ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA Priest Personnel ......3-7 Special Ministry 3-8 Request for Relief 3-9...

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Priest Personnel Manual: Policies and Procedures

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I: Priest Personnel Board

1-1 Bylaws, Priest Personnel Board Section 2: Diocesan Status

2-1 Incardination

2-2 Excardination

2-3 Extern Priests Section 3: Ministry of Priests

3-1 Assignments

3-2 Duration of Assignments

3-3 Process for Appointment of Pastors

3-4 Secondary (Part-Time) Assignments

3-5 Residence Assignments

3-6 Hospital Ministry

3-7 Special Ministry

3-8 Request for Relief

3-9 Senior Priests

3-10 Service as Military Chaplains

3-11 Service Outside the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

3-12 Death of a Priest Section 4: Retirement

4-1 Retirement Section 5: Compensation

5-1 Compensation and Benefit Package

5-2 Insurance Coverage for Extern Priests

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

5-3 Vacation, Annual Retreat, and Days Off

5-4 Re-payment of Student Loans incurred while attending Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

5-5 Estate Planning 5-6 Retirement/Assisted Living/Personal Care Facilities 5-7 Skilled Nursing Facilities Section 6: Continuing Education, Formation 6-1 Post Ordination Studies 6-2 Sabbaticals

Section 7: Crisis Intervention 7-1 Priests’ Committee on Alcoholism 7-2 Resolution of Disputes between Priests Section 8: Faculties Section 9: General Issues 9-1 Rectory Living 9-2 Anonymous Communications 9-3 Use of Computer and Communication Technology 9-4 Requests for Psychological Counseling Services

Item: 1-1Promulgated: 10/23/91, Amended 10/26/93; 4/26/94; 6/6/2008

Priest Personnel Board:

BYLAWS, PRIEST PERSONNEL BOARD

NAME

The name of this body is: The Priest Personnel Board of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The purpose of the Priest Personnel Board is threefold: a) to offer recommendationsconcerning Priest Personnel assignments; b) to advise the Archbishop on matters related toPriest Personnel policy; c) to fulfill other specific functions assigned within the Priest Personnelpolicy or specifically designated by the Archbishop.

At the discretion of the Archbishop, and to assist the Archbishop of Philadelphia in regard topriest personnel matters, the Board shall consult with priests in the following areas:

1) Priest Personnel needs in the Archdiocese;

2) Priest Personnel needs of particular parishes and institutions;

3) abilities, needs, and ministry interests of individual priests.

The Board is advisory in nature and, as such, its recommendations are subject to approval bythe Archbishop.

MEMBERSHIP

Composition

The Priest Personnel Board consists of ex officio members and members who are electedby the presbyterate.

Ex-Officio Members

The following are ex-officio members of the Priest Personnel Board: the active Auxiliary Bishops;the Vicar for Administration;the Vicar for Clergy;the Regional Vicars

Elected Members

The six elected members of the board shall be drawn from the following categories:

Item: 1-1Page 2

a) Category One - Two Pastors;

b) Category Two - Two Parochial Vicars;

c) Category Three - One priest engaged in specialized ministry;

d) Category Four - One priest in retirement.

TERM OF ELECTED MEMBERS

Length of Term

The term of membership of elected members shall be three (3) years. An exception tothis shall be in the case of the first election under these statutes whereby, to assurecontinuity, lots shall be drawn to provide that two of the members serve terms of two(2) years, another two members serve terms of three (3) years, and another two serveterms of four (4) years.

A Board member may be re-elected but may not serve more than two successive terms.

Cessation of Term

A priest ceases to be a member of the Board:

1) by change of status (excluding temporary appointments) which originally madehim eligible;

2) by resignation duly submitted to and accepted by the Archbishop;

3) by removal by the Archbishop;

4) by expiration of term;

Vacancy

In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the priest with the next highest number of votesin the election (provided he is still serving in the same category) will fill the vacancy andwill serve the remainder of the term left by the vacancy.

Resignation

A member of the Board may resign by filing a written resignation with the Archbishop,to be effective upon acceptance by the Archbishop.

Item: 1-1Page 3

OFFICERS

The Officers of the Priest Personnel Board consist of: Chairman; Vice Chairman; andSecretary.

The Archbishop is the Chairman of the Priest Personnel Board.

The Vice Chairman of the Priest Personnel Board shall be designated by the Archbishop andwill function as chair in the absence of the Archbishop.

The Vicar for Clergy is the Secretary of the Priest Personnel Board. The Secretary or hisdesignee shall keep the minutes of all Board Meetings, shall attend to the giving and serving ofall notices related to the business of the Board, shall have charge of all papers and documentsas the Board may direct, shall attend to all correspondence as may be assigned by theArchbishop and shall perform other necessary duties incidental to the office.

NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF MEMBERS

Nominations and Elections

The Vicar for Clergy shall oversee the preparation and mailing of ballots and thetabulation of results.

Schedule of Elections

Nominations and elections shall be held immediately following the springannouncement of the clerical assignments of diocesan priests. Three weeks shall beallotted to the nomination process and the same for the election process.

Newly elected Board members begin their terms at the fall meeting following theirelection.

Procedure on Nominations

With the exception of ex officio members of the Board, each diocesan priest in goodstanding incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is eligible to be nominatedwithin his own category for a term of membership on the Priest Personnel Board. Eachdiocesan priest in good standing incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia maynominate one candidate for each vacancy within his own election category.

All nomination ballots shall be sent to the Office for Clergy. In accord with the numberand category of vacancies, the election ballot is drawn of the three priests receiving thehighest number of nomination ballots for each vacancy.

Prior to the listing of an individual on the election ballot, his spoken or written approvalmust be obtained. Should a candidate decline the nomination, the one with the next

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highest number of nomination votes in the same category shall be listed for the election.All ties shall be resolved by seniority in ordination year and, if ordained the same year,seniority in age.

Procedure on Elections

Each diocesan priest in good standing incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphiais eligible to vote for each vacancy in his respective category.

All election ballots shall be sent to the Office for Clergy. All ties shall be resolved asoutlined above.

MEETINGS

Meetings

Meetings of the Priest Personnel Board are scheduled at the discretion of theArchbishop, with most meetings being held between October and May of each fiscalyear.

Agenda for Meetings

The business of a meeting shall be the agenda as established by the Archbishop.Matters to be included in the agenda must be submitted to the Vicar for Clergy at leastthree (3) weeks in advance of the Board meeting for which they are proposed. Any itempresented for consideration for the Agenda shall include its rationale. The Vicar forClergy will prepare and forward a copy of the Agenda to the members at least one weekprior to the meeting.

Format of Meetings

The Archbishop will ordinarily preside at all board meetings. Consensus is the ordinaryand desired method of making decisions and recommendations.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Each member of the Board, during and after his term of office, is to observe strict confidentialityin all matters discussed at meetings and in regard to all Board agendas, minutes, documents,reports or correspondence. The communication of Board matters may be authorized only bythe Archbishop.

COMMITTEES

To assist in furthering the general purpose of the Priest Personnel Board's work, ad hoccommittees may be established by action of the Archbishop. Such committees shall consist ofBoard members appointed by the Archbishop. As needed and appropriate to the task, the adhoc committee may call upon the assistance of consultants.

Item: 1-1Page 5

AMENDMENTS

Amendments to these bylaws shall be proposed at a meeting of the Board and normally actedupon by the Archbishop at a designated subsequent meeting.

Item: 2-1Promulgated: 5/15/95; Amended 6/6/2008

Diocesan Status:

INCARDINATION

INCARDINATION: The formal canonical act whereby a cleric is transferred from thejurisdiction of another (arch)diocese or religious institute to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The following procedures are in effect for priests seeking incardination in the Archdiocese ofPhiladelphia.

INITIAL REQUEST

1. The process for incardination begins when a priest obtains the writtenpermission of his Bishop or Superior to pursue this matter. A priest seekingeventual incardination in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia follows with a letter tothe Archbishop of Philadelphia, stating his desire for incardination and thereasons for it.

NB. In accord with Canon 268, a priest is automatically incardinated after fiveyears of continuous ministry in a (arch)diocese if he has declared hisintention in writing to both bishops and has received no writtenopposition from either bishop within four (4) months of the receipt of hisletter.

2. The Vicar for Clergy (or his representative) conducts a personal interview withthe priest, exploring particular aspects of the request. Information concerning thepriest, his background and ministry interests, including but not limited to apersonnel data form and a confidential release statement, is gathered by the Vicarfor Clergy. Health information may be requested.

In addition, priests requesting incardination in the Archdiocese of Philadelphiaare required to be in complete compliance with the mandates of the UnitedStates Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children andYoung People and the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies dealing withAllegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons. Compliance includes Stateand Federal background checks and Safe Environment training.

3. The Vicar for Clergy presents the request to pursue the process of incardinationto the Priest Personnel Board for review and recommendation to the Archbishop.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Item: 2-1Page 2

1. If the Archbishop decides to pursue the process of incardination, the priest isgiven an initial appointment to ministry in the Archdiocese, and a period ofministerial evaluation with a view toward possible incardination, generally of atleast three years but no longer than five years, begins.

2. During the probationary period, the general norm is for a priest to serve in twoor more assignments. If the priest is a member of a religious community, it isunderstood that the initial appointment to ministry is made contingent upon theappropriate canonical indult of exclaustration.

FORMAL REQUEST

1. A formal request for incardination is normally made only after the priest hascompleted at least three years of continual ministry in the Archdiocese. Thepriest initiates this formal request by expressing his request in writing to his ownBishop or Superior, and to the Archbishop of Philadelphia.

2. The Vicar for Clergy coordinates collection of pertinent material (initial requestand records; interview records; testimonial letters from Pastor(s) under whom thepriest has worked in the Archdiocese, associates, and/or colleagues as applicable;canonical review by Chancery). It is expected that the priest possess validdocumentation of permanent resident status before making a formal request forincardination. Physical and psychological evaluations will be required of priestsseeking incardination.

Refer to Canon 268 as indicated under Initial Request-1 above.

3. The Priest Personnel Board reviews the request and makes recommendation tothe Archbishop. In accord with the Archbishop's final decision, the Vicar forClergy prepares for mailing, recording and implementing appropriatecorrespondence.

SENIORITY

1. For a priest incardinated into the Archdiocese of Philadelphia after his ordinationto the priesthood, seniority (in regard to applicable diocesan policy) begins on theeffective date of his assignment to his first continuous ministry (leading toincardination) in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.


Diocesan Status:

EXCARDINATION

EXCARDINATION: The formal canonical act whereby a cleric of the Archdiocese ofPhiladelphia is transferred from the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to another(arch)diocese or religious institute.

INITIAL REQUEST

1. The process for excardination begins when a priest obtains the writtenpermission of the Archbishop of Philadelphia to pursue this matter.

2. The Vicar for Clergy, or his representative, conducts a personal interview withthe priest, exploring particular aspects of the request. Information concerning thepriest, his background and ministry interests, and the nature of the request toexcardinate to another diocese or religious community, is gathered by the Vicarfor Clergy.

3. A canonical review of this request for excardination is procured from theChancellor. If the canonical review is favorable, the Vicar for Clergy presents therequest to pursue the process of excardination to the Priest Personnel Board forreview and recommendation to the Archbishop.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

1. If the Archbishop decides to pursue the process of excardination, the priest ispermitted to explore the possibility of assignment elsewhere and, provided aBishop/Major Religious Superior assigns the priest to service, is released fromservice in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for an initial period of time, generallyof at least three years but no longer than five years.

FORMAL REQUEST

1. A formal request for excardination is normally made only after the priest hascompleted a period of service, generally at least three years, in the diocese orreligious community into which he seeks incardination. The priest initiates thisformal request by expressing his request in writing to the Archbishop ofPhiladelphia and to the bishop of the diocese (or the major superior of thereligious community) into which he seeks incardination.

2. If the receiving bishop/major superior indicates willingness to incardinate, andthe Archbishop of Philadelphia is in agreement, excardination takes effect upon

Item: 2-2Page 2

the priest's incardination into a new diocese or religious community.

3. Under normal circumstances, a request for excardination would not beconsidered if there is a question regarding the priest’s suitability for ministry.

In addition, priests requesting excardination are required to be in completecompliance with the mandates of the United States Conference of CatholicBishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the EssentialNorms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minorsby Priests or Deacons.

N.B. In accord with Canon 268, a priest is automatically incardinated after five years of continuousministry in a diocese if he has declared his intention in writing to both bishops and has receivedno written opposition from either bishop within four (4) months of the receipt of his letter.


Diocesan Status:

EXTERN PRIESTS

EXTERN PRIESTS: Priests who are not incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia andwho request to take up residence or who assume and/or perform pastoral ministry in any parishor apostolate in the Archdiocese. This includes visiting priests who are assisting at liturgicalcelebrations; i.e., funerals, weddings, baptisms, confessions, etc.

LONG TERM (beyond 90 days)

Priests who are not incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia must have prior approvalof the Archbishop to take up residence and/or assume pastoral ministry on an extended basisin any parish or apostolate of the Archdiocese. When the residence or ministry of an externpriest is expected to extend beyond ninety (90) days, permission from the Archbishop isrequired.

Request for approval for residence/ministry of an extern priest is to be directed to the Office forClergy, which will request and review the necessary documentation of the priest in questionbefore submitting the request to the Archbishop and extending faculties. Essential componentsof the necessary documentation must include the permission of the priest's Ordinary, and aConfidential Statement testifying to the priest's suitability for ministry in the Archdiocese.

In addition, extern priests requesting residence or pastoral ministry are required to be incomplete compliance with the mandates of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms for Diocesan/EparchialPolicies dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons. Compliance includesState and Federal background checks and Safe Environment training.

Priests from a country other than the United States of America are required to have all VISA(tourist, student or R-1 religious worker’s Visa) requirements completed before arriving in theArchdiocese. They will also need to provide background checks from their local lawenforcement agencies and/or INTERPOL.

