One of the greatest gifts in my position as Director of Human Resources is to work with such dedicated women and men, to bring about the mission and goals of the Diocese of Oakland. I hope that you, as an integral part of our ministry here, will find your ministry with us pleasant and rewarding.

The Diocese of Oakland is unique in many ways. It is a place where "ministry happens," where people serve other people "because of the Kingdom of God." Nevertheless, like other institutions, it requires certain policies and procedures to ensure its smooth operation and the fair treatment of each employee. The Diocese takes seriously the Church's call to justice for those who work with them. The primary purpose of the Personnel Policies is to foster a climate in which every staff member views himself or herself as a valued member of the community. Each staff member is an essential part of the total ministry of the Diocese of Oakland. All personnel are encouraged to build and maintain a sense of community among themselves. Those we serve should find in the staff a model of the Christian community that is Christ's Church.

These Personnel Policies apply to staff members employed by the Diocese of Oakland Parishes and Chancery. Any questions or concerns that a staff member may have about the application of these policies or procedures should be addressed to the staff member's immediate Supervisor or to me.

This compilation of policies is not to be considered a legal contract. Rather, it is a statement of the concrete way in which the day-to-day operation of the Diocese of Oakland will take place.

From time to time, there will be changes in this or that policy. We will try to consult the personnel, through Pastors/Administrators and Division/Department Directors at Chancery, before any major changes take place. The Diocese of Oakland does, however, reserve full discretion to add to, modify, or delete provisions of this handbook, or the policies and procedure on which they may be based, at any time without advance notice. Any subsequent changes will supersede and replace previous policies, practices, or guidelines on that subject.

No individual other than the Bishop, the Presbyteral Board or a member of the Bishop’s Administrative Council has the authority to enter into any employment or other agreement that modifies the policies of the Diocese of Oakland. Any modification must be in writing and signed by the employee and the Bishop or member of the Bishop’s Administrative Council.

Penny Pendola, Ed.D.
Director, Human Resources

January 2007