“Best organizational practices are consistent with Gospel values. They balance the goals and needs of the organization, its workers and the community in which it is located. They imply respect for persons, justice, integrity, efficient use of resources, successful accomplishment of mission and goals, and an environment in which committed and skilled workers are treated fairly. Furthermore, the Code of Canon Law, particularly in its treatment of temporal and human resources, provides prescriptions that are to be followed for best organizational practices in an ecclesial context (see CIC, canons 1273 ff.).

Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord,
US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005

Catholic parishes are encouraged to pledge to commit to the Guiding Principles of the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for Catholic Parishes and to work toward implementing the best practices and principles outlined. This code is voluntary, self-regulatory and in conformity with the Code of Canon Law.

The Leadership Roundtable on Church Management, working in partnership with other national Catholic organizations and in collaboration with bishops and diocesan leadership, provides educational resources and training to assist parishes to comply with the performance indicators outlined in the Standards for Excellence code.

For information about becoming a Partner in Excellence and gaining access to education resource materials for implementing each of the Standards, please print out an application form or contact Standards@nlrcm.org or call 202-223-8962

If it’s in the Code, we’ll help you do it!