CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s parishes, schools and ministries will offer paid pregnancy and parental leave for employees who give birth or have a child placed in their care through adoption or foster care, diocesan officials announced Aug. 21.
Eligible employees who are becoming new parents may request up to two weeks of paid parental leave to care for and bond with their child, and to begin adapting to their expanding family. In addition, mothers who give birth may also request up to two weeks of paid pregnancy leave to aid in their recovery from childbirth – providing them a total of four weeks of combined paid pregnancy and parental leave.
This new paid leave benefit does not replace other available benefits, but rather, enhances and may be paired with existing benefits (including vacation and sick time), to give eligible employees additional paid time away as they welcome their child.
“Building up and supporting the family is at the heart of the Church’s mission, and we especially want to support those who are working for the Church,” Bishop Peter Jugis said in the announcement. “As our diocese continues to grow, we’re blessed to be in a position to offer paid pregnancy and parental leave for employees in our schools, churches and pastoral center who are establishing families – ‘thus contributing to the renewal of society and of the People of God.’”