​​​5.12 Religious Staff​​​​​​​​​

Religious who, with their religious institute's approval, hold a position with an archdiocesan entity such as a school or parish, remain agents of their religious communities and are not employees in the technical meaning of that term. They receive no salary for their services. However, payment is ordinarily made to the religious community to which the religious sister or brother belongs. This procedure is in compliance with the Complementary ​Norms​ of canon law regarding vowed religious.

The person in charge who negotiates a position with a religious needs to follow sound personnel practices by:

• Carefully examining the individual's resume

• Consulting with his or her religious institute

• Following up on his or her references from places in which he or she previously served

• Erring on the side of caution by not offering a position if the individual's suitability is in question

Archdiocesan entities using the services of religious must do so by written agreement. The agreement is with both the individual religious and the religious institute, and it is archdiocesan policy that the agreement be signed by the proper superior of the institute or his or her representative, the individual religious, and the person in charge. The agreement should describe the duties of the position, amount of the religious stipend, health benefits, retirement contributions, expected hours and times of work, vacation time, sick leave or times away for religious institute affairs, and where appropriate, the living arrangements and any other fiscal aspects of the agreement with the archdiocese, as well as any other special negotiation. The agreement usually is for a one-year period.

A medical benefit booklet should be provided to all religious who work for schools and such religious are subject to the relevant provisions of the school Staff Handbook.

​A sample Service Agreement and copies of the applicable annual schedule for ​Religious Compensation​​ are available from the Office of the Vicar for Clergy and Office of the Vicar for Women Religious​.​ Other forms may be proposed by the religious institute but must meet archdiocesan requirements.

The written agreement should also specify the terms for termination of the religious' ministry. For example, in the event of a non-renewal of the agreement, notification will be given by the party not renewing at least three months prior to the concluding date of the agreement. The ministry of the individual religious can be terminated 30 days after the religious receives a written letter explaining the reasons for terminating the agreement and the religious can resign with 30 days' notice.​