Press Release
GREEN BAY, Wis. (Dec. 7, 2020) – The weekend of Dec. 12-13, Diocese of Green Bay parishioners will have the opportunity to support the retirement needs of sisters, brothers, and priests through the Retirement Collection, which includes the Diocesan Priests’ Retirement and the National Retirement Fund for Religious.
“Many of our lives have been impacted by the faithful and tireless work of sisters, brothers, and priests through Catholic parishes, schools, and hospitals,” said Father Luke Ferris, vicar for clergy and pastoral leaders for the Diocese of Green Bay. “After serving with great dedication, but often with little financial compensation, we can now thank our retired sisters, brothers, and priests for their lifelong service. Even in their later years, they continue to inspire us and show us what it means to follow Jesus Christ. Our support shows our care and appreciation for them.”
The retirement needs are significant. Today, there are 31,000 members of religious orders in the United States over the age of 70. By 2028, retired religious are projected to outnumber wage-earning religious by more than three to one.
Since the inception of the Retirement Fund for Religious in 1988, Catholics around the country have been very generous, and the Diocese of Green Bay has been a national leader in contributions. Last year, through the generosity of many, $203,752 was given to the National Retirement Fund for Religious and $222,384 to our own Diocesan Priests' Retirement Fund.
Parishioners are able to donate to this Retirement Collection at their parish on the weekend of December 12-13, or a gift may be made through the Catholic Foundation online at www.catholicfoundationgb.org/give.
For more than 20 years, the Catholic Foundation has been impacting lives within the 16 counties of northeastern Wisconsin which make up the Diocese of Green Bay. During this time, the Foundation has distributed nearly $40 million to support Catholic schools, parishes and other Catholic organizations. The Catholic Foundation encourages financial stewardship and generosity through faith-based giving. The Foundation focuses on supporting Catholic parishes, schools and ministries through endowment funding. To learn more, please visit www.catholicfoundationgb.org or contact us at 920-272-8181 or
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Who we are: As friends and followers of Jesus, the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay is devoted to fostering households and communities of discipleship through the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church. We are missionary disciples striving to lead all people to the Kingdom of God. Established in 1868, the diocese is composed of 324,000 Catholics in 16 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago.
Contact: Justine Lodl, director of communications, at 920-272-8213 or
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