SHORT TERM (less than 90 days)

The presence of a priest who is not incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, but whowill be present in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and stay in a rectory or ecclesial residenceand/or expect to do ministry in the Archdiocese, must be made know to the Office for Clergy.

A celebret or a letter of proof of good standing/faculties in his own (Arch)Diocese/Institute of

Item: 2-3Page 2

Consecrated Life/Society of Apostolic Life is necessary for any priest to reside or minister in theArchdiocese of Philadelphia, including a visiting priest who assists in any way in a liturgicalcelebration. For validity, the celebret must include the following:

• the ministry to be performed in the Archdiocese as well as the time frame for thespecified ministry

• the Seal of the (Arch)Diocese/Institute/Society

• the date of issuance.

If there is any doubt as to the validity of the celebret, please call the Office for Clergy duringregular office hours or the priest emergency line (215-510-6222).

For a priest who is residing or ministering longer than one week in the Archdiocese, aConfidential Statement signed by the priest’s Ordinary/Superior or his delegate also isnecessary.

Item: 3-1Promulgated: 12/06/90 Amended 5/15/95; 6/6/2008

Ministry of Priests:

ASSIGNMENTS

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

The policies pertaining to the assignment of priests are rooted in the following basic principles:

! Love of God and service to the Church are the reasons for all priestly ministry.

! The ministry of priests is an essential element in the Archbishop's responsibility ofmeeting the pastoral needs of the Archdiocese.

! Archdiocesan priests are ordained to serve the Church in Philadelphia primarily inparish assignments.

! Priestly assignments are made primarily with a view toward meeting the needs of thepeople, but also with appropriate recognition of the talents and needs of the priesthimself.

! The policies on assignments seek to preserve, among other values, those of priestlyfraternity, stability and dialogue in the recommending of appointments by means ofconsultation.

CONSULTATION

As applied to Archdiocesan appointments, consultation includes the following:

Periodic Interview: Every diocesan priest participates in a consultation and assessment ofpastoral ministry with the Office for Clergy at least once every five years (and no later thanduring the third year of priestly service for Newly Ordained Priests), and on the occasion of thepastoral visit to the parish or institution by the Regional Bishop (or his designee).

In addition, a priest may request at any time to meet with the Vicar for Clergy or his designeeconcerning his assignment.

The interview will focus on issues pertaining to the priest's present ministry and possibilities forfuture ministerial appointments.

Personnel Profile: The responsibility for maintaining an accurate personnel profile rests withthe Office for Clergy as well as with the priest himself, inasmuch as the profile is a record of thepriest's history in ministry, his concerns and desires about future ministry, his particularinterests and talents, and personal concerns such as family, health, obligations, funeralplanning, etc.Personal Consideration: While priests are free to submit requests for particular assignments,

Item: 3-1Page 2

the Priest Personnel Board is not bound to those requests when making recommendations tothe Archbishop, nor is the Archbishop limited in any way by requests or recommendations.

Obedience: Each priest, by virtue of his promise of obedience made at the time of ordination,is committed to serving God through his service to the Church. Although it is a reasonableexpectation that every priest can live out his commitment in an environment that is respectfulof his human needs, it is understood that the desires of an individual priest may not always befulfilled, and that ultimately the priest's promise of obedience will prevail in serving the needsof the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

EFFECTIVE DATES

While assignments are made whenever pastoral circumstances require, normally Archdiocesanappointments (including reassignment and retirement) are arranged to take effect in mid-June.

This policy provides that all appropriate preliminary arrangements for transfers and renewalsof terms are governed by this date. A priest requesting a transfer, or any change in his statusor ministry, must present his request to the Archbishop no later than January 15.

Item: 3-2Promulgated: 12/06/90 ; Amended

07/25/2007


DURATION OF ASSIGNMENTS

PASTOR

A Pastor is appointed for a non-specified period of time and continues to serve as long asperiodic evaluations indicate that he is suitable for the position, or until it is determined by theArchbishop that there is good reason for a different assignment.

In addition to the periodic pastoral visits of the Regional Bishops, a review which includes aconsultation and assessment of pastoral ministry will be conducted by the Office for Clergy atleast once every five years.

PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATOR

When a Pastor is prevented temporarily from exercising his pastoral office in the parish due toincapacity, ill health or some other cause, the Archbishop may appoint a ParochialAdministrator, that is, a priest who substitutes for the Pastor in accord with the norms ofCanon 540.

PAROCHIAL VICARS AND PRIESTS IN SPECIAL MINISTRIES

Ordinarily, Parochial Vicars and priests in special ministry are appointed for a non-specifiedperiod of time, unless otherwise indicated in the appointment. It is the aim and desire of theArchbishop that Parochial Vicars and priests in special ministries should have a significantmeasure of stability, as well as varied pastoral experiences in their assignments. This would bebeneficial for both the priests and the parish/special ministry where they are assigned.

The duration of an assignment for Parochial Vicars and priests in special ministries, isdetermined by the pastoral needs of the Archdiocese and of the parish/special ministry, as wellas by the needs of the priest himself.

In addition to the periodic pastoral visits of the Regional Bishops, a review which includes aconsultation and assessment of pastoral ministry will be conducted by the Office for Clergy atleast once every five years. Consideration will be given at that time to a possible transfer toanother assignment.

To support the ongoing formation of Newly Ordained Priests, a review of their pastoralministry, that includes a consultation and assessment, will be conducted by the Office for Clergyno later than during their third year of priestly service. Consideration will be given at that timeto a possible transfer to another assignment.



PROCESS FOR APPOINTMENT OF PASTORS

Parishes within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are of widely varied composition, graces,pastoral needs and resources. In appointments to the office of Pastor, the Archbishop considersthe good of souls and the pastoral circumstances of the particular parish, as well as the interestsand abilities of individual priests.

It is not assumed that every priest of the archdiocese aspires to the office of Pastor. One of thekey considerations in the appointment of Pastors is the priest candidate's willingness to receivethe appointment.

The following is an outline of the process by which the Priest Personnel Board makesrecommendations to the Archbishop concerning the appointment of Pastors, specifically byutilizing the committee, documentation and procedure described.

I. COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PASTOR CANDIDATES

A committee of the Priest Personnel Board serves to review the names of candidates forappointment to the position of Pastor. The committee is composed of the Regional Vicars, theVicar for Clergy, and two elected members of the board.

II. DOCUMENTATION

A. Priest

The following documents, filed in the Office for Clergy, will assist the Priest PersonnelBoard in fulfilling its responsibility of reviewing possible candidates and makingrecommendations to the Archbishop on the appointment of a priest to a particularpastorate:

1. A letter from the priest, addressed to the Archbishop, stating his willingness tobe considered for appointment as a Pastor

2. The priest's "personal narrative," in which the priest describes in narrative formhis vision of the priesthood and pastoral ministry. The personal narrative is, ineffect, a self-evaluation by which a priest reviews the reasons for which he believeshimself to be qualified to serve as a Pastor. Specific mention should be made ofparticipation in ongoing formation workshops, both mandatory and optional.

B. Parish

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When a position for Pastor becomes open:

1. The Regional Bishop and the Vicar for Clergy, in consultation with the RegionalVicar, will provide pertinent information to the Priest Personnel Boardconcerning the parish, which will serve as an assessment of the type of Pastorneeded for the parish.

2. The Vicar for Clergy will provide similar appropriate information about theparish and an assessment on the type of Pastor needed for the parish.

3. The outgoing Pastor (in cases of resignation and/or retirement) will be requestedto submit to the Vicar for Clergy an evaluation of the parish and an assessmentof the type of Pastor needed for the parish.

III. PROCEDURE

When the above information is fully available:

1. The information, including the priest’s personal narrative, will be forwarded tothe members of the Priest Personnel Board.

2. Each Board member may submit for consideration one name from an updatedlist of those priests who have indicated their willingness to be considered forappointment to a pastorate, and have submitted a personal narrative. (A priestalready serving as a Pastor may also be considered for appointment to thepastorate in question.)

When names of candidates have been received from the Priest Personnel Board in the Officefor Clergy:

3. The Vicar for Clergy convenes the Committee appointed to review candidates fora pastorate.

4. The Committee will review the names submitted for appointment to a particularpastorate, and prepare a list of priests, in order of preference, together withreasons for recommendation, to be reviewed by the full Priest Personnel Board.Names of all priests who have been recommended will be made available to thePriest Personnel Board.

5. The Priest Personnel Board will then make its recommendation to theArchbishop concerning the appointment of a priest to a particular pastorate.

6. The Office for Clergy consults with all priests being considered for reassignment.Only in special circumstances is an individual priest consulted about a particularparish. Otherwise, the consultation is about the types of parishes and generallocations.

Item: 3-3Page 3

PERSONAL NARRATIVE

As part of the process for reviewing the request of a priest who wishes to be considered forappointment to a pastorate, please provide a narrative description of what you see as the missionof the priesthood. Elements to be considered in this description are the following:

! what you see as the role of the priest, and how you fill it

! your view of the role of the Pastor in a parish, and a description of pastoral leadership

! your spirituality and how it affects (and is affected by) your priestly ministry

! your view of the importance of the liturgy and the homily in your ministry

! your ability and interest in education of the faithful

! your participation in evangelization and service

! your interpersonal relational style

! your strengths and weaknesses in pastoral leadership

! your participation in ongoing formation workshops, both mandatory and optional

Item: 3-4Promulgated: 10/06/93


SECONDARY (PART-TIME) ASSIGNMENTS

The following procedure is in effect for recommending secondary (part-time) assignments forpriests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

1. Department Director/Secretary notifies Department of Priest Personnel of vacancy. Ifthe vacancy is a new position, a job description should be included: number ofhours/days per week, minimum qualifications or training, location of assignment, andfinancial arrangements (if applicable).

2. Department Director provides initial list of candidates, or a list of qualifications forcandidates, to Department of Priest Personnel, for file review and initial screening outof unacceptable candidates.

3. Department of Priest Personnel returns candidate list to Department Director,authorizing Department Director to approach candidates concerning the position andeach candidate's interest/availability. The issue of availability is to be addressed by thecandidate in consultation with his Pastor and/or Director/Administrator.

4. Department Director returns revised candidate list to Department of Priest Personnel,indicating each candidate's own willingness to accept the assignment.

5. Department of Priest Personnel secures the comments of the candidate's Pastor and/orDirector/Administrator, in regard to possible conflict with current full-timeresponsibilities.

6. Department of Priest Personnel secures comment/recommendation of the respectiveRegional Vicar, or Archdiocesan Secretary.

7. Department of Priest Personnel compiles all relevant information and presentsrecommendation to the Archbishop.

8. Department of Priest Personnel notifies Department Director of action onrecommendation, and prepares appointment letters accordingly (letter to be signed bythe Archbishop, copy to be provided to Department Director and to Pastor/DepartmentDirector of full-time assignment).

9. Department of Priest Personnel follows up as needed with notification to Office ofFinancial Services.

10. Assignment entered into Clergy database as "secondary assignment."

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11. No priest should carry more than one secondary assignment.


Revised: 11/16/95


RESIDENCE ASSIGNMENTS

Residence assignments of priests in special ministry are made by the Archbishop afterconsultation with the individual priest, the Pastor or Superior of an institution and the Secretaryfor Clergy, taking into account Archdiocesan needs, the demands of the special ministry, andthe concerns of the priest himself.

Each priest assigned to a parochial residence is required to be available for Liturgy on Sundaysand holydays at the parish of residence, unless his primary assignment requires the celebrationof the Eucharist elsewhere. Any further ministry at the parish of residence is at the discretionof the priest in residence and with concurrence of the Pastor.

"Suffering and illness have always been among the greatest problems that trouble thehuman spirit. Christians feel and experience pain as do all other people; yet their faithhelps them to grasp more deeply the mystery of suffering and to bear their pain withgreater courage. From Christ's words they know that sickness has meaning and valuefor their own salvation and for the salvation of the world. They also know that Christ, whoduring his life often visited and healed the sick, loves them in their illness."

(First Paragraph: Pastoral Care of the Sick: Anointing and Viaticum)

"Every scientific effort to prolong life and every act of care for the sick, on the part of anyperson, may be considered a preparation for the Gospel and a sharing in Christ's healingministry.

It is thus especially fitting that all baptized Christians share in this ministry of mutualcharity within the Body of Christ by doing all that they can to help the sick return tohealth, by showing love for the sick, and by celebrating the sacraments with them. Likethe other sacraments, these too have a community aspect, which should be brought outas much as possible when they are celebrated." (#32, #33, General Introduction)



HOSPITAL MINISTRY

INTRODUCTION

The Church's ministry to the sick clearly is founded on the practice of Christ and rooted in thelove that He had for those who suffered because of their illness. This ministry in the Churchof today belongs especially to Pastors (and their Parochial Vicars), Chaplains and those whoassist them in bringing the Sacraments of the Church to the sick, whether in institutions for thecare of the sick and infirm or in their homes. Pastors (and their Parochial Vicars) andChaplains are assisted in certain aspects of this ministry by deacons, eucharistic ministers andpastoral care teams.

Ministry to the sick is rightfully shared also by many others.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: A THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

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At the very heart of the Church's ministry to the sick is the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sickwhich since apostolic times has provided comfort, hope and grace to the sick. The words of theApostle James speak for themselves:

"Is there anyone sick among you? He should ask for the presbyters of the Church. They in turnare to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."

Like all liturgical rites, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is an essential part of theChurch's public worship. As such, it presupposes that the administration of the Sacramentoccurs ordinarily within the context of a praying community, and that its administration as anemergency procedure is an exception to the usual practice. At the same time, ministry to thesick in emergency situations is in every sense an expression of the praying Church.

The graces of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick are a spiritual help given to the sickperson to assist that person to live in peaceful union with God, even in the midst of sicknessand physical weakness. Good health and wellness are more than good anatomical andphysiological functioning. Good health is a state of well-being which also encompasses thespiritual and psychological aspects of human living. Thus, when our liturgical prayers beseechGod to preserve us in health of mind, body and spirit, we are expressing our desire to enjoy thisfullness of health which we believe God wants us to have.

