Services: Consultations

Priest's Personnel Services -
Detailed Descriptions

PRIESTS’ PERSONNEL AUDIT
The audit is a professionally conducted analysis of a current or projected personnel system and its place within a diocese or religious congregation. The audit identifies strengths and weaknesses and sets the direction for making the personnel/human resource system more effective. The audit includes a comprehensive review of the personnel system. It includes the following areas: organization, staff, board, policies and procedures, personnel data and files, personal and ministry development, crisis intervention processes, pre-retirement and retirement education and planning, placement processes, compensation and benefits and performance appraisal.

PRIESTS' COMPENSATION CONSULTATION
This consultation assists dioceses in the review of their compensation program for priests in light of other pay models and programs. Specifically, the consultation evaluates current priest compensation practices within the diocese, including pay provisions for special assignments, the stole fee/ stipend system and automobile, food and other allowances; polls priests and assesses their concerns and attitudes about current pay practices; assists the diocese in the articulation of its philosophy of priests' compensation; gathers appropriate data on compensation paid to priests and others in the region and offer recommendations for appropriate adjustments to the diocese's compensation system for priests.

PRIESTS’ RETIREMENT CONSULTATION
This consultation assists dioceses in the evaluation of the adequacy of diocesan support systems for diocesan priests who retire and the potential need for additional support systems. Elements include housing, finances, ministry, continuing education and spiritual and personal development The Consultation studies the demographics of priestly ministry and includes actuarial studies of longevity and probable incidence of medical problems among elderly diocesan priests. The Study can include attitudinal surveys of both active and retired priests to assess their attitudes about retirement and interest in various possible types of support including continuing ministry, geographical relocation, housing options, and assistance in old age and infirmity. The study can provide comparisons with similar dioceses and will offer financially viable recommendations to dioceses based on the preferences and needs of priests.

SPECIFIC NACPA CONSULTATIONS
NACPA can develop specific consultations to address any of the following priests’ personnel administration issues:
• Assignment processes
• Pre-retirement planning
• Sabbatical Programs
• Substance Abuse/ Psychological Treatment Resources
• Crisis Intervention
• Performance appraisal
• Priest Personnel Board Development

Religious Congregation Services

LAY PARITY ANALYSIS FOR RELIGIOUS
This study will assist religious congregations in preparing and coaching their members to negotiate fair lay equivalent salaries with prospective employers. This consultation provides comparable lay equivalent salary information for positions held by members. The comparable salary data is based on the several national salary surveys NACPA conducts and other surveys which NACPA purchases for use during compensation studies.

RELIGIOUS CONGREGATION RETIREMENT SURVEY
This survey elicits member views on current and future retirement housing, finances, ministry options, spiritual development and knowledge of the aging process. The survey process encourages congre-gation members to think through their attitudes toward retirement and indicate their preferred future. A NACPA consultant conducts and analyzes the survey. Survey results become a basis for congregation retirement programming and planning.

SPECIFIC NACPA CONSULTATIONS
NACPA will develop specific consultations to address any of the following concerns for those serving in ministry to members of religious congregation:
• Personnel policies
• Ministry assignment processes
• Pre-retirement planning
• Crisis Interventions
• Compensation
• Sabbatical programs
• Substance Abuse/Psychological Treatment Resources
• Leadership Team Development/Transition Support

To arrange for these services contact the NACPA office at 513-421-3134 or email at nacpa@nacpa.org.


Return to Consultations