Archdiocese gives generously to Religious "A Lifetime of Service, A Moment of Thanks," is the theme for the 1998 Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR) Collection to be held the weekend of Dec. 12 and 13 in most parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark. The appeal helps offset an almost $8 billion underfunding of retired Sisters, Brothers, and priests in Religious orders. There are more than 45,000 Religious over the age of 70, and more Religious are over 80 than are under the age of 50. Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick said, "the extraordinary generosity to this worthy cause over the years shows clearly the love and concern the Church of Newark has for our Religious." RFR Diocesan Coordinator, Sr. Thomas Mary Salerno, said that "as a matter of real urgency the bishops have renewed the collection for another ten years," she said. Sr. Salerno explains that the fund helps to offset the multi billion-dollar liability facing aging religious due to health care needs and the rising costs of elder care. She also said the people of the Archdiocese of Newark are among the most generous in the nation in their response to this collection.
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