Frequently Asked Questions

Historically, younger members of religious institutes cared for elderly members themselves. The stipends paid to religious for ministry they provided were invested in ministry and in education for members who were engaged in ministry. At the same time, members of religious communities often benefited from caring relationships with generous Catholic health care professionals and from prudent negotiations with Catholic health care institutions who provided health care. Today, the minority of religious under age 50 is inadequate for the task of caring for the large number of elderly religious. In addition, a dramatically altered health care environment and escalating costs have had a devastating impact on religious institutes' capacity to negotiate for inexpensive care.

The FICA (Social Security) payments that religious institutes began to submit in the early 1970s were based on their low cost of living allowances compatible with a vow of poverty.

Although most religious who serve currently in church ministries do receive retirement benefits, religious served for many years for small stipends and did not receive retirement benefits. Each religious institute is financially autonomous and responsible for the support of its members through the income of the institute. Income, earnings, and expenses are managed separately from the Catholic Church and its diocesan structures.

Dioceses must submit donations to the National Religious Retirement Office, which applies approximately 95 cents of every dollar donated to grants that assist with the costs of elder care at religious institutes. Less than six percent of donations are used for administration, education, and the national annual appeal.