Can the laity on the Board be a paid employee, such as the Finance manager or bookkeeper?
Yes. For a check and balance system, however, it is not recommended.
Currently all employees are employed by the Diocese. Will priests who are paid through PAA or whose salary is paid with a subsidy from the Diocese be considered employees of the parish or of the diocese? Who is considered the employer since the application reads Diocese of Tucson application?
Priests will be employed by the parishes. For priests, the pay scales will be set by the Diocese. For others, the parishes will be guided by the Diocese, but ultimate decisions in this regard will be made by the parishes.
Will the existing retirement plan continue - will there have to be a separate 501 c 3 incorporation for schools for the tax exemption?
The existing retirement plan will continue. There will be no need to seek a separate tax exemption after incorporation. The Diocese will continue to list the parishes and their schools in the Official Catholic Directory, thereby insuring tax exempt status with the IRS.