The experience of physical or emotional sickness is, in effect, a disturbance of the well-being ofthe entire person. Because physical and emotional sickness is an attack upon the health of thebody, the physical, psychological and spiritual energies within the person come to the supportof the body in its struggle to regain physical health. This concentration of energies upon thebody leaves the soul and the human spirit devoid of the emotional and spiritual support whichordinarily sustain the person's spiritual life. Consequently, the sick person is vulnerable tospiritual anxiety, discouragement, despair and a fear of his or her past sins.

The graces of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick constitute a comfort and supportoffered to both the soul and the body of the sick person. These sacramental graces bringcomfort and support to the soul and spirit of the person so that, even in the midst of pain andsuffering, the soul and spirit of the sick person are united with Jesus and, through Him, withthe Father and the Holy Spirit. The presence and activity of these graces upon the human soulprovide the spiritual and emotional support which the soul lost when so much of the sickperson's human energies are directed toward assisting the body in its struggle against sicknessand physical weakness.

Item: 3-6Page 3

These sacramental graces also constitute a spiritual comfort bestowed upon the body so that thebody, striving to regain physical health, will in no way impede the progress of the sick personin maintaining an intimate and graced relationship with God.

This twofold effect of the graces of this sacrament, that is, upon soul and body, restores at leastpartially the balance of the spiritual and psychological energies which the human person needsin order to maintain normal human living. In certain cases, the partial restoration of thisbalance may contribute to the regaining of physical health, as our Catholic Tradition concerningthis sacrament has stated.

In cases where the anointed person dies, the graces of this sacrament are nonetheless effective.When the pain and suffering of the sick person increase, and death draws near, the graces ofthis sacrament unite the dying person to the crucified Jesus who, while sustaining intensephysical pain and suffering, maintained spiritual union with his Father. This conformity to thesuffering Christ is, in the midst of one's human pain, an anticipation of the union with therisen Christ which after death the sick person will experience both in soul and in body. Thus,in the light of the Resurrection, the Anointing of the Sick invites us to look forward to thesplendor and glory which the sick person will experience when the Risen Life of Jesus Christwill conquer all death, remove all pain, and give to us everlasting health in mind, body andspirit.

BASIC PRINCIPLES:

1. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated for a rightly disposed Catholicperson who has reached the use of reason and whose health has begun to be seriouslyimpaired by sickness or advanced age. This sacrament is not restricted to persons at thepoint of death.

2. The Pastor of the parish (and his Parochial Vicars) and the Priest Chaplain of the healthcare facility are entrusted with the administration of Viaticum and the Anointing of theSick to the faithful committed to their care.

3. It is the duty of Pastors and Chaplains to educate the faithful to receive the anointingwith devotion, and to avoid delaying the request for the Anointing of the Sick until aperson's death is imminent.

4. The faithful who are ill in their homes are the spiritual responsibility of the Pastor andhis Parochial Vicars. Catholics who are in hospitals or in nursing homes are also thespiritual responsibility of the parish charged with the sacramental ministry to such health-care institutions.

PASTORAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

Item: 3-6Page 4

1. The liturgical texts to be utilized in sacramental celebrations for sick and dying personsare set forth in the Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum (1982).

2. A hospital to which no Priest Chaplain has been assigned is the responsibility of thePastor and Parochial Vicar(s) of the territorial parish within which the hospital is locatedunless other arrangements have been made by the Archdiocesan Office of the Vicar forAdministration.

3. When the highest quality of pastoral care is likely to be best served by having twoparishes cooperate in the sacramental ministry to patients at a particular hospital, it isthe responsibility of the Pastor of the territorial parish within whose boundaries thehospital is situated to petition the Regional Vicar to enlist and facilitate the support ofa neighboring parish.

4. When two parishes (e.g., the territorial parish in whose territory the hospital is situatedand another parish) are cooperators in patient care, the territorial parish is identified asthe Primary Parish in Pastoral Care. The second parish is identified as the AssistingParish in Pastoral Care. Respective responsibilities and necessary clarifications in specificmatters (e.g., number of days, sacramental registers, etc.) are determined by thecooperating Pastors and reviewed by the Regional Vicar.

5. A priest assigned as full-time Chaplain to a Catholic or non-sectarian hospital or nursinghome is the Primary Priest in Pastoral Care. When the highest quality of patient careto a hospital or nursing home is best maintained through the cooperation of the priestsfrom a nearby parish, this parish is identified as the Assisting Parish in Pastoral Care.Specific matters in this arrangement are to be established by the Chaplain and the Pastorof the assisting parish, and reviewed by the Regional Vicar.

6. Where exceptional circumstances exist (e.g., multiple health care institutions within theterritory of a parish), it is the responsibility of the Pastor of the territorial parish toconsult with the Regional Vicar to determine how the highest level of pastoral care willbest be supported by inter-parochial cooperation.

7. The records of all sacramental ministrations are to be duly recorded in the properregister, in accord with the following:

---for hospitals/nursing homes having the services of a full-time chaplain, the register ismaintained at the institution by the chaplain;

---for hospitals/nursing homes that are served by local parishes, the registers are to bemaintained in the territorial parish in which the facility is located.

8. A priest may anoint a parishioner in an institution assigned to a Chaplain or to priestsof the local parish; in these situations the priest who anointed the person is to informeither the Chaplain or the Primary Parish of Pastoral Care, as well as the proper nursingstation.

Item: 3-6Page 5

9. Pastors and Chaplains are urged to prepare and sponsor communal celebrations for theanointing of the sick so that those who are ill may have the benefit of sharing in the faithof the praying community.

10. Pastors and Chaplains are urged to foster involvement of all baptized persons inproviding pastoral care to the sick and infirm, which may take the form of personal visitsand other expressions of compassion, study sessions in pastoral care for hospitalpersonnel, and team ministry.

EXHORTATION

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is committed to providing pastoral care to the sick in accordwith the teaching promulgated by the Apostolic Constitution of Paul VI, Sacram UnctionemInfirmorum, in 1972, and with the principles set forth in the General Introduction to PastoralCare of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum.

Those who are entrusted with the responsibility of ministering to the sick - priests, deacons,eucharistic ministers, pastoral assistants - are urged to study and reflect carefully upon theteachings and principles offered in these documents, to ensure that their service to the sick andinfirm continues to be an extension and a continuation of the ministry that Christ Himselfprovided to those in need.



SPECIAL MINISTRY

The term "special ministry" refers to any full-time, non-parochial ministry, including amongothers: curial or other Archdiocesan appointments, health care or related ministries, Seminaryand educational apostolates, military and other chaplaincies, and service outside theArchdiocese.

Whenever feasible, a priest in special ministry is assigned to a parish residence, although hisprimary ministerial responsibilities are those outlined in his letter of appointment.



REQUEST FOR RELIEF

Any priest who, for reasons of age or health, has need for a reduced work schedule, or relieffrom the responsibility of administration, may request same from the Archbishop.

If, in order to effect this change in status, a change in assignment also is appropriate, the priestin question consults with the Secretary for Clergy for the arrangement of an assignment to beapproved by the Archbishop.

Salary and insurance benefits for the priest in question continue in accord with Archdiocesanpolicy.

Item: 3-9Page 1



SENIOR PRIESTS

I. INTRODUCTION

In light of the Church's tradition and teaching - "You are a priest forever" - every priest knowsthat his consecration through ordination embraces his whole person and whole life. There isnever an age nor a time when a priest can say that his ministry as priest is completed.

However, it is recognized that a priest in his later years of life is often less able to carry on themore active pastoral ministry as typically experienced in the modern world. In particular, it isoften advisable that he not continue with the demanding tasks of administration. So therecomes a time when, because of age and diminishing energy, a priest may or ought to modify theways in which he serves the Lord and his people.

II. DEFINITION

A priest (Pastor, Parochial Vicar, Parochial Administrator, Priest in Special Ministry) whohas reached the age of 65 may request permission from the Archbishop to become aSenior Priest. This category of Senior Priest is not retirement. Rather, it is an entirely different statuswhich has been established to enable and facilitate continuing pastoral ministry.

Becoming a Senior Priest is a progression to a recognized category in which the priestministers to the faithful within his capacity to provide priestly service. The wisdom andexperience of the Senior Priest are invaluable gifts for the Church which can be moreeffectively utilized for the benefit of the faithful and the well-being of the priest himself.

His pastoral duties will take into account his age, experience, interest and learning. Hisparticular duties and schedule will be decided by mutual agreement between the SeniorPriest and the person to whom he is accountable, in light of the following guidelines.

III. GUIDELINES

a) It is understood that the work of the Senior Priest is primarily sacramental andpastoral. A schedule of responsibilities and duties, dependent upon hiscapabilities, his interests, age, health, experience and learning will be determinedin consultation with his pastor or superior in a special ministry assignment.Normally, he will not be expected to be involved in any administration or fundraising

Item: 3-9Page 2

b) A Senior Priest will continue to receive full salary and benefits according to theestablished Compensation and Benefits Package for active, diocesan priests of theArchdiocese of Philadelphia.

IV. ASSIGNMENT

a) The priest submits a request, in writing to the Archbishop, to become a SeniorPriest.

b) The Office for Clergy will consult with the requesting priest as well as pursuepossible assignments. Direct consultation involving the requesting priest withperspective pastors or other superiors in a special ministry assignment may occurwith the assistance of the staff of the Office for Clergy.

c) If the requesting priest is a pastor, he resigns from the office of Pastor andreceives the title of Pastor Emeritus.

d) A recommendation made by the Vicar for Clergy will be discussed by the PriestPersonnel Board.

e) The Priest Personnel Board will submit a recommendation to the Archbishop forfinal approval.



SERVICE AS MILITARY CHAPLAINS

Ministry as a chaplain in the Armed Forces of the United States is a unique and important typeof ministry. In many respects, the Catholic chaplain is "the Church" to and for the people heserves as well as the Command with whom he works.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes the need to provide priest chaplains for the manyCatholic Service Men and Women, and their dependents, assigned throughout the world.Aware of this need, the Archdiocese enjoys a rich history of priest personnel serving the needsof Catholics in the Armed Services. In a period of considerable priest shortages, theArchdiocese continues to seek ways to serve Catholics in the Armed Services while balancingthe ever-growing needs of the Archdiocese.

MILITARY CHAPLAINCY PROGRAMS

A. Active Duty Chaplains

Priests are recruited either directly for active duty or called from reserved status. No priestmay serve as a military chaplain without the written permission of his Bishop orReligious Superior. This permission may be withdrawn at any time.

B. Reserve Chaplains

Priests are attached to reserve units and constitute a "ready reserve" call up capacity intime of crisis. Commission as a reserve chaplain contains the agreement to serve onactive duty if so called during a national emergency. No priest may serve as a militarychaplain without the written permission of his Bishop or Religious Superior. Thispermission may be withdrawn at any time.

For the United States Armed Forces, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, is the onlyrecognized endorsing agent for priests requesting service as a military chaplain. A priest whoreceives permission (endorsement) by the Archbishop of Philadelphia to serve as a militarychaplain is, in reality, released to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, for a periodof time stipulated by the Archbishop of Philadelphia. Canonically, the military chaplain isunder the jurisdiction of and receives faculties for his priestly service as a military chaplain fromthe Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

PROCEDURE

Item: 3-10Page 2

1. A priest interested in being assigned as a military chaplain must be ordained atleast five years.

2. Normally, Archdiocesan appointments (including military chaplaincies) arearranged to take effect in mid-June. An interested priest must present his request,in writing, to the Archbishop no later than January 15. Ordinarily, requestsreceived after this date will not be honored.

3. The Secretary for Clergy will notify the members of the Subcommittee to ReviewRequests for Military Chaplaincies of such requests and will forward anappropriate information questionnaire to be completed by the requesting priest.

4. The Chairman of the Subcommittee to Review of Requests for MilitaryChaplaincies will arrange for an interview of the requesting priest with themembers of the Subcommittee.

5. The recommendation of the Subcommittee, along with the recommendation ofthe Secretary for Clergy, is presented to the Priest Personnel Board for review andrecommendation to the Archbishop for final decision regarding priests requestingActive Duty Status.

6. The recommendation of the Subcommittee, along with the recommendation ofthe Secretary for Clergy, is presented to the Archbishop for final decisionregarding priests requesting Reserve Chaplain Status.

Item: 3-10Page 3

INTERVIEW INFORMATION FOR MILITARY CHAPLAINCY

NAME: ORDAINED: DATE OF BIRTH:

ASSIGNMENT: SINCE (DATE):

FAMILY INFORMATION: PARENTS LIVING: BROTHERS/SISTERS: DESCRIBE ANY FAMILY HEALTH PROBLEMS OR FINANCIAL PROBLEMS:

DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL HEALTH PROBLEMS (INCLUDE DATE OF LAST MEDICAL CHECK-UP): ASSIGNMENTS: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THEM?

ECUMENICAL EXPERIENCES:

EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER RACIAL/LANGUAGE GROUPS:

WHY ARE YOU REQUESTING THE MILITARY CHAPLAINCY:

DESCRIBE YOUR VISION OF A MILITARY CHAPLAIN'S LIFE & ROUTINE:

Item: 3-10Page 4

Item: 3-11Promulgated:


SERVICE OUTSIDE THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

(To be provided)



DEATH OF A PRIEST

PURPOSE

The death of a priest is a moment for his family, assignment and the entire Archdiocese to mournhis death, express gratitude for the gift of his life and ministry, and pray for the happy repose of hissoul. Timely and considered instructions for a priest's funeral are a great kindness to those whosurvive him. In order to be respectful to both the priest and the Church, and sensitive to family members,confidentiality is to be exercised upon the death of a priest.

SCOPE

Every priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is required to complete and send to the Office forClergy a Priest Personal Planning Record. In addition, each priest is encouraged to provide anitemized list of his belongings, and a sealed copy of his Will, noting the location of his original Will.

