assistance. The Retirement Fund for Religious offers financial support that helps religious communities provide loving care for older members while ensuring younger ones can continue the good works of their elders.

Please be generous and pray for God’s continued blessing on all our women and men religious. Rest assured they are praying for you!
 

How Your Donations Help

• Catholics in the United States have donated more than $816 million to the RFR since the first appeal.
• Roughly 94 percent of donations to the RFR aid elder religious, with the remainder used to administer and promote the appeal.
• Since 1989, more than $775 million has been distributed to support the day-to-day care of elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. An additional $91 million has been allocated toward self-help projects initiated by religious communities, including collaborative healthcare facilities.
• In addition to direct financial assistance, proceeds from the annual appeal underwrite educational programming, services, and resources that enable religious communities to evaluate and prepare for long-term retirement needs.
• Support from the Retirement Fund for Religious helps religious communities care for senior members while continuing important ministries to the People of God.