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Letter of Suitability Requests

Priests and Deacons of the Archdiocese of Newark who wish to exercise ministry outside the State of New Jersey may request a letter of suitability from the Office of the Vicar General.

A letter of suitability is required to fulfill the provisions of canon 903 CIC and canon 703 §1 CCEO, and the Guidelines proposed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Conference of Major Superiors of Men, Leadership Conference of Women Religious and Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (NCCB, November 1993).

Safe environment compliance is required in order to secure such a letter.

Priests and Deacons of the Archdiocese of Newark who wish to exercise ministry internationally may request a Celebret card from the Office of the Vicar General.

Submission Deadlines: When requesting a letter of suitability/celebret card, it is important to do so in a timely manner.

  • Funerals: Submit immediately upon receiving arrangements
  • Weddings/Baptisms:  60 days prior to event date.
  • Other (Special Events, Vacation, Priestly Ministry, Retreat, International Ministry): 60 days prior to event date.

Once the Letter of Suitability Request Form is received by the Office of the Vicar General, please allow 14 business days for a copy of the Letter or Celebret card to be mailed to the requesting priest/deacon (funerals are an exception and will be processed immediately upon receipt of submission form).

Priests with a current suitability card for the State of New Jersey: The visiting priest/deacon should contact the pastor prior to the event and offer their current suitability card. If that is not accepted, the priest/deacon will submit a request for the Letter of Suitability.

Click this link to submit a request: Letter of Suitability Request Form

Questions? Contact the Office of the Vicar General at (973) 497-4155