Visiting Priests/Deacons/Religious

Review Process Guidelines

All visiting clergy and religious who seek to exercise ministry within the Diocese of Corpus Christi must have a valid Testimonial of Suitability on file with this Diocese prior to engaging in any ministerial activity, in accord with the norms of canon law governing the good standing and faculties of clerics (cf. can. 903; can. 764; can. 678 §1).

The Testimonial of Suitability must be issued and signed by one of the following:

1. The local ordinary of the diocese in which the cleric is incardinated;
   
   
2. The local ordinary of the diocese in which the cleric or religious is currently serving; or
   
   
3. The religious provincial, superior, or their duly authorized delegate. 

All Testimonials must bear the official seal of the issuing diocese or religious institute and attest that the cleric or religious is in good standing, possesses the appropriate faculties, and is not impeded from exercising ministry.

The completed Testimonial of Suitability must be submitted to the Office of the Chancellor no later than two (2) weeks prior to the anticipated date of ministry. In keeping with the bishop’s responsibility to regulate the exercise of ministry within his territory (cf. can. 381 §1; can. 391), no visiting cleric or religious may minister without prior approval.

Once received and approved, the Testimonial will remain valid for one (1) year from the date of execution and must be renewed thereafter for continued ministry, ensuring ongoing verification of good standing and faculties.

Sample Testimonial letters are available below for reference.

For questions or assistance, please contact Marc Cervantes, Chancellor, by phone at 361-882-6191 or by email at [email protected].

Required Documents

Select the role in which you serve to view an example of the Letter of Suitability required from your Diocese or religious superior:

For Temporary Priestly Ministry for Visiting Diocesan PriestsFor Temporary Diaconal Ministry for Visiting DeaconsFor Temporary Ministry for Visiting Religious Brothers and Sisters  

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Submission Instructions

Please submit all required forms via JotForm or by email to [email protected]