POLICY

Immediately upon the death of a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Vicar for Clergy isto be informed. He, in turn, will inform the Archbishop, the Regional Bishop and the RegionalVicar.

The deceased priest's room(s) are to be immediately secured by the Regional Vicar or, in hisabsence, the Vicar for Clergy or a designee appointed by the Vicar for Clergy, so that nounauthorized person has access. The Regional Vicar and/or the Vicar for Clergy (or designee) willenter the deceased priest’s room(s) for purposes of examining files (written and/or electronic) relatedto matters of an ecclesiastical nature.

PROCEDURES

Upon receiving notification of a priest's death, the Vicar for Clergy or his designee is responsiblefor the following:

1. Contacting the Office of the Archbishop, appropriate Archdiocesan officials, andfamily members.

2. Contacting the Executor/Executrix of the priest's Will.

3. Coordinating funeral arrangements with the family, parish, funeral director, and

Item: 3-12Page 2

Archdiocesan officials, as appropriate, for the Transfer of the Body to the Churchwith evening prayer, parish Mass (if appropriate the night before), the funeral Mass,and interment.

4. Notifying the Office for Communications and the Catholic Standard & Times.

CREMATION

The Catholic Church always has had the upmost respect and reverence for the human body and theprayers of the funeral liturgy reflect this. The Catholic Church strongly encourages burial orentombment of a body over cremation. This is especially appropriate for a priest. In the event apriest requests cremation, it is necessary that the reasons for such a decision be included in the PriestPersonal Planning Record. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, although cremation is permitted,the body of the deceased priest must be present for the funeral mass. The Order of ChristianFunerals contains provisions for the cremation of the body of the deceased following the FinalCommendation that concludes the funeral liturgy and before the Rite of Committal.

The remains of cremated bodies should be treated with the same respect given to the corporealremains of a human body. The cremated remains of a body should be entombed in a mausoleum orcolumbarium; they also may be buried in a common grave in a cemetery.

OTHER ISSUES

For a deceased priest, two distinct situations are at issue; namely, the priest in his individual orpersonal capacity, and the priest wherein he acts as a fiduciary for Archdiocesan and/or parishproperty and assets and not as owner of that property or assets. Care and prudence are to beexercised with respect to these distinct realities.

In the case of the death of a pastor, the Vicar for Clergy, in consultation with the Regional Vicar,will recommend to the Vicar for Administration a priest for designation of Power of Attorney forthe Parish, who will

1. Contact Parish staff to ensure unbroken continuance of temporal services to theparish

2. Approve a methodology for the proper handling of Sunday collections

3. Delegate to appropriate parish staff the authority for securing Church, rectory andparish buildings on a daily basis

The Regional Vicar, in consultation with the Vicar for Clergy, will

1. Arrange for a priest to celebrate the scheduled parish Masses, weddings, funerals,confessions and other pastoral activities.

2. Ensure that anyone not officially assigned to the parish be permitted to remain in therectory only with approval.

3. Inform appropriate parties that, in keeping with Canons 513 and 536 of The Code of

Item: 3-12Page 3

Canon Law, and the Archdiocesan Guidelines for Pastoral Councils, “In the eventthat the Pastor of a parish dies...the Parish Pastoral Council ceases to exist.” Nomeetings of the Parish Pastoral Council are to be held until a new pastor is installedand determines the membership of the Council. Likewise, inform appropriate partiesthat, in keeping with Canons 513 and 537 of The Code of Canon Law and theArchdiocesan Guidelines for Parish Finance Councils, “In the event that the Pastorof a parish dies...the Parish Finance Council ceases to function, unless called uponto do so by the Regional Vicar” (‘Parish Finance Councils: Purpose, Principles andObligations,’ revised November 3, 2004 by Cardinal Justin Rigali, P. 15, Changesin Administration, 1).

4. Meet with the Executor/Executrix of the Will at the rectory to review the deceasedpriest's funeral plans and itemized list of personal possessions, if necessary.

Item: 4-1Promulgated: 5/15/95; Amended 6/6/2008; Amended 7/12/2017

Retirement:RETIREMENT

A pastor is requested to submit to the Archbishop his letter of resignation by September 15 of theyear prior to when he will complete his seventy-fifth (75) year of age. A Parochial Vicar or a priestserving in a non-parochial assignment may request retirement at the age of 75; he also shouldaddress to the Archbishop his letter of resignation from assigned pastoral duties/responsibilities bySeptember 15 of the year prior to when he will complete his seventy-fifth (75) year of age.

A priest may request retirement from his assigned duties at any age for serious health reasons ordisability.

RESIDENCE

A retired pastor is not to remain in residence at the parish/institution from which he resigns. Withthe approval of the Archbishop, a Parochial Vicar or a priest serving in a non-parochial assignmentmay remain, provided space is available and a mutual agreement is reached between the retiredpriest and the Pastor or facility administrator.

Residence arrangements for retired priests are made in consultation with the Vicar for Clergy. Withthe approval of the Archbishop, retired priests may live at Villa Saint Joseph, Regina CoeliResidence, or another rectory within the Archdiocese, provided space is available and a mutualagreement is reached between the retired priest and the Pastor or facility administrator. Retiredpriests also may choose to live on their own.

ESTATE PLANNING

A priest should have his estate planning in order before his retirement age. This would include:

1) Current Will (with a sealed copy on file in the Office for Clergy);2) Designated Executor of Will;3) Appropriate legal provisions for health care, such as Durable Power of Attorney,

and arrangements for care during serious illness;4) Priest Personal Planning Record filed in the Office for Clergy.

RETIREMENT

Income and benefits for retired diocesan priests are provided through the Priests’ Retirement Planand Trust of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. These are enumerated under Item 5-1, page 3 of thisPolicy Manual.


Amended: 03/16/95, 01/16/96, 01/07/97, 01/05/98, 12/03/99, 07/01/2000, 07/01/2003, 07/01/2004,07/01/2005, 07/01/2006, 07/01/2007, 07/01/2008, 07/01/2010, 07/01/2011, 07/01/2013, 07/01/2014,07/01/2015, 07/01/2016, 07/01/17, 07/01/18, 07/01/19

(Recommendations to become effective 07/01/2019) **(Recommendations to become effective 01/01/2020)

Compensation:COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE

ANNUAL COMPENSATION FOR PRIESTS

The annual income for each priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia shall be sufficient to assist himin his financial needs. The compensation package being offered to all our priests includes seniorityincrements in recognition for the years of service to the Archdiocese.

In addition to the yearly income paid by the priest's parish/institution/office, the priest receives inexcess of $40,000 in benefits which include medical insurance, pension fund, car insurance, lifeinsurance, retreat and other workshop expenses (Appendix I, Billing Rates). Priests also receiveother non-cash benefits such as room, board, etc.

A. INCOME

1. Responsibility for the monthly income of a priest rests with the place of hisassignment (parish/institution/office) as of the last Friday of a given month,regardless of the date of his arrival. The monthly check is issued on the last Fridayof the month. Income and benefits are determined by the effective scale as approvedby the Archbishop.

2. YEARLY INCOME SCALE FOR DIOCESAN PRIESTS - PAROCHIAL ANDNON-PAROCHIAL

07/01-12/31/19 **01/01/20Ordination through 10 years ordained . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23,598 . . . . . . . . .$24,306over 10 years through 20 years ordained . . . . . . . . . . . .$24,384. . . . . . . . . $25,116over 20 years through 30 years ordained . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,174 . . . . . . . . .$25,929over 30 years through 40 years ordained . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,960. . . . . . . . . $26,739

over 40 years ordained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,744. . . . . . . . . $27,546

Pastors are responsible for arranging for the celebration of pro populo masses.

3. Priests will retain their Mass stipends. The official Archdiocesan stipend forannounced Mass is $10. The official Archdiocesan stipend for funeral and weddingmasses is $25, which can be retained by the priest.

Item: 5-1Page 2

4. Active diocesan priests on assignment in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (includinggraduate students on assignment in other parts of the country or Rome) will receivea monthly Business Expense Reimbursement in an amount not to exceed $4,500 ona calendar year basis.

The reimbursement is to be paid by the priest's parish, office or institution, to whichthe priest is to submit documentation for all expenses.

5. Priests who are enrolled and contributing to Social Security will receive a "SECAoffset," in the amount of 7.65% of their W-2 income, paid by the priest's parish,office or institution.

B. BENEFITS: The following benefits are provided by the parish or institution of assignment:

1. Health Insurance: Each priest is enrolled in the Priests Group Health Insurance Plan, whichprovides a comprehensive program of health benefits, including coverage for hospitalization,outpatient services, dental care, prescription drugs, hearing and vision care. The cost of thehealth insurance premium for the HMO plan is paid in full by the priest's parish orinstitution. If a priest chooses to enroll in one of the Personal Choice Plans, a monthlycontribution on the part of the priest is required. For specific information regardingcoverage, refer to the Independence Blue Cross plan document.

2. Life Insurance: This death benefit is intended to help defray burial and funeral expenses inthe amount of $15,000.00.

3. Car Insurance: Each priest having an automobile is eligible to be enrolled in the priest'sautomobile plan, subject to the conditions and limits of the plan. The cost of the automobileinsurance premium is paid by the parish or institution where the priest is assigned; thisinsurance premium is considered taxable income. Priests owning more than one automobileare liable for the full amount of the cost of insuring additional automobiles.

4. Seminars and Workshops: The parish/institution shall provide for the cost of programs andworkshops sponsored by the Ongoing Formation Committee for Priests. Each priest mayreceive an additional yearly reimbursement from the parish/institution, not to exceed $500,for similar ongoing education.

5. Annual Retreat: Each priest is required to make an annual retreat. The parish/institution shallprovide for the cost, in an amount not to exceed the cost of the annual priests' retreat at SaintCharles Borromeo Seminary.

6. Sabbaticals: In accord with the Priest Personnel Policy on Sabbaticals, a priest ordained over10 years is eligible to apply for a sabbatical leave when appropriate arrangements are inplace.

7. Pension: Each priest is enrolled in the Priests Pension Plan. The cost of the pension premiumis paid in full by the priest’s parish or institution.

Item: 5-1Page 3

C. RETIRED PRIESTS PENSION PROVISION

A retirement fund has been established, providing retired diocesan priests with monthlypension benefit and a housing supplement for those who elect not to reside in a rectory or anArchdiocesan facility. Retired priests also receive fully paid health, life and automobileinsurance coverage, and payment for their retreat and workshop. Funding for retired priestsis provided by an annual billing to the parishes and institutions, based on the number ofactive priests.

Upon the appointment of the Archbishop as a retired priest, a priest shall receive the annualbenefit of $13,680, monthly at $1,140. **Effective 01/01/20, the annual benefit shall be$14,088; monthly at $1,174. In addition, those who elect not to reside in a rectory or anArchdiocesan facility will receive a monthly residence supplement of $500.

Retired priests enrolled in Medicare Part B are eligible for reimbursement of the premiumfor this coverage. In addition, retired priests are eligible for reimbursement of the Medicaredeductible.

All retired priests who own an automobile are eligible to be enrolled in the Priests'Automobile Plan under the same conditions and limits that apply to all diocesan priests.Retired priests who elect to reside outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and who ownan automobile will be reimbursed for automobile insurance in the amount not to exceed thecosts paid for retired priests living in Pennsylvania. Retired priests owning more than onevehicle are responsible for the full cost to insure these additional vehicles.

D. PERIODIC REVIEW OF INCOME AND BENEFITS POLICY

This policy is to be reviewed and updated periodically.

Item: 5-1Page 4

Priest Personnel Policy 5-1 (APPENDIX I)

July 1, 2019

For Fiscal Year 2019-20, the following rates apply for benefits provided priests of the

Archdiocese of Philadelphia:

Diocesan Priests' Health/Life Insurance: $ 15,396

Diocesan Priests' Automobile Insurance: $ 2,625

Diocesan Priests' Pension and Ancillaries: $ 2,500

Priest Retreat, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary $ 500

* * * * *

For specific information concerning provisions of the Priest Group Health Insurance Plan or

the Priest Group Automobile Insurance Plan, please refer to the plan documents or call

Human Resources (215)587-3910, or the Risk Management Call Center at 1-877-852-5246.


Compensation:

INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR EXTERN PRIESTS

All extern priests (priests who are not incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia) whoreceive an official appointment from the Archbishop are entitled to the same health and lifeinsurance coverages afforded to diocesan priests. They are also provided the same automobileinsurance coverage provided that they meet the eligibility requirements. These benefits are givenon the provision that the appropriate Archdiocesan agencies accept financial responsibility forthe coverages.

Such extern priests are not eligible for participation in the Priests' Pension Plan of theArchdiocese.


Compensation:

VACATION, ANNUAL RETREAT, AND DAYS OFF

Each priest is entitled to a period of time away from his regular assignment and duties. Anannual vacation is important for rest and renewal. An annual retreat is essential for spiritual wellbeing.

In the spirit of fraternal charity to the other priests of the parish and to ensure the pastoral careof the faithful, absence from the parish should be mutually agreed upon and the priest shouldindicate where he might be contacted while away.

VACATION

The scheduling of vacation should be in consultation with the pastor and other priests of theparish and should be done in light of pastoral responsibilities. In accordance with Canon Law(Canons 533, §2 and 550, §3), priests are entitled to four weeks vacation. This vacation isunderstood to include three weekends and must be taken during a calendar year (Januarythrough December). Newly ordained priests whose ordination takes place in May and,therefore, do not begin their assignments until June, and extern priests who are new to theArchdiocese and also begin their assignments in June, are entitled to two weeks vacation,including two weekends, within the calendar year in which they are ordained or began theirassignment in the Archdiocese in the case of extern priests.

ANNUAL RETREAT

Days for retreat are not to be counted among the days available for vacation. Each priest isrequired to make an annual retreat (Canon 276, §2). In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia it isexpected that the annual retreat will be at least five days. Priests who wish to make a longerretreat (e.g., eight days) must use vacation time. The parish or employing institution is toreimburse the priest for his annual retreat in the amount designated in the Compensation andBenefits Package.

