Many of our friends want to donate before the end of the year. You can do this with our online donation system. See below.

Epiphany, by Raphael

Dec. 30, 2005

Blessed Christmas

Dear Friend of the IRL,

Since it is within the octave of Christmas, I wish to thank you for your past support of the Institute on Religious Life's work. Your generosity has helped us to fulfill the mission that was begun in 1974 by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.

I am writing to ask you, if you have not already done so, to prayerfully consider making an end-of-the-year donation to the IRL. Gifts are significantly down, possibly due to the many natural disasters and other charitable needs of this past year. Yet won't you agree that such tragic events only affirm the desperate need for visible witnesses of Christ to convey the message of God's loving presence to the world?

We are struggling to make ends meet as we face a major natural gas bill increase of over 110% from $634.17 to $1,342.80 per month — though the staff often works in hats and winter coats because we keep the heat as low as possible! In addition to this, we recently had to take care of major roof leaks in several parts of the building that cost over $3,000 with labor and materials! Unfortunately this is just a temporary solution of a badly needed roof replacement that will cost well over $70,000. We need your help!

The IRL's already stretched-thin budget can't cover these unexpected expenses without taking from the urgent needs of religious men and women and the ever-growing needs of young people discerning their vocation in life. Please know that your tax-deductible donation will not be wasted on turning up the thermostat at the IRL! It will be used for programs that foster and support vocations to the consecrated life.

May each of you find that happiness and peace that Christ alone can give. Please know that your special intentions will be remembered in our Masses and prayers during this holy season.

Gratefully yours in Christ,

Fr. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem.
IRL Executive Director

Fr. Hardon Anniversary Mass Friday

Today, Dec. 30, the IRL will be commemorating the work of its founder, Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., with an anniversary Mass on the fifth year since his passing into eternal life. We will be remembering our friends and members by praying for them during this time.

Hurricane Tax Relief Bill Benefits Charitable Donors

Major Implications for Charitable Giving

In September, President George W. Bush signed the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (KETRA). While the majority of this tax relief act focuses on providing assistance and tax relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina, it also contains incentives for charitable giving.

The Act suspends limits on individual and corporate tax deductions for cash contributions made to charities such as the Institute on Religious Life between August 28, 2005 and December 31, 2005. Donations to the IRL for this purpose can be made online if they are made by December 31, 2005.