Parishioners throughout the Diocese of Camden are being asked to support the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection Dec. 7-8.
In 2023, parishioners in the Diocese of Camden contributed $139,359.62 to the collection. As an example of how this collection helps locally, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus and Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception received a combined total of $228,965.94 in financial support made possible by the Retirement Fund for Religious.
John Knutsen, director of the National Religious Retirement Office, emphasized 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.”
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 older than 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 over $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.
For more information, visit retiredreligious.org.
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