DAYS OFF

Time for vacation and retreat is in addition to the one day off each week, including an overnight,that priests enjoy by custom (e.g., a priest is free to leave the parish after completing hisresponsibilities on the eve of his agreed upon day off and to return by the following evening).It is understood that some adjustment to the pastoral schedule may need to be made in order toaccommodate the priest’s need for a day off.

Item: 5-3Page 2

OTHER

A parochial vicar possesses the same right as a pastor concerning the amount of time ofvacation, days off, and annual retreat (Canons 550, §3 and Canon 276, §2).

Priests assigned to the Educational Apostolate should adhere to the policy established by theSecretary for Catholic Education. Priests assigned to non-archdiocesan entities adhere to thepolicy of their employing entity.

Priests whose archdiocesan assignments provide them with more than five weeks free of specificduties in their assignment (e.g., the high school apostolate) are expected to make themselvesavailable to perform parochial or other ministry within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Item: 5-4Promulgated:12/12/2008

Compensation:

RE-PAYMENT OF STUDENT LOANS INCURRED WHILE ATTENDINGSAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY

PURPOSE

This policy is established in order to alleviate the financial burden many recently ordained priestsexperience because of the debt they incurred while attending Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

POLICY

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will reimburse diocesan priests who remain in good standing,incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, for the full cost of student loans they may havetaken for their education while attending Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (not loans coveringstudies at other schools). This reimbursement will take place over a period of years.

The reimbursement is provided under an Educational Assistance Program which provides a Federaltax code exclusion from gross income for amounts not to exceed $5,250 in a calendar year.Therefore, the tuition reimbursement is not taxable for federal tax purposes, although it is taxablefor Pennsylvania income tax purposes.

PROCEDURES

Shortly after ordination, each newly ordained priest will receive from the Office for Clergy aPRIEST STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PETITION by which he can request repayment by theArchdiocese of Philadelphia of student loans he may have taken for his education whileattending Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. This petition, along with supporting documentation,is submitted to the Vicar for Clergy, who reviews the petition in conjunction with staff from SaintCharles Borromeo Seminary.

For those currently paying on their student loans:

Each year the Office for Clergy requests information on payments made during thepreceding calendar year. Wherever possible, the Archdiocese will issue a fullreimbursement for the payments made for the year just concluded.

For those where a sizable portion or all of the student loan debt has been repaid in one year:

Reimbursement will be made over a period of years. The amount of reimbursement eachyear will be determined by the Office for Financial Services.

Item: 5-5

Promulgated: 01/18/13

Compensation:

ESTATE PLANNING

Regardless of age, everyone has the responsibility to address their wishes when it comes to

determining the course of their personal health care and how their financial and personal affairs are to

be handled in the event they can no longer do so. However, often the onset of an acute illness or

sudden accident prevents a person from stating their preferred medical care or personal wishes. There

are several legal documents that a person can have in place to assure that, if and when illness prevents

you from making your own decisions, someone will be available to protect your rights and speak on

your behalf as to the methods of treatment you would want at the time.

Properly prepared and executed Advance Directives, Powers of Attorney and Wills can avoid a

myriad of problems during a serious illness and after death. It is recommended that all priests engage

in estate planning and to consider the preparation of the following documents:

1. Advance Health Care Directives

It is advisable to have Advance Health Care Directives in place to preserve your right

to accept or reject a course of medical treatment even after you become mentally or

physically incapacitated to the point of being unable to communicate those wishes.

Your personal preferences should be discussed with your primary care physician.

2. Durable Power of Attorney - Medical

It is recommended to appoint a trusted individual as your Durable Power of Attorney

or Health Care Proxy giving them the authority to make medical decisions and

treatment choices in the event you become too incapacitated to make such decisions.

Even when this document exists, the Proxy or Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)

cannot make decisions as long as you have the mental ability to do so. This DPOA or

Proxy should know what your medical care wishes are and be able to tell doctors and

other health care providers what to do - or not to do - for you when you are

temporarily incapacitated or seriously ill. Your Health Care POA should be someone

who basically agrees with your views and whose judgment you trust.

3. Living Will

A Living Will documents wishes regarding end-of-life medical treatments. It allows

you to outline specific treatment guidelines that are to be followed by health care

providers. A Living Will is usually limited to terminally ill patients.

4. Power of Attorney - Financial

A Power of Attorney allows you to authorize a trusted individual to manage your

financial affairs in the event you become incapacitated to do so.

5. Priest Personal Planning Record

All priests are required to have a Priest Personal Planning Record on file in the Office

for Clergy. In the event of death, this document will be used to assist your family and

your Executor with specific details to carry out your wishes for the funeral Mass,

homilist, concelebrants, burial preferences, etc. This document can be revised or

updated at any time.

6. Financial Estate Planning

It is strongly recommended that priests develop an individual financial estate plan

with an attorney whereby your personal assets, savings, investments, inheritance, etc.

can be distributed according to your wishes. You may even wish to make certain

distributions before your death. If planned properly, with the assistance of an attorney,

you can take steps to shelter your assets from the cost of long term nursing home care.

Estate planning requires individual consultation, as factors such as age, health, value

of the estate, tax consequences, and personal preferences are evaluated and assessed

prior to the development of the plan.

7. Last Will and Testament

All priests should have a Last Will and Testament prepared by an attorney. It is

recommended that your Will be reviewed and updated, as necessary, as estate laws

often change. You should designate the location of your Will on your Priest Personal Planning Record. A copy of your Last Will and Testament can be maintained in a

sealed envelope in the Office for Clergy.

8. Life Insurance

All diocesan priests are provided with a $10,000 life insurance benefit through the

Priests’ Group Life Insurance Plan. ‘Executor, for funeral and burial expenses’ is

the recommended beneficiary. If your burial expenses have been cared for in advance,

Item: 5-5

Page 3

you may wish to name ‘Villa Saint Joseph Fund’ or ‘Priest Retirement Fund’ as

your beneficiary.

Item: 5-6


Compensation:

RETIREMENT / ASSISTED LIVING / PERSONAL CARE FACILITIES

Upon retirement, a priest may choose to reside in a place of his preference, such as a parish rectory, a retirement facility of the

Archdiocese, or in his personal residence. When additional support services are needed, a priest may seek residence in an

Assisted Living or Personal Care facility with preference to one of the facilities operated by the Archdiocese.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

1. Rectory Residence - A priest may reside in a rectory with the approval of the Pastor.

There is no fee for this living arrangement.

2. Retirement Facilities - A priest would be required to contribute 40% of his pension stipend to reside in

either Villa Saint Joseph, Darby or Regina Coeli, Warminster. The Archdiocese will absorb the cost

differential. Payment would be transferred from the Priest Pension Fund directly to the facility.

3. Assisted Living/Personal Care Facilities - A priest would be required to contribute 40% of his pension

stipend to reside in an Assisted Living/Personal Care facility. The Archdiocese will absorb the financial

difference for the cost of services. Payment would be transferred from the Priest Pension Fund directly to

the facility.

Item: 5-7


Compensation:

SKILLED NURSING CARE

When a priest becomes ill and is in imminent need of skilled nursing care, placement can be arranged at a skilled nursing

facility, with preference to one of the facilities operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Financial responsibility for the cost of Long Term Care would be covered by the following means:

1. Medicare - A priest, who is enrolled in the Social Security Program and is eligible for Medicare benefits, and

who has a qualifying diagnosis, may have a portion of his stay in a skilled nursing facility covered under

Medicare Part A benefits.

2. Medical Insurance - If a priest has a qualifying diagnosis but is not eligible for Medicare benefits, a portion

of his stay in a skilled nursing facility may be covered under his medical insurance. The priest would be

financially responsible for the cost of any services not covered under the plan.

3. Medical Assistance - As a taxpayer, a priest who meets the statutory and regulatory criteria both medically

and financially, could be qualified for coverage under Medical Assistance Long Term Care.

4. Private Pay - Upon entering a skilled nursing facility, a priest will be required to disclose his personal assets.

The priest would be required to spend down his personal assets until such time he would meet the

eligibility requirements for Medical Assistance Long Term Care in accordance with the Department of Public

Welfare’s regulations.

Since the Second Vatican Council many new structures have developed in the Church.These structures stem from deepening insights concerning the call to sharedresponsibility and an ever fuller recognition of the human person. These structures canbe reflected upon from the perspective of their relationship to the personal growth of thepriest.

Priestly formation is a life-long process only begun in the Seminary and the whole of thepriests' ministry is a continuum which leads always to greater growth and developmentof a priest as priest and servant leader.

(As One Who Serves - 1977)


Continuing Education, Formation:

POST ORDINATION STUDIES

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia assists all of our priests in growth and development byproviding pastoral workshops, annual Clergy and retirement conferences, etc. The Archdioceselikewise encourages the priest to pursue, on his own, other kinds of workshops and updateprograms that would assist him in his particular ministry.

It should be appreciated and recognized that Archdiocesan priests are ordained primarily toserve the Church in Philadelphia in parish assignments. Post ordination studies to enhance theability of the priest to serve the people of the parish are to be commended. Post ordinationstudies in preparation for a non-parochial ministry will be determined primarily by the needsof the Archdiocese.

Each priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, unless he is prevented by some serious reason,should pursue at least one of these programs offered to the priest each year.

Registration for lengthier programs in continuing education or post ordination study, whichnecessitate extended absence from an assignment, would require the priest to contact theArchbishop. The request for such study would be reviewed by the for Clergy and the PriestPersonnel Board in accord with the following procedure:

APPLICATION PROCEDURE, POST ORDINATION STUDIES:

Item: 6-1Page 2

1. The Secretary for Clergy will, by January 15th each year, inquire from the variousSecretariats within the Archdiocese, as well as from the Rector of the Seminary, as totheir respective personnel needs.

Each Office will be encouraged to furnish possible candidates for consideration forfurther studies in the area that will best suit their specific office requirements.

2. The priests designated by the Archbishop, or requested by one of the Offices/Seminary,for further study will be contacted by the Secretary for Clergy to see if they are willing topursue courses in the area for which they are being recommended.

3. Priests who wish to apply for further study independent of a recommendation from aparticular Secretariat or office, are to write directly to the Archbishop. The Archbishopwill refer these names to the Secretary for Clergy.

4. A Subcommittee of the Priest Personnel Board will be established to review thequalifications of those priests whose names have been recommended or who haveinitiated a request on their own behalf for higher study.

5. After this review, a list of the names will be prepared and presented to the PriestPersonnel Board, which makes a recommendation to the Archbishop.

6. For those approved by the Archbishop for a period of post ordination studies, financialarrangements are made in consultation with the Secretary for Clergy.

7. Financial arrangements and reassignment upon the completion of the course for thoseapplying for further studies, are to be made in consultation with the Secretary for Clergy.


Continuing Education, Formation:

SABBATICALS

RATIONALE

The Church traditionally encourages its priests to pursue opportunities for personal spiritualgrowth, theological updating and development of pastoral skills for continuing ministry.

In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the program of ongoing formation and education of prieststakes many forms: annual retreats, the annual "Malvern" workshops, periodic clergyconferences, monthly days of recollection, and regular opportunities for small group gatheringsof priests. The following policy is instituted in order to extend the Archdiocesan program ofcontinuing education in accord with the Decree on Priestly Formation.

DEFINITION

A Sabbatical is a period of time away from a priest's regular assignment, in order to participatein a formally approved program of ecclesiastical studies which will enrich his priestly ministry.The Sabbatical is intended to provide the priest an opportunity to deepen his spirituality, tobecome more skilled and knowledgeable in his pastoral duties, and to renew his prayerfulcommitment to the priestly life.

ELIGIBILITY

All priests who are ordained 10 years or more and who have never gone on a Sabbatical before,are eligible for a sabbatical for an approved program for a period of three to six months.

Priority for requests will normally be given to those who have the most years of service to theArchdiocese since ordination. Ordinarily, in a given year it will not be possible to release morethan two priests for sabbaticals.

APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS

1. A priest who wishes to make application for a sabbatical initiates his application byplacing his request in writing to the Archbishop by January 15 of the year precedingwhich he hopes to make the sabbatical. The Archbishop will forward these names tothe Secretaryfor Clergy.

2. The priest shall discreetly inform his brother priests attached to the same parish orinstitution of his intention to apply for a sabbatical in order to obtain their

Item: 6-2Page 2

understanding and support of his request for sabbatical.

Discussion will take place with the Secretary for Clergy concerning the priest'sassignment, length of program and anticipated means of coverage, financialarrangements, and other special circumstances which need to be considered.

3. The Secretary for Clergy will forward an application form to the priest, to be completedand submitted to the Secretary for Clergy.

4. A Subcommittee of the Priest Personnel Board will be established to review applicationsfor Sabbaticals. After this review, a list of names is presented to the Priest PersonnelBoard, which makes recommendations to the Archbishop.

5. The Secretary for Clergy will inform the applicant concerning the decision at least sixmonths before beginning his Sabbatical leave.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

1. For those approved by the Archbishop for a sabbatical program, financial arrangementsare made in consultation with the Secretary for Clergy.

2. A priest on Sabbatical is to receive his regular salary and benefits (health, life andautomobile insurance), to be paid by the Archdiocese.

3. The Archdiocese will pay one third costs of tuition, room and board, and books, up toa maximum of $2,000; the priest's parish/institution will pay one third, up to amaximum of $2,000. The remainder of these costs will be the responsibility of thepriest.

4. The priest will also assume travel/transportation costs.

ASSIGNMENT

Upon completion of his sabbatical, a priest normally returns to his parish/institution ofassignment (unless the sabbatical was undertaken in a period between assignments).

