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RSCJ Retirement Initiative The sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) were teachers, role models, and spiritual counselors to many in the Barat community. Today, many of our beloved Religious are struggling financially in their retirement. To address this need, and to honor Barat's Sacred Heart heritage, the Barat Education Foundation made a $250,000 challenge grant in May 2004. The success of this challenge grant has been Unfortunately, the need for additional support extends beyond this initial fundraising effort, and the Barat Education Foundation is committed to assisted to Society with their ongoing fundraising efforts. Although the Religious of the Sacred Heart have social security benefits, their living and healthcare expenses in their retirement years are far greater than what social security payments can cover. The Society is trying to cover any shortfalls, but with the average age of the Religious steadily increasing, more and more funds are diverted from ministry efforts. There are 460 RSCJ in the United States. The average age is 72 and rising. This year, the expenses for the two retirement homes in Kenwood and Oakwood are 44% of the Society's annual operating budget. Click here to view a list of our retired Sisters.
For additional information about the Society of the Sacred Heart please visit www.rscj.org. |
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overwhelming. By February 2005, the Society had raised more then $650,000 in additional gifts due to the Foundation's challenge grant proposal.