Recruitment and Selection Procedures
Procedures to be followed by visiting Carmelites priests from outside Ireland who wish to minister
The Prior Provincial has a responsibility to put measures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of children. Therefore, any Carmelite priest coming to Ireland to perform public ministry in a Carmelite community is required by civil and/or church law to provide the following documentation to the Carmelite Provincial Office:
- All visiting priests must write seeking permission from the Provincial, giving details about the duration of the visit and the form and location of ministry being considered.
- This request will be acknowledged, and the visiting priest will be required:
- to produce his celebret or confirmation of good standing, signed by his Provincial/Ordinary.
- to complete the self-declaration form of good standing.
- to complete Garda Vetting.
- If the Provincial is satisfied that there are no concerns about the visiting priest, a letter of permission will be given in writing outlining the specified ministry, including its duration and location.
- A copy of this letter of permission will be given to the prior of the place of ministry and a copy will also be stored securely in the Safeguarding Office.
Non-ordained Carmelites who wish to minister are also subject to Carmelite safeguarding procedures as outlined above.
Best practice guidance for visiting Non-Carmelite priests ministering in a Carmelite church:
- Visiting priests should contact the local Carmelite Prior/Provincial to seek permission to minister.
- The visiting priest must sign the sacristy register confirming that they have celebrated/concelebrated on a given day.
- A request will be made to see the visiting priest’s celebret, which is recorded in the sacristy register.
- If the visiting priest is going to be involved in particular ministry with children, then he will be subject to Carmelite safeguarding procedures.
Carmelite priests planning to minister in a diocesan parish, external to a Carmelite community for more than three consecutive days, should contact the respective local Diocese to clarify the safeguarding requirements.
