Clergy Attestation Letters

• Attestation Letters - Entire Text of the Policy Statement
  

Any priest or deacon (who is not incardinated or assigned in the Diocese of Erie) conducting public ministry in the Diocese of Erie must present an attestation letter, issued within the last six months, from their bishop or religious superior.  This letter must be sent ahead of time to the Chancery office, or presented to the pastor of the place where the ministry is being done. Pastors receiving such a letter will forward it to the Chancery Office.  Attestation letters are required even for concelebrating Masses and assisting with confessions.  Please contact the Chancery for more information.

Clergy and laity participating in the annual Missionary Co-operative Appeals must submit their attestation letters directly to the Erie Office of Diocesan and International Missions.

• Requesting an Attestation Letter From the Diocese of Erie

Priests and deacons of the Diocese of Erie who wish to do public ministry in another diocese may request a letter of good standing from the Erie Chancery.  These letters are only valid for six months from the date of issue and therefore must be requested less than six months before the event.  To request a letter of good standing, please email or call the Chancery with this information:

1. Date, time and place (complete address) of the liturgical event
2. Name and address of the person to whom the letter is to be sent

Letters may also be requested here.

Letters may be sent by postal mail or email.  Copies will always be sent to the priest or deacon making the request.

Papal Blessings

The Apostolic Blessing, or papal blessing, is a blessing imparted by the Pope, either directly or by delegation through others. Apostolic Blessings with certificates are offered by the Holy Father to the Catholic Faithful for certain special occasions, including sacraments, anniversaries, and birthdays.

Parchment Certificate

Apostolic Blessing parchments may be ordered directly from the Vatican. Please visit https://www.elemosineria.va/papal-blessing-parchments/ for details and instructions. You must request the parchment no more than six months before or four months after the occasion for which it is given. 

Costs are as follows:

– the parchments (ranging from 18 to 26 Euros according to the template chosen)
– mailing by DHL Express Courier: USA, Canada € 20,00 (up to 5 parchments, or € 25.00 when more than 5 parchments)

The parchment generally arrives 1-3 months after your request is received. 

If you have any questions, please contact Maria Caulfield at 814-824-1130 or mcaulfield@eriercd.org.