EVALUATION

At the conclusion of the program, an evaluation of the experience is to be sent to the Secretariatfor Clergy Office.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIAAPPLICATION FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE

Date: Name:

Item: 6-2Page 3

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Place of Assignment:

I. Desired program for which you are applying:

A. Dates:

B. Place:

C. Brief Description: Include any printed material available on this program.

D. Cost: Tuition, Room, Board:

Round trip transportation:

Books, Supplies:

TOTAL:

II. My place of assignment has been duly notified of my plans in accordance with theguidelines.

Applicant's Signature:

Submit to: Cardinal Justin RigaliArchbishop of Philadelphia222 North Seventeenth StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19103

Date Received:

n.b.: Please use the reverse side of this sheet to note any special circumstances which mightaffect this application.


Amended: 10/29/96

Crisis Intervention:

PRIESTS' COMMITTEE ON ALCOHOLISM

In 1977, the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry recommended that eachdiocese implement a policy which follows practical principles of rehabilitation in regard toalcoholic priests. These principles address alcoholism specifically but the policies will also applyto other forms of chemical dependency.

PRINCIPLES

l. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes that alcoholism is a disease which canbe described as follows:

a. The disease is primary - it is not a symptom of some otherdisorder;

b. The progress of the disease is chronic and predictable andmanifests itself in unacceptable behavior;

c. The disease is terminal - if untreated it results in premature death;

d. The disease is permanent.

2. In summary, this disease manifests itself in a three fold impairment of body,mind and spirit. It is no respecter of persons and is found in all strata of societyincluding the clergy. Among those who drink, it is safe to say, 10 to 15% arealcoholics. The ratio of alcoholism among the clergy is about the same as thatof the general population.

3. Alcoholism is a treatable disease - the sooner the better, just as with any otherdisease, such as cancer or diabetes. Alcoholism is not per se a moral aberrationbut an addictive disease which undoubtedly induces gradual impairment of thevoluntary.

4. Because drinking alcohol is socially acceptable, alcoholics are the last persons torecognize that alcohol is their problem and are rarely ever able to seek help. Oncelocked into the addictive process, the alcoholic usually does not recognize the facthe is an alcoholic.

5. A great tragedy among the clergy today is that the alcoholic priest is often"protected" by his brother priests, thus unwittingly delaying helpful therapy until

Item: 7-1Page 2

the disease has reached the crucial and sometimes fatal stage. The alcoholicneeds constructive intervention and confrontation to begin the healing processof recovery. Denial of the existence of alcoholism as a disease, or refusal to takeaction to help the alcoholic, is indefensible.

6. Alcoholism is a human disease which demands competent and compassionateconcern. This Archdiocese offers this concern through the Priests' Committeeon Alcoholism. The Archdiocese considers it an obligation in justice and charityto establish procedures to facilitate experienced intervention, professionaltreatment and lasting recovery for our clergy.

7. The primary concern of the Archbishop of Philadelphia is to relieve the pain andsuffering and to restore the health of our alcoholic (or chemically dependent)priests so that they might be returned to a vital and effective ministry.

PRIESTS' COMMITTEE ON ALCOHOLISM (P.C.A.)

A permanent committee is established in the Archdiocese to help implement the policies andprocedures for the care of alcoholic priests. This committee is designated as the "Priests'Committee on Alcoholism" and is ultimately responsible to the Archbishop of Philadelphia.It acts with and through the Secretariat for Clergy in matters in which the health of a priest isaffected by alcoholism or other substance abuse.

STRUCTURE OF THE P.C.A.

The P.C.A. shall be comprised of membership of not less than eight and no more than twelvepriests in the Archdiocese, at least half of whom are recovering alcoholics. Members andchairman are appointed by the Archbishop, who will receive nominations from the committeeand the Secretariat for Clergy. The committee also may make use of outside consultants.

PROCEDURES

An individual may voluntarily seek advice or assistance from the P.C.A. without fear orprejudice, whether for himself or a confrere. The individual may contact any member of theP.C.A. Appropriate confidentiality is assured.

An individual may be referred to the P.C.A. by a superior or a peer/colleague for evaluation andrecommendation. The chairman of the P.C.A. shall coordinate this procedure with theSecretariat for Clergy.

When the chairman has found specific facts and events that indicate alcoholism, the following

Item: 7-1Page 3

procedures apply:

l. Based on this information, a P.C.A. intervention team decides when and how toapproach the priest. The method will depend upon the individual, his degree ofalcoholism and various individual circumstances.

2. The chairman consults with the Secretary for Clergy about the visit and informshim of the results of the intervention.

3. The chairman of the P.C.A. will then be responsible for admission proceduresto the proper treatment facility in consultation with the Secretariat for Clergy.

4. The Secretariat for Clergy and the P.C.A. will maintain contact with the priestpatient.

5. If a priest has been diagnosed as an alcoholic or chemically dependent, he mustfulfill the requirements regarding both treatment and after-care.

6. A priest who refuses diagnosis or resists therapy or prescribed after-care is subjectto disciplinary action.

7. Financial arrangements are coordinated by the Secretariat for Clergy. While intreatment, the priest's salary and benefits will continue.

8. All cases involving priests' alcoholism normally follow these procedures.

CONTINUING CARE

1. Recovery is based on the principles of Alcoholics-Anonymous and the TwelveStep Recovery Program.

2. After-care will be tailored by the chairman of P.C.A., in collaboration with theindividual and in consultation with the Secretary for Clergy.

3. It is anticipated that each individual, upon successful completion of therapy, willbe returned to his present assignment or, if serious reasons warrant it, be givenan assignment commensurate with his seniority, ability, health, and the needs ofthe Archdiocese.

EDUCATION

These policies and procedures will be implemented throughout the Archdiocese in conjunctionwith an ongoing education program. The person charged with the continuing education ofpriests in the Archdiocese shall use the P.C.A. as a resource in planning programs of educationon alcoholism and drug dependency. Education regarding alcoholism and other substanceabuse is also recommended for seminarians.

Item: 7-1Page 4

The long-range objective of these programs is education for personal, spiritual, and pastoralgrowth.


Crisis Intervention:

RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES BETWEEN PRIESTS

PREFACE:

In our longstanding Christian tradition, reconciliation is a primary value. In all disputesituations, reconciliation and just resolution are sought.

The goal of this policy is to present a simple process for priests to resolve disputes within rectoryliving. Anticipated results would be either:

a) temporary resolution, for a specified period of time;b) permanent resolution; orc) separation or reassignment.

ASSUMPTIONS:

1. The complaint, difficulty or dispute is of such a nature that the parties involved are notable to continue living and/or working together without outside assistance.

2. The dispute is between/among two or more priests, and is not a matter of ecclesial orcivil jurisdiction.

3. Good will and a genuine desire to resolve difficulties are present on the part of all partiesconcerned.

4. Situations involving serious mental, moral or emotional problems, or public scandal,would require that the process be adjusted and/or tailored to the circumstances.

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROCESS

The process may consist of three steps:

1. dialogue between the disputing parties;

2. mediation by a third party;

3. appeal through a "Resolution Panel" of the Personnel Board.

STEPS OF THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS:

1. DIALOGUE BETWEEN DISPUTING PARTIES: Dialogue will almost always be the

Item: 7-2Page 2

first step in the resolution of dispute between or among priests. The process may beinitiated by either priest.

a) Ordinarily the request for assistance in resolving a dispute is made to theSecretary for Clergy, by mail or telephone. The Secretary for Clergy, aftersensitively and prudently interpreting the request, directs the petitioner(s),through mail, telephone or interview, to assure that the parties engagewith each other in regard to the dispute.

b) After dialogue, the disputing parties place in writing their issues ofdispute, including history, relevant circumstances, and possiblesuggestions for resolution. These are signed by the parties and submittedto the Secretary for Clergy.

c) The Secretary for Clergy may, in accord with prudent interpretation of theissues presented, seek an interview with the parties in dispute, forpurposes of clarification or advice.

2. MEDIATION: If the process of dialogue is not successful, the Secretary for Clergy willdirect the parties to select a mediator. Unless circumstances dictate otherwise, themediator should be a priest; in any case, the mediator should be of the Catholic faith.The mediator shall be mutually agreeable to the concerned parties, as well as to theSecretary for Clergy, who will make available a list of potential mediators. Any financialcosts associated with the services of a mediator will be assumed by the Archdiocese.

a) The mediator, as an objective third party, will discuss the concern withboth (all) priests and will provide suggestions, observations, andinformation to the parties so that they may more effectively settle theproblem between (among) them.

b) Mediation will involve one or more visits with the mediator with the goalof a permanent resolution of the dispute, or at least a temporaryresolution through trial of the suggestions of the mediator.

c) The parties should use the same documentation process as in theinformal dialogue above.

d) If there is still an impasse after mediation, the parties may initiate anappeal.

3. APPEAL: If resolution is not achieved through dialogue or voluntary mediation, thedispute may be referred for appeal, which involves submission of the dispute to the PriestPersonnel Board, through a Resolution Panel convened to hear the facts of the dispute.

Item: 7-2Page 3

a) The Resolution Panel is composed of three priests: a Regional Vicar, theSecretary for Clergy, and an elected member of the Priest PersonnelBoard, or a third priest mutually agreeable to all parties to the dispute.

b) The parties in dispute would be requested to provide a written summaryof their dialogue and mediation efforts, and their inability to reachresolution. This summary is presented to the Resolution Panel.

c) The mediator is requested to present his summary and recommendationsto the panel, and to the disputing parties.

d) As appropriate to the circumstances of the dispute, the Resolution Panelmay conduct further interview(s) with the parties to the dispute beforemaking its recommendations.

e) The Secretary for Clergy (for the Resolution Panel) presents the disputeand the panel's findings and recommendations to the Priest PersonnelBoard. The Priest Personnel Board review and adoption of the panel'srecommendations, and the approval of the Archbishop, constitute a finaldecision in the dispute resolution process.

The Resolution Panel will draw up comments and commendations for learning andgrowth of those involved. It is the responsibility of the Secretary for Clergy to conveythe decision, together with the panel's observations, in writing, to all parties to thedispute.

Item: 8-1Promulgated: 10/31/95 Amended: 01/01/99, 05/29/02, 07/01/04, 12/13/06

FACULTIES

The following are the faculties of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for all priests in good standingwho are:

1) incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, or

2) members of institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life, assigned bythe Archbishop or by their major superior to a priestly ministry within theArchdiocese of Philadelphia to whom these faculties are expressly granted, or

3) externs, to whom these faculties are expressly granted.

Any priest who has the faculties of one of the Latin rite dioceses in the Province of Philadelphia(which encompasses the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), also enjoys certain of thefollowing faculties (as noted by *) in all the Latin rite dioceses of the Province of Philadelphia.

Some of the following faculties, which are granted by the law itself, can be exercised anywhere(as noted by +).

PREACHING

1.* To preach the Word of God everywhere, with the at least presumed consent of the pastoror rector of the church (c. 764).

This faculty is granted by the law itself and can be exercised unless it hasbeen restricted or taken away by the competent ordinary or unless expresspermission is required by particular law. Preaching to religious in theirchurches or oratories, however, requires the permission of the superior whois competent in accord with the norm of the constitutions (c. 765).

Item: 8-1Page 2

BAPTISM

2.* To baptize all persons, including those who have completed their fourteenth year of age,without having to refer the matter to the diocesan bishop (c. 863).

Any priest validly and licitly baptizes solemnly persons under the age offourteen. While the law states that persons who have completed fourteenyears of age are to be referred to the diocesan bishop for possible baptism byhim, this faculty allows the priest to baptize such persons without previouslyreferring the matter to the diocesan bishop.

CONFIRMATION

3.+ To confirm a person who is no longer an infant and whom he has baptized by reason ofoffice or of mandate from the diocesan bishop, or a person already validly baptized in anon-Catholic religion whom he admits into the full communion of the Catholic Church,provided the Confirmation takes place on the occasion and within the rite of the baptismor of the reception into full communion (c. 883, 2E).

A person is no longer considered an infant who has completed seven yearsof age.

This faculty is granted by the law itself. Note, however, that this facultyrefers only to non-Catholics who are becoming Catholic. It is not extendedfor the confirmation of a baptized Catholic who was not raised in theCatholic faith. (N.C.C.B. Statutes on the Catechumenate, 1986, no. 28).

4.+ To confirm those in danger of death (c. 883, 3E).

This faculty is granted by the law itself.

Item: 8-1Page 3

5.*/+ To confirm those baptized Catholics who apostatized from the faith, and those baptizedCatholics who were raised in a non-Catholic religion, and who desire to return to theCatholic Church, whom he has readmitted to full communion by reason of office or ofmandate by the diocesan bishop, provided the Confirmation takes place on the occasionand within the rite of readmission (N.C.C.B. Statutes on the Catechumenate, 1986, no.28).

The law itself grants this faculty for a priest to confirm the followingpersons: 1)(+) a baptized Catholic who renounced the Christian faith; and,2) (+) a baptized Catholic who through no fault of one's own was raised ina non-Catholic Christian community. By special grant, the Archbishop ofPhiladelphia extends this faculty for a priest to confirm a baptized Catholicwho was raised in or adhered to a non-Catholic Christian communitythrough one's own fault(*).

HOLY EUCHARIST

6.* If priests are lacking, and for a just cause, to celebrate the Eucharist twice a day, and even,if pastoral necessity requires it, three times on Sundays and holy days of obligation (c.905).

As a rule, a priest should celebrate the Eucharist only once a day. Thisfaculty, however, allows the celebration of additional Masses in order tomeet legitimate pastoral needs, such as the celebration of Funeral Masses,Nuptial Masses, and regularly scheduled parish Masses, when another priestis not available.

The frequent use of this faculty to meet a parish Mass schedule should leadto an evaluation of that schedule in light of the spiritual needs of theparishioners.

7. To dispense, in individual cases and for a just reason, from the Eucharistic fast (c. 919,§1).

No dispensation is necessary for those who are advanced in age or whosuffer from any infirmity, as well as their care-givers, since these are notbound to observe the Eucharistic fast (c. 919, §3).

