Clinical & Ethical Considerations in the Psychological Assessment of Roman Catholic Seminary Candidates

Product Description

“Clinical & Ethical Considerations in the Psychological Assessment of Roman Catholic Seminary Candidates: A Review of the Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions”

Overview

Psychological assessments provide critical information for bishops, major superiors, vocation directors, formators and candidates to help ensure a comprehensive, authentic discernment process. In April 2015 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations released the Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions. This document provides helpful guidance for bishops, major superiors, and seminary rectors when developing policies on the use of psychological evaluations in seminary admissions. The presentation explores the key components of this important document for psychologists and other professionals involved in the psychological evaluation of applicants for the priesthood and religious life. It also includes discussion of relevant canon law and professional ethics considerations, as well as practical suggestions for implementing this particular assessment protocol.

Presenters

Rev. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap., S.T.D., Psy.D., President of Saint Luke Institute
Emily R. Cash, Psy.D., Director, Saint Luke Institute Candidate Assessment Program
Most Reverend Mark L. Bartchak, J.C.D., Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Identify recommended components of a psychological assessment of seminary candidates and the accompanying written report;
2. Apply ethical and canon law principles to the evaluation process, including cultural and privacy/confidentiality considerations; and
3. Develop recommendations for sharing relevant information from the psychological evaluation to benefit the seminary admissions and training process, while respecting confidentiality considerations.

Who Should Participate

Psychologists and other mental health professionals involved in psychological evaluation of applicants for Catholic priesthood or religious life, vocation directors, diocesan vocation team members, and seminary rectors, admission team members and formation faculty

The Guidelines are available online or for purchase on the USCCB website.