FAQs
Doesn't the Catholic Church pay the health care costs of religious women and men?
No. In the U.S., religious institutes are independent, autonomous organizations whose income, earnings, and expenses are separate from diocesan structures.
Why don't Sisters and others who have taken religious vows receive the same Social Security benefits as other Americans?
The FICA (Social Security) payments that religious institutes began to submit for their members in the early 1970s were based on their low cost of living allowances compatible with a vow of poverty. That means that Social Security benefits to individual religious women and men are less than one-third what other Americans receive.
How do I know my donations aren't used for other expenses that the Church has incurred?
All donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious flow only through the National Religious Retirement Office where administrative, educational, and assistance programs, as well as campaign expenses remain at less than six percent of donations. Almost 95 percent of donations are applied directly to the mission of this office.
During the 19 years that the Retirement Fund for Religious has been conducted, haven't financial concerns been resolved?
Unfortunately, no, even though this campaign has sparked unsurpassed generosity among U.S. Catholics and has raised almost $500 million. The escalating cost of care for those in need of skilled care or assisted living exceeds $525 million each year!!