Faithful Called to Support Elderly Religious in Annual Collection

Parishes across the Archdiocese of Newark will participate in the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection on the weekend of Dec. 7-8, offering Catholics an opportunity to honor and support the aging members of religious communities who have dedicated their lives to ministry and service.

In 2023, parishioners in the Archdiocese contributed an impressive $335,784.55 to this nationwide appeal. A portion of these funds provided $58,574.46 in direct support to the Dominican Nuns and the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, helping ensure their members receive essential care.

John Knutsen, director of the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), expressed gratitude for the “profound generosity” of U.S. Catholics, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the “comfort and dignity” of those who have served tirelessly. “As we prepare for this year’s collection, we invite all Catholics to join us in honoring the legacy of these dedicated women and men by contributing to their well-deserved care,” Knutsen said.

The challenges facing religious communities are significant. Escalating healthcare costs and the absence of traditional retirement plans have left many with insufficient resources to care for their aging members. Today, more than 20,000 religious in the United States are over the age of 70, with the average annual cost of care reaching $59,700 per individual — and $90,700 for those requiring skilled nursing care.

Since its inception in 1988, the Retirement Fund for Religious collection has raised over $1 billion, with the majority—nearly $870 million—distributed directly to religious communities to assist with care expenses. An additional $103.5 million has been allocated to programs to help communities plan for retirement needs.

Last year, the appeal generated $29.3 million in donations, benefiting 286 religious communities. These funds not only provide immediate financial relief but also support educational initiatives to help communities build long-term financial stability.

The NRRO coordinates the annual national appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious and distributes financial assistance to eligible religious communities. It is sponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The faithful are encouraged to reflect on the lifelong contributions of religious men and women and consider making a sacrificial gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious. Every contribution, large or small, helps ensure these devoted servants receive the care they deserve.

For more information or to donate, visit retiredreligious.org.