Vetting Visiting Priests, Deacons, Religious, and Laity/Speakers

This is a reminder to all priests, deacons, and parish and school leadership that if a priest, a deacon, a member of a religious community, or a lay person as speaker or preacher or presider and who lives outside the Diocese of Sioux City is being invited to the parish or school, a “letter of suitability” or a “testimonial of suitability form” from their diocesan office or religious superior is to be acquired and sent to and approved by the Office of the Chancellor.
 
The same requirement applies to anyone intended for similar purposes for all conferences, retreats, and workshops.
 
A “letter of suitability” is recommended from any non-diocesan priest, deacon, member of a religious community, or lay person making an unexpected visit to a parish or school.

 
Authorization to sell products during a conference, retreat, or other parish or school venue is to be approved by the pastor and school administrator.
 

Protocol for Laity Speakers within and from outside the Diocese

Pastors | School Administrators | All Event Organizers
When hosting a laity speaker even from within our own Diocese, a Letter of Good Standing from the person’s pastor is required for every time an event is hosted at a parish | school | other organization.    
 
VETTING:
The Chancellor will continue to vet | authorize ministry for Laity speakers from outside our Diocese. 
 
Pastors will handle the vetting | authorization for ministry in their parishes for Laity speakers that are parishioners within our Diocese.  If you have any questions on a letter of good standing | form you have  received and need guidance, email a copy to the Chancellor’s office to [email protected]

A Laity Letter of Good standing format has been provided below:
 
Sample Letter of Good Standing