The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will take place in parishes throughout the Paterson Diocese on the weekend of Dec. 7 and 8, according to the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO).
In 2023, parishioners of the diocese contributed $233,727.21 to the collection. Religious communities who serve the Church of Paterson received a combined $1,129,450.53 in financial support from this collection. The Retirement Fund for Religious made this collection possible.
John Knutsen, NRRO director, expressed gratitude for the “profound generosity” of U.S. Catholics. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the “comfort and dignity” of those who have served tirelessly.
“We invite all Catholics to join us in honoring the legacy of these dedicated women and men by contributing to their well-deserved care [through the collection],” Knutsen said.
Escalating healthcare costs and a lack of traditional retirement plans have created financial challenges for many religious communities. The Retirement Fund for Religious addresses this need, supporting more than 20,000 religious over 70.
In 2023, the average annual cost for their care was roughly $59,700 per person. With skilled nursing care, the average cost was $90,700.
Since its establishment in 1988, the collection has raised more than $1 billion, with nearly $870 million distributed for direct care and more than $103.5 million allocated to self-help projects.
In 2023, the appeal raised $29.3 million, providing financial assistance for the retirement needs of 286 U.S. religious communities. Beyond financial aid, the collection supports educational programs, empowering religious communities to plan for their long-term needs.
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.
For more information, visit retiredreligious.org