8.* On Holy Thursday, to celebrate, for pastoral reasons, a second Mass of the Lord’s Supperin the evening or, in cases of genuine necessity, in the morning for those who cannotparticipate in the principal evening liturgy (Sacramentary, Holy Thursday).

Such a morning Mass is not to be celebrated for the advantage of privatepersons, nor is it in any way to prejudice the evening Mass.

9.* On Good Friday, to celebrate a second liturgical service if the size or nature of the parishor community makes this a pastoral need (Sacramentary, Good Friday).

Item: 8-1Page 4

The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion takes place about 3:00 P.M., unlesspastoral reasons suggest a later hour.

10.* In an individual case of genuine necessity, to designate a suitable lay person to distributeHoly Communion (Immensae Caritatis I: 2).

The occasion might arise, such as at a Nuptial Mass, when there is a largenumber of communicants, but an insufficient number of Eucharisticministers. This faculty allows the priest to depute a suitable lay person tofunction in this capacity, but only for that occasion.

11. To permit extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to consume what remains ofthe Precious Blood from their chalice of distribution (USCCB “Norms for theDistribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds ” March 28, 2002,no. 52).

This faculty is granted to all priests in the Archdiocese ofPhiladelphia who celebrate a Mass in which Holy Communion isdistributed and received under both Species, necessitating theassistance of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion inministering the Chalice. Please note, however, that extraordinaryministers of Holy Communion are not permitted to purify the SacredVessels. This must be done by a priest, deacon, or instituted acolyte.(Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani, editio typica tertia, no. 279)

12. To use habitually or to permit the habitual use of low gluten altar breads for thecelebration of the Eucharist for those recipients who suffer from celiac/sprue disease,or from any other gluten intolerance (Letter to Bishops from Congregation for theDoctrine of the Faith, July 24, 2003).

This permission is for the use of partially gluten-free altar breads. Low-gluten(partially gluten-free) altar breads are valid matter for the celebration of theHoly Eucharist provided they contain a sufficient amount of gluten to obtainthe confection of bread without the addition of foreign materials and withoutthe use of procedures that would alter the nature of the bread. Altar breadswhich are completely gluten-free are invalid matter for the celebration of theHoly Eucharist.

This permission can be granted to a person habitually, for as longas the situation continues which occasioned the grant. No medicalcertification is required.

13. To use habitually or to permit the habitual use of mustum for the celebration of theEucharist for those recipients who suffer from alcohol intolerance. (Letter to Bishopsfrom Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, July 24, 2003).

This permission is for the use of mustum, which is grape juice that iseither fresh or preserved by methods that suspend its fermentation

Item: 8-1Page 5

without altering its nature (for example, freezing).

This permission can be granted to a person habitually, for as long asthe situation continues which occasioned the grant. No medicalcertification is required.

PENANCE14.* To celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation habitually, anywhere in the world, as long

as the faculty is not revoked by the local ordinary or restricted by another local ordinary,in a particular case (c. 967).

This habitual faculty is not restricted anywhere in the Province ofPhiladelphia for any priest who already possesses the faculty in a Latin ritediocese of the province.

For pastors and for those who take their place, this faculty is granted by thelaw itself (c. 968, §1). In danger of death, any priest, even one lackingconfessional faculties, validly and licitly absolves from any kind of censuresand sins, even if a priest possessing the faculty is present (c. 976).

MARRIAGE15.+ To dispense those in danger of death from the canonical form for marriage, and from all

impediments of ecclesiastical law, except the impediment arising from the sacred orderof the presbyterate, provided the local ordinary cannot be reached (c. 1079, §2).

This faculty is granted by the law itself to the pastor of the territory, theproperly delegated priest, and the priest who is present when theextraordinary form for marriage is used in accord with canon 1116, §2.

The local ordinary is not considered to be accessible if he can be reachedonly by means of telephone or telegraph (c. 1079, §4); in other words, if thelocal ordinary cannot be reached in person or by ordinary mail withoutserious delay, then this faculty may be exercised.

The priest who grants such a dispensation must afterward inform theChancery Office.

No one can dispense from impediments of divine positive or natural law,namely, the impediments of prior bond (c. 1085) and of impotence (c.1084). In addition, a dispensation is never given from the impediment ofconsanguinity (blood relationship) in the direct line (i.e., between ancestorsand descendants) or in the second degree of the collateral line (i.e., betweena brother and a sister) (c. 1078, §3).

Item: 8-1Page 6

16.+ For confessors, in the internal forum only, to dispense those in danger of death from allimpediments of ecclesiastical law, except the impediment arising from the sacred orderof the presbyterate, provided the impediment is occult (c. 1079, §3).

This faculty is granted to the confessor by the law itself; however, while itdoes not include the requirement of the inaccessibility of the local ordinary,the exercise of the faculty is restricted to occult impediments.

An occult impediment is one which cannot be proven in the external forum(e.g., the impediment of age is, by its very nature, a public impediment;therefore, the confessor does not have the faculty to dispense from thisimpediment in danger of death. On the other hand, the impediment ofcrime as mentioned in canon 1090, which can be public or occult, can bedispensed in this instance, providing it cannot be proven in the externalforum).

The confessor who grants such a dispensation must afterward inform theChancery Office, unless the dispensation was granted in the sacramentalinternal forum.

For impediments from which no dispensation can be granted, refer to thefinal paragraph of the commentary to faculty #15.

Item: 8-1Page 7

17.+ To dispense those about to be married from all impediments of ecclesiastical law, whichare discovered after all the wedding preparations have been made, except those mentionedin canon 1078, §2, 1E, provided the marriage cannot be deferred without probable dangerof serious harm until a dispensation can be obtained from the competent authority, andprovided the case is an occult one (c. 1080).

In situations involving an occult case, this faculty is granted by the law itselfto the pastor of the territory, the properly delegated priest, and the priest whois present when the extraordinary form for marriage is used in accord withcanon 1116, §2. It is also granted to the confessor, but only if theimpediment is an occult one.

All occult impediments are occult cases; however, a public impediment (e.g.,age or legal relationship) can be an occult case, if the fact of the impedimentis not generally known.

In this instance, a dispensation from the impediments mentioned incanon 1078,§2, 1E is still reserved to the Apostolic See, namely, fromthe impediments of sacred orders and of a public perpetual vow ofchastity in a religious institute of pontifical right. In the Archdioceseof Philadelphia, this latter impediment would effect the perpetuallyprofessed members of all religious congregations, except thefollowing: Servant Brothers of the Holy Spirit (B.H.S.), Vincentians,(C.M.), Daughters of Charity (D.C.), Congregation of the Oratory(C.O.), Missionaries of Africa (M.Afr.), Servants of the Lord and theVirgin of Matará (S.S.V.M.), Institute of the Incarnate Word (I.V.E.),Sisters of the Divine Compassion (R.D.C.), and Ursuline Sisters ofthe Immaculate Conception (O.S.U.). Also exempt from thisimpediment are the members of a congregation which is not yet areligious institute, but a public association of the faithful, namely, theMissionaries of the Blessed Sacrament (M.S.S.).

The priest who grants such a dispensation must afterward inform theChancery Office, unless the dispensation was granted in the sacramentalinternal forum.


Item: 8-1Page 8

18. To dispense those about to be married from the canonical form and from allimpediments of ecclesiastical law from which the local ordinary may dispense in ordinarycircumstances, when all the wedding preparations have been made, provided the localordinary cannot be reached (c. 1078, §1).

Unlike faculty #17, this special faculty is granted by the Archbishop ofPhiladelphia for those instances when the priest was aware of the existenceof the impediment, but inadvertently failed to petition for the dispensation,and discovered his error shortly before the wedding. While faculty #17 islimited to occult cases, this faculty is not limited to occult cases. Thisfaculty is granted for the spiritual welfare of the parties themselves.

In this instance, a dispensation from the impediments mentioned in canon1078, §2, 1E & 2E is still reserved to the Apostolic See, namely, from theimpediments of sacred orders, a public perpetual vow of chastity in areligious institute of pontifical right (cf. the third paragraph of thecommentary to faculty #15), and crime as mentioned in canon 1090.Further, the dispensation from canonical form can only be granted in thisinstance for the marriage of a Catholic and a non-Catholic.

The priest who grants such a dispensation must afterward inform theChancery Office.


Item: 8-1Page 9

19. To assist at marriages within the boundaries of the parish to which he is assigned (c.1111, §1).

For the pastor, this faculty is granted by the law itself (c. 1109), and maybe delegated by the pastor to another priest either for a particular marriageor in general; general delegation, however, must be in writing (c. 1111).

The Archbishop of Philadelphia grants this faculty to the parochial vicar, tothe pastor emeritus, and to the resident priest assigned to a parish, who thenmay subdelegate another priest, but only for a particular marriage (c. 137,§3).

Ordinarily, a personal pastor validly assists at a marriage only when one ofthe parties is his subject (c.1110). The Archbishop of Philadelphia, however,extends this faculty so that the pastor, parochial vicar, pastor emeritus andresident priest assigned to a personal parish may validly assist at anymarriage which takes place within the boundaries of the personal parish,whether or not one of the parties is a subject.

Item: 8-1Page 10

20.* To celebrate a Nuptial Mass for the marriage of a Catholic with a baptized non-Catholic(Matrimonia Mixta 11).

At a Nuptial Mass, the non-Catholic spouse and other non-Catholicsattending the liturgy may not receive Holy Communion (c. 844).

The celebration of a Nuptial Mass for the marriage of a Catholic and anunbaptized person is prohibited (Rite of Marriage, no. 8).

SACRAMENTALS

21.* To permit qualified lay persons to administer the following sacramentals in accord withthe norms of the liturgical books: the distribution of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday,and the blessing of throats on the memorial of Saint Blaise (c. 1168).

This faculty is granted so that the respective rites will not be undulyprolonged. Qualified lay persons are to be practicing Catholics who havebeen properly instructed for this function.

22.* To impart any blessings except those reserved to the Roman Pontiff or to bishops (c.1169, §2).

This faculty is granted by the law itself.

The Apostolic Blessing is reserved to the Roman Pontiff. The followingblessings are reserved to bishops: the blessing of the site of a new churchand of the laying of a foundation stone (Ceremonial for Bishops [CB]#842); the blessing of a church or oratory (CB #956); the blessing of analtar (CB #975); the blessing of a new baptistery or new baptismal font(Book of Blessings [BB] #1086); the blessing of church bells (BB #1309);and, the blessing of a cemetery (BB #1419).

Priests may impart all other blessings in accord with the rites as specified inthe Book of Blessings, unless a bishop is present and presides.

Item: 8-1Page 11

FUNERALS

23.* To conduct or to allow the celebration of the Order of Christian Funerals for a non-baptized child, if the parents had intended to have the child baptized (c. 1183, §2).

This faculty is granted for the spiritual welfare and comfort of the parentsand family of the child. The priest is to celebrate the special funeral Massfor a child who died before baptism, as found in the Rite of ChristianFunerals.

24.* To conduct or to allow the celebration of the Order of Christian Funerals for a baptizedmember of a non-Catholic church or ecclesial community, provided this is not contraryto the wishes of the deceased and a minister of the decedent’s church is not available (c.1183, §3).

In such a celebration, the Rite of Christian Funerals should be appropriatelyaccommodated to the special ecumenical situation (e.g., in the EucharisticPrayer, the name of the deceased non-Catholic is not mentioned). Non-Catholics attending the liturgy may not receive Holy Communion (c. 844).The requirement of the non-availability of a minister from the decedent’schurch is to be interpreted broadly.

VOWS & OATHS

25.* To dispense from private vows, providing the dispensation will not injure the acquiredrights of others, or to commute to a lesser good what was promised by a private vow (cc.1196 & 1197).

For the pastor, this faculty is granted by the law itself (c. 1196, 1E). It isextended by special grant to the parochial vicar and resident priest assignedto a parish.

A vow is a deliberate and free promise made to God concerning a possibleand better good which must be fulfilled (c. 1191, §1). It is consideredprivate if it was not accepted in the name of the Church by a legitimatesuperior (c. 1192, §1).

An acquired right is a right obtained through a completed legal transaction,either between individual persons or between an individual and some publicauthority.

This faculty may be exercised on behalf of a parishioner or a visitor withinthe territory of the parish.

26.* To dispense from a promissory oath, providing the dispensation would not tend toprejudice those who refuse to remit its obligation, or to suspend or to commute apromissory oath (c. 1203).

Item: 8-1Page 12

For the pastor, this faculty is granted by the law itself. It is extended byspecial grant to the parochial vicar and resident priest assigned to a parish.

A promissory oath is the invocation of the Divine Name by one who freelyswears to do something in the future (cc. 1199 & 1200). As with a privatevow, the only limitation to this faculty is the right of a third party which inthis case might be jeopardized by the dispensation. If the third party isunwilling to remit the obligation because of its prejudicial effects, only theApostolic See can grant the dispensation.


DAYS OF PRECEPT, FAST OR ABSTINENCE

27.* To dispense, in individual cases and for a just reason, from the obligation of observinga day of precept or a day of fast or abstinence, or to commute the obligation to otherreligious acts (c. 1245).

For the pastor, this faculty is granted by the law itself. It is extended byspecial grant to the parochial vicar and resident priest assigned to a parish.


Item: 8-1Page 13

REMISSION OF CENSURES

28.* To remit, in the internal or external forum, a latae sententiae excommunicationestablished by law but not juridically declared, provided the remission is not reserved tothe Apostolic See (cc. 1355, §2 & 1357).

This faculty which is granted by the Archbishop of Philadelphia includes thedispensation from recourse to the ordinary, provided an appropriate penanceis given and scandal is avoided. It may be exercised on behalf of those whoreside within the territory of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, those who arevisitors here, and those who incurred the penalty within this Archdiocese.

An undeclared latae sententiae excommunication is one which wasautomatically incurred upon the commission of the delict. This faculty is notextended to those excommunications which have later been declared throughany penal process, nor to those imposed (ferendae sententiae) through anypenal process.

