Who We Help
The Retirement Fund for Religious benefits those women and men who, as vowed members of Catholic religious communities, have dedicated their lives to prayer and ministry. The Fund benefits both contemplative and active religious communities.
Today, nearly 35,000 religious, mostly women, are past age 70. More than 5,600 need skilled nursing care.
Benedictine Sisters of Chicago
Congregation of Holy Cross, Eastern Province, New Rochelle, New York
Throughout history, many women and men have chosen lives of prayer and service. In the Catholic Church, those who enter religious communities believe they are responding to a particular call from God. They generally take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and share a common mission—ministering to others and caring for one another throughout their lives.
Religious institutes today are often defined as active or contemplative, depending on whether they engage in external ministry or dedicate their lives primarily to contemplation and prayer in a cloistered environment.
In recent decades, many religious communities have rebuilt or renovated their convents and monasteries to furnish space better suited to the needs of aging members. Some have merged or collaborated with other communities to increase their ability to provide adequate care for elder members while continuing in ministry. In many instances, the elder-care facilities developed by religious institutes also welcome members of other religious congregations, diocesan priests, and lay women and men.
Contemplative Religious Life
The Monastery of St. Clare, Greenville, SC
A contemplative women's community that receives funds.
Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Cross, Berryville, VA
A contemplative men's community that receives funds.
Active Religious Life
The Oblate Sisters of Providence
An active women's community that receives funds.
Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
An active men's community that receives funds.
The School Sisters of Notre Dame, Atlantic-Midwest Province
An active women's community that receives funds.