The Office for Priest Personnel assists the bishop in personnel matters affecting all diocesan priests within and outside the diocese, as well as extern and religious priests assigned or residing in the diocese. It is instrumental in assuring that the diocese's priests are placed in parishes where they can most effectively minister to the people. Through the office, recommendations are made to the bishop regarding the assignment of priests to parishes and the appointment of pastors. Besides staffing, the office is also responsible for responding to requests for advanced studies and sabbaticals, managing the pastor evaluation process, and providing a variety of other supportive services.