The following excommunications are reserved to the Apostolic See:desecration of the Sacred Species (c. 1367); violence against the RomanPontiff (c. 1370); absolution of one's accomplice in a sexual sin (c. 1378);illicit consecration of a bishop (c. 1382); and, direct violation of the seal ofconfession (c. 1388).

In virtue of this faculty, the priest may remit the excommunication attachedto the procurement of a successful abortion (c. 1398), and that attached toapostasy, heresy, or schism (c. 1364). In the latter cases (c. 1364), theremission should occur in the external forum so that a record is kept of thepenitent's reconciliation and subsequent ecclesial rights and obligations, suchas the requirement to be married in accord with the canonical form (c.1117).

Item: 8-1Page 14

T O P I C A L I N D E X

PREACHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty #1 (page 1)

BAPTISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty #2 (page 2)

CONFIRMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty ##3 - 5 (pages 2-3)

HOLY EUCHARIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty ##6 - 13 (pages 3-5)

PENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty #14 (page 5)

MARRIAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty ##15 - 20 (pages 5 - 10)

SACRAMENTALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty ##21 - 22 (page 10)

FUNERALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty ##23 - 24 (page 11)

VOWS & OATHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty ##25 - 26 (pages 11 - 12)

DAYS OF PRECEPT, FAST OR ABSTINENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty #27 (page 12)

REMISSION OF CENSURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty #28 (page 13)

Item: 9-1Promulgated: 03/27/06 Amended 01/18/18

General Issues:RECTORY LIVING

A. PRIVACY

The rectory is a home for the priests and, as such, the privacy of the priest-residents shouldbe maintained.

Whenever possible, parish offices and areas accessible to the public shall be clearly separate from the living quarters of the priests, preferably in another building.

For more detailed information, refer to the Standards of Ministerial Behavior andBoundaries, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, 2002.

B. RELATIVES

1. Only priests assigned to ministry or residence in a parish may live in the rectory.

2. If an individual priest is unable to fulfill his ministerial duties because of the needs of an immediate family member, the priest should contact the Vicar for Clergy.

3. It may be necessary for a priest to submit a request to have an immediate family member reside in the rectory for a time. Each request will be reviewed on an individual basis for for the necessity and duration of an exception. Only with the approval of the Vicar for Clergy will any family member be permitted to reside in a rectory.

4. Ordinarily, only members of the immediate family of the priests should be permitted to stay as overnight guests in the rectory. Under no circumstances may a minor, not accompanied by a parent/guardian, be permitted to stay overnight in a rectory.

5. All other guests are restricted to the public areas of the rectory.

For more detailed information on the requirements of priests on the maintenance of professionalboundaries, please refer to the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, Archdiocese ofPhiladelphia, 2002.

Item: 9-1Page 2

C. SMOKING

1. In light of consistent professional studies concerning smoking and its significant harmto the health of the one who smokes and also to the health of those who live and/or workin a smoking environment, all parish buildings, including rectories, are to be designatedas completely smoke-free facilities.

2. This policy is grounded in a shared commitment to personal consideration for the healthand well-being of others, including those residing in the rectory, those who work in therectory or other parish offices, and those attending onsite parish functions.

3. This policy also reflects the difficulty sometimes presented in making priestlyassignments, especially for priests with medical conditions including allergies andrespiratory illnesses.

4. While smoking is strongly discouraged for all priests and parish employees, priests whochoose to smoke are expected to do so outside, and not in their private quarters nor anyother indoor areas.

D. PETS

1. Pets are defined as dogs, cats, and other free-roaming animals.

2 Given the communal nature of rectories and other parish facilities, the housing of petsin a rectory or another parish facility is strongly discouraged.

3. When having a pet in the rectory is acceptable to all those who reside in that rectory,consideration should also be given to the type of animal, its breed’s typical characteristicsand temperament for suitability. The pet should be housed within the priest-owner’sprivate living quarters. Such arrangements need to be reconsidered upon any change inthe priests residing at the rectory.

4. In consideration for the comfort and safety of parishioners and parish staff, pets shouldbe excluded from all public parish areas, including the church, school, office areas, andsocial hall, etc.

5. This policy is grounded in an appreciation for the importance of mutual respect andconsideration for the well-being, needs and personal preferences of all who live and/orwork in a rectory or other parish offices.

Item: 9-1Page 3

6. This policy also reflects the difficulty sometimes presented in making priestlyassignments, especially for priests with medical conditions including allergies and relatedillnesses. The pastoral needs of the Church necessitate that priestly assignments not becontingent upon the presence of pets being housed in a rectory.

7. Priests who house a pet in a rectory are personally responsible for the everyday care ofthe pet, including keeping the pet current with all immunizations, including rabies shotsand the like. The pet’s living space must be maintained in a clean and odor-freecondition.

8. Priests who house a pet in a rectory are personally responsible for all expenses associatedwith the care and feeding of the pet.

9. Out of consideration for one's fellow priests and for the good of the parish communityin which he has been serving, upon the completion of his assignment at the parish, apriest, who has been housing a pet in a rectory, is expected to compensate the parish forthe cost incurred to repair damage to parish furniture, floor and wall coverings, or otherproperty resulting from the pet’s presence in the rectory.

Item:9-2Promulgated: 05/04/2007

ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATIONS

Pennsylvania law does not require that an anonymous communication (e.g., letter or telephonemessage) that an employer receives about an employee be retained in the employee’s personnel fileor retained at all. The law is silent on the subject.

Upon receipt of an anonymous communication concerning a priest, the Office for Clergy will makea determination whether or not to investigate based on the content of the letter and whether theconduct complained about is vague and general in nature or specific and criminal.

INVESTIGATION

If an investigation is to be undertaken, such an investigation will include a preliminary inquiryappropriate to the tone or information contained in the communication, including informing thepriest of the contents or allowing him to review it and discuss its contents with the Vicar for Clergyor his designee.

If the preliminary inquiry provides sufficient information to conduct a more formal investigation,such an investigation will be initiated consistent with established procedures.

If the inquiry does not provide sufficient information to conduct any kind of an investigation anydocumentation concerning the communication and the communication itself will be destroyed.

This policy is effective immediately, on a prospective basis.

Item: 9-3Promulgated:07/25/2007

General Issues:

USE OF COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

PURPOSE

The following policy and procedures are promulgated:

1) To ensure that all use of computer and communication technology (individual orChurch owned) is consistent with the maintenance of a safe and healthy environmenton all Church properties; and

2) To ensure that all use of computer and communication technology (individual orChurch owned) is in conformity with the Standards of Ministerial Behavior andBoundaries.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all technology use including, but not limited to, Internet use by priests withthe faculties of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

POLICY

1. All priests are expected to use the Internet and e-mail in a responsible and lawful fashion.Any use of computer and communication technology that violates federal, state, or local lawis expressly prohibited.

2. Immoral and/or illegal uses of technology, including but not limited to, the internet, web-sites, web-cams, e-mails, external drives, cell phone cameras, chat rooms, streaming videos,streaming live videos and pictures, etc., or any combination of the above, that has datacontent that is offensive and contrary to the Mission of the Church is prohibited.

3. Viewing, purchasing, exchanging, or requesting pornographic materials on any Churchproperty is inconsistent with celibate chastity and a violation of the sixth and ninthcommandments.

4. Priests are responsible as the original signers of e-mail sent under their user name. E-mailsused for harassment in any form are prohibited. This prohibition includes, but is not limitedto, threats, profanity, sexual references, offensive comments or slurs based on ethnicity,religion, gender, or national origin.

5. Inappropriate interactions, communications, or relationships with minors and/or parishionersvia instant messaging (IM), youth oriented web-sites, and/or inappropriate youth orientedcomputer generated pictures via cell phones or web-cams are prohibited.

6. In a parish setting, the Pastor has the primary responsibility to ensure that the Office for

Item: 9-3Page 2

Clergy is informed immediately when known immoral, illegal and/or inappropriate materialsare found on any computers, or of any suspicious behavior involving technology equipment.While the Pastor has the primary responsibility, all priests share this obligation to ensurethat all violations to this policy are reported. It is understood that this responsibility does notconstitute an affirmative obligation for the Pastor or another priest to search for illegal and/orinappropriate materials without justification and without the knowledge and approval of theVicar for Clergy.

7. A safe technological environment on Church property is better established with passwordand user name protections, securing computer discs in a secure location, and filteringsoftware devices that block and/or monitor web-sites visited.

8. Confidentiality is of the upmost importance to preserving the dignity and right to privacy ofthe people of God to whom priests offer spiritual direction and pastoral counseling. Securityis each priest’s responsibility. Any data stored on the hard drive must be passwordprotected, and any information contained on computer discs kept in a secure location. If apriest suspects that his password is no longer confidential, it should be changed. Whenworking with sensitive or confidential data, priests are to ensure that care is taken to avoidopportunities for inadvertent or intentional viewing of data by others.

PROCEDURES

When a priest is reported to be in violation of this policy on Use of Computer and CommunicationTechnology, the following chain of custody procedures will be followed. The first priority is toensure that there is no illegal material on the priest’s computer (e.g., child pornography) or that thepriest is involved in any illegal activity. In accord with this priority, the following procedures willbe followed when a violation of this policy is reported to the Office for Clergy:

1) The priest will be interviewed by the Vicar for Clergy or his delegate to determinethe validity of the suspected violation.

2) If the priest is not the Pastor of the parish, his Pastor or other designated superiorwhere he resides and/or works will be informed of this matter by the Vicar forClergy.

3) If identified, the computer or communication equipment will be confiscated in orderthat data scanning can be accomplished. The scanning will be conducted promptlyand objectively by independent consultants with requisite technological expertise toascertain the validity of the allegation.

4) If during the data analysis investigation illegal activity is suspected, a forensicanalysis will be conducted by the proper authorities. Any behavior that violatesfederal, state, or local law will be referred to the appropriate law enforcementagencies. The priest will be provided with notice of his due process rights, includinghis right to legal and canonical counsel.

5) In the interest of safe environment, if immoral (non–illegal) or illegal data materials

Item: 9-3Page 3

are detected, data analysis scanning of all technology equipment and extern deviceson the Church property will be performed to identify the pervasiveness of theproblem.

6) The priest will be kept apprised of the outcome of the data analysis process.

7) If the allegation of contraband is unfounded, the Archdiocese will take every steppossible to protect or restore the good name and reputation of the priest.

If the allegation is credible for immoral and/or illegal materials, the following procedures will befollowed:

1) The Vicar for Clergy will forward the results of the data analysis investigation to theArchbishop, with recommendations as to the priest’s ability to remain in ministry andthe need to secure a psychological evaluation.

2) The Vicar for Clergy meets with the priest to inform him of the Archbishop’s

directives.

3) Any behavior that violates federal, state, or local law will be referred to theappropriate law enforcement agencies. The priest will be provided with notice of hisdue process rights, including his right to legal and canonical counsel.

4) If the priest is permitted to return to ministry, continued monitoring will becoordinated through the Office for Clergy, the priest’s immediate supervisor, and anappropriate remote monitoring and computer/internet use company.

Item:9-4Promulgated: 12/12/2008

REQUESTS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING SERVICES

PURPOSE

Priests are commended for their willingness to work with a professional counselor when it isconsidered necessary or helpful. Such a willingness on their part is a clear statement of theircommitment to ongoing growth and formation in their life.

POLICY

The Office for Clergy is committed to doing all that is possible to support our brother priests in theirministry and is pleased to provide assistance with the cost of counseling. Counseling servicesarranged in consultation with the Office for Clergy are covered by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.Some reimbursement may be obtained through the Priest Group Health Insurance Plan.

STANDARDS

To the fullest extent possible, the confidentiality which is essential to the trust relationship thatis developed with the counselor will be maintained.

In this environment of renewed awareness for accountability and for transparency, and consistentwith the Office for Clergy’s responsibility to be a prudent steward of the resources of the Church,a baseline report is required on all priests undergoing counseling for which the Office for Clergy isfinancially responsible.

PROCEDURES

Referral must be initiated by the Office for Clergy. When a priest is referred for treatment, theprovider is asked to complete an Initial Assessment/Treatment Plan (Appendix I) and return thisform to the Office for Clergy within 10 days of the first appointment. This form is consistent withgenerally accepted standards for the provision of counseling services in the mental health profession.

Quarterly Progress Reports (Appendix II) also are required. The provider is asked to notify theOffice for Clergy whenever there is a change in the treatment plan and/or medication.

APPENDIX IOFFICE FOR CLERGY

REQUEST FOR INFORMATIONINITIAL ASSESSMENT / TREATMENT PLAN

NAME: ________________________________ REPORT DATE:______________

Date of Initial Assessment: ____________________

Presenting Issues: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Symptoms/ Dynamics: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Goals: 1. ________________________________________________________2. ________________________________________________________3. ________________________________________________________

Length of time for requested sessions:

__ 1 month __ 2 months __ 3 months __ 6 months __ > 6 months

If greater than 6 months, please explain: _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Current medications: ___________________________________________________(NA if not applicable) ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Fitness for Ministry: ___________________________________________________

Risk to Minors: ___________________________________________________

Risk to Self: ___________________________________________________

Concerns regarding current assignment/living situation: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________ __________________________ __________ Practitioner Client Date

Office for ClergyArchdiocese of Philadelphia 11/06

APPENDIX II

OFFICE FOR CLERGYREQUEST FOR INFORMATION

QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT

NAME: ________________________________ REPORT DATE: ______________

Progress Report: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Symptoms/ Dynamics: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Goals: 1. ________________________________________________________2. ________________________________________________________3. ________________________________________________________

Continued Services:

__ 1 month __ 2 months __ 3 months

If greater than 3 months, please explain: _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Current medications: ___________________________________________________(NA if not applicable) ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Fitness for Ministry: ___________________________________________________

Risk to Minors: ___________________________________________________

Risk to Self: ___________________________________________________

Concerns regarding current assignment/living situation: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________ ____________________________ __________ Practitioner Client Date

Office for ClergyArchdiocese of Philadelphia

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