Clergy

Priests and Clergy

We welcome priests and clergy at the Shrine and are happy to have them join us by concelebrating Mass, assisting us with Confessions, or providing catechetical instruction while on Eden Hill, provided they have had the appropriate letter sent to us in advance. Please read the details below, as we are required to follow these instructions exactly. 

LETTERS OF GOOD STANDING (LGS)

WHO NEEDS TO PROVIDE AN LGS
Letters of Good Standing (not celebrets) are required for all bishops, priests and deacons who wish to concelebrate, hear Confessions, or practice ministry during their pilgrimage, as required by the USCCB (The US Conference of Catholic Bishops). Only those within the Diocese of Springfield, Mass. are not required to have an LGS.

WHO PROVIDES THE LGS TO US
The letters should come directly from the priest’s bishop or a religious superior. All clergy should be aware that we are required to receive this letter directly from their Bishop’s Chancery or their Provincial Office.

    Priests, deacons, etc., are NOT allowed to:

  • show their celebret card;
  • bring a hard copy of the letter with them;
  • ask anyone other than the Chancery to mail or email it to us; we are to receive it directly from the Chancery

FORMAT OF THE LGS
The letter should be on the letterhead of the Bishop, or Congregation and must contain the seal of the Diocese/Congregation. The letter must include:

  1. The Priest or Deacon’s Name;
  2. The Diocese where he is currently residing;
  3. His present position and address where he is serving.
  4. States that he:
    1. Is of good moral character;
    2. Is free of any impediments;
    3. Has participated in an adult training program for the Protection of Children, and Young People
    4. Is a priest or deacon of ‘good standing’?
  5. The date of his visit to The National Shrine;
  6. His stated business.

We are NOT allowed to accept general letters of good standing that are issued for months or years at a time while a priest travels.

You may mail or email the Letters of Good Standing to the Office of the Chancellor, PO Box 1730, Springfield, Ma. 01102; email: [email protected]

TIMING:
We need to receive these letters in advance of your visit. As these can take a while to be processed, please plan in advance to obtain these letters.