Collection slated for parishes December 7-8, 2013
Parishioners gave $27 million to retired religious collection in 2012
Donations used for underfunded retirement plans, medications, nursing home care
WASHINGTON - The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held December 7-8, 2013 in Catholic parishes across the nation. Now in its 26th year, the collection is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) and benefits over 34,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests.
The U.S. bishops initiated the collection in 1988 to address the significant lack of retirement funding among U.S. religious communities. Proceeds are distributed to eligible communities to help underwrite retirement and healthcare expenses. Since the collection began, Catholics have contributed $698 million. Over 93 percent of donations directly support senior religious and their communities.