Parishes in the Diocese of Raleigh collected $216,559.32 in support of senior religious and their communities. The National Religious Retirement Office sent Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama the following letter, acknowledging the generous support from parishioners of the diocese for the gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious collection held in December.
Dear Bishop Zarama:
Sincere thanks for your diocesan check of $216,559.32 in support of the 2017 Retirement Fund for Religious collection. Please extend our heartfelt gratitude to your parishioners for their ongoing support of senior religious and their communities. Since the collection was launched, contributions from your diocese have totaled $5,097,805.28.
Generosity to the collection enables our office to distribute financial and educational assistance that help religious communities provide for older members while continuing to serve the People of God. Proceeds offer much-needed support for medications, nursing care, and other day-to-day necessities. A portion of the appeal also underwrites programming and education that promote long-term retirement planning. These resources focus on helping communities to reduce costs, enhance eldercare, and identify additional sources of income.
Joined with the 32,000 elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious, I offer a daily prayer of thanksgiving for all whose love and sacrifice make the work of our office possible. May God bless you and your parishioners.
With gratitude,
Sister Stephanie Still, PBVM
Executive Director