Individuals
Though financial support is distributed to religious communities, gifts to the Retirement Fund for Religious have a very real impact on the day-to-day lives of individual senior religious—providing funding for necessities such as prescription medications and nursing care.
Below, meet some of the senior religious who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Click on a photo to read their stories.
Father Ronald Turcich, 81
Midwest Augustinians
"I've made a full circle," notes Father Ron Turcich, a member of the Midwest Augustinians of Chicago,
Illinois. As a child, he attended St. Rita Parish and now, at 81, finds himself once again part of the
St. Rita community. During the years in between, Father Ron was ordained a priest and spent some 40 years
in active ministry, first in Catholic education and administration and later in pastoral ministry. Today,
he lives with both active and retired friars at the monastery at St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago.
"I love it here," says Father Ron, who particularly values the community life he shares with his fellow friars.
He continues to serve in part-time ministry, often celebrating Mass at nearby parishes or hearing confessions.
Assistance from the Retirement Fund for Religious helped his congregation to implement a strategic plan outlining
how and where senior friars will live out their retirement. The new approach has enabled the Augustinians to
provide enhanced elder care while reducing overall costs.