As Advent draws near, parishes across the Diocese of Raleigh are preparing to take part in a nationwide effort to care for aging religious sisters, brothers, and priests whose lives have been devoted to service. On the weekend of December 13–14, the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held in churches throughout the diocese, offering parishioners a chance to give back to those who have given so much.
Last year, Catholics in the Diocese of Raleigh contributed nearly $200,000 to the collection—most through their home parishes. The funds joined a national total of $28.1 million raised in 2024, supporting the retirement needs of 266 religious communities across the United States.
“The generosity of U.S. Catholics continues to make a profound difference in the lives of aging religious,” said John Knutsen, director of the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), which coordinates the annual appeal. “This year, we invite all Catholics to help provide the care and dignity these women and men of faith so richly deserve.”
For many religious communities, rising health-care costs and the absence of traditional retirement plans have created significant financial challenges. In 2024, the average annual cost of care for a retired religious was $56,600, with skilled nursing care averaging $96,000 per person. The Retirement Fund for Religious helps bridge this gap, supporting more than 21,000 religious over the age of 70.
Since its inception in 1988, the collection has raised over $1 billion. Nearly $900 million has been distributed for direct care, while more than $103 million has supported retirement planning initiatives. In addition to financial assistance, the fund also backs educational programs that help religious communities prepare for long-term needs.
The NRRO 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.
To learn more, visit retiredreligious.org.