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October 31, 2024GRAND ISLAND, Neb., Oct. 31, 2024 — The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) is announcing the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, scheduled in parishes throughout the Diocese of Grand Island on the weekend of Dec. 7-8. In 2023, parishioners contributed $40,939.25 to the collection.
Mr. John Knutsen, director of the NRRO, expressed his gratitude: “The unwavering support of the Catholic faithful in the United States continues to inspire us. Every contribution to the Retirement Fund for Religious makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who have given so much to our Church and communities.”
Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests have often worked for little to no pay, leaving them with limited retirement savings. Today, religious communities face the challenge of caring for an aging population, with more than 20,000 religious being past the age of 70. The annual cost of their care exceeds $1 billion, highlighting the critical need for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
Since its inception in 1988, the collection has raised over $1 billion. Nearly $870 million has been distributed for direct care, while over $103.5 million has funded self-help projects like collaborative health-care facilities. The collection also supports educational programs, enabling religious communities to plan for their long-term needs.
“By contributing to the Retirement Fund for Religious,” Knutsen emphasized, “members of the Catholic Church in America not only provide for the care of aging religious but also empower their communities to continue their vital ministries.”
In 2023, the appeal raised $29.3 million, providing financial assistance for the retirement needs of 286 U.S. religious communities.
About the NRRO
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.
