FAQs
Q. Are parish and school pay charts published?
A. Yes, pay charts are updated annually and posted on the Employee Extranet.
Q. When is an employee eligible for health insurance?
A. An employee is eligible for enrollment on the first of the month coinciding with or following the date of hire.
Q. Other than the hiring process, are there other times when an employee can enroll in health insurance?
A. Employees can join the plan during the annual open enrollment (October 1 of each year) or when a qualifying event occurs (qualifying events are marriage, birth of a baby, adoption, divorce and lost of health insurance coverage by another provider).
Q. Can an employee have dental insurance without having health insurance?
A. No, dental and health insurance are only offered as a package.
Q. How does the Diocese of Richmond's Employee Retirement Plan differ from those of other organizations?
A. The Diocese of Richmond Lay Employees' Retirement Plan is an employer paid benefit. There is no employee contribution. The defined benefit plan has a five-year vesting period. Employees are entitled to a benefit after five years of credited service.
The normal retirement date is the first of the month coinciding with or following the participant's 65th birthday. A reduced early retirement benefit is available after age 55 and 10 years of service. The benefit calculation is made by using a formula involving the average earnings for the five highest consecutive calendar years and the years of credited service. The plan provides for a lump-sum payment to terminated vested employees whose accrued benefit does not exceed $5,000. The one-time payment is made after completion of the annual actuarial valuation of the Retirement Plan. The Retirement Plan also provides a $5,000 death benefit for active employees. If an employee retires under the regular form of normal retirement, no benefit is payable at death. Other payment options are provided at the time of retirement.
Q. Besides the Basic Health, Dental and Life Insurance, what other Benefits does the Catholic Diocese of Richmond offer?
A. The Diocese offers an array of benefits and services that include Disability and Long-Term Care Insurance, Vision Care coverage and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP administered by Cigna Behavioral Health is an employer paid benefit available to all employers, employees and members of their households. Help for issues such as depression, substance abuse, child care, domestic violence, legal matters, elder care, financial advice and many other areas is available by calling a toll free number 24 hours a day, 365 day a year.
For further information contact our Benefits Manager,
Etta Shepperd at
804-622-5209.
Q. How frequently are background screenings completed?
A. Per diocesan Safe Environment Regulations, all lay and religious employees are screened at the time of hire and every four years on an on-going basis. Employment is contingent upon these screenings being satisfactorily completed.
All school volunteers and parish/non-school volunteers who regularly work with children or regularly are involved with minors shall be screened every four years.
Q. What is VIRTUS "Protecting God's Children for Adults"?
A. VIRTUS "Protecting God's Children for Adults" is a child sexual abuse prevention program selected to be used in the Diocese of Richmond in accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. ARTICLE 12 states:
"Dioceses/eparchies are to maintain "safe environment" programs which the diocesan/eparchial bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles. They are to be conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people. Dioceses/eparchies are to make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to children."
Completion of a Protecting God's Children for Adults session is required for all clergy, lay and religious employees along with volunteers (age 18 and older) who regularly or routinely work with children or youth. Information regarding the VIRTUS program is available on the diocesan website.
For further information contact our Safe Environment Coordinator, Maryjane Fuller at 804-622-5203.
