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Psychological Considerations | E-1
An important component for the reception of inter-
national pastoral ministers is psychological screening.
1
An appropriate screening process can help determine
if an individual is capable of serving and thriving in a
diocese, eparchy, institute of consecrated life, or soci-
ety of apostolic life in the United States.
2
In addition,
psychological assessments can be a point of departure
for ongoing growth and development as interna-
tional pastoral ministers carry on their ministry in a
new cultural environment. The current visa process
does not allow advance visits for evaluation purposes.
However, although limited in scope and not always
feasible, initial screening can be accomplished by tele-
phone or the internet even before the international
pastoral minister leaves his or her country of origin.
In this process, it is important to be aware of the
differing perspectives on the proper role of psychol-
ogy based upon one’s country of origin. Psychology
is viewed differently in many parts of the world and
sensitivity to this reality is invaluable. This sensitiv-
ity also means offering an explanation of the purpose
of the psychological screening process to prospective
international pastoral ministers. Overall, some flex-
ibility is advisable in the assessment process. There
are, however, certain criteria that are highly encour-
aged in the choice of an appropriate psychological
assessor and appropriate assessments.
Criteria for Selecting Appropriate
Psychological Assessors
There are certain qualifications and qualities that
should be present in any psychological assessor of inter-
national pastoral ministers. Such an assessor would be:
• Appropriately degreed
• Clinically experienced
1 The value of this process finds support in
Gaudium et Spes
, no. 62:
“In pastoral care, sufficient use must be made not only of theological
principles, but also of the findings of the secular sciences, especially
of psychology and sociology, so that the faithful may be brought to a
more adequate and mature life of faith.”
2 For international seminarians, the requirements of the Program of
Priestly Formation (PPF) would also need to be satisfied. See
Program
of Priestly Formation
, Fifth Edition (Washington, DC: USCCB, 2006),
nos. 51-57. See also Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education,
Vatican Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation
of Candidates for the Priesthood
, (June 29, 2008).
Case Study 1
Father M. comes from a culture that prizes social reserve
and clearly defined gender roles. When he came to
serve in the United States, his cultural orientation pro-
gram included a psychological consultation with a pro-
fessional to identify issues that might present him with
challenges as he adapted to a new culture and a new
set of circumstances. He did not exactly understand the
process of a psychological consultation, but he trusted
the process as one endorsed by the diocese that had
sponsored him. When he walked into the psychologi-
cal interview and as it began, he was taken aback. The
counselor was a woman. After an exchange of pleasant-
ries, she asked him a series of questions, such as “What
causes you to feel afraid or anxious? How close were
you to your family of origin? Have you ever been sad
for no apparent reason, and what did you do with that
feeling?” Father M. was taken aback by a woman, who
was also a complete stranger, asking very personal ques-
tions about his inner life and emotions. The situation
so disoriented him that he was unable to give coherent
responses. Both he and the counselor were alarmed by
what seemed to be a disastrous encounter.
This case suggests a clear need to contextualize a
psychological interview both for the one being inter-
viewed and the one interviewing. A prior explanation to
Father M. might have taken off some of the edge of the
surprise that he felt. He would have better understood
how the session could help his adjustment in the United
States. A briefing on Father M.’s home culture offered
to the psychologist would have helped her to enter the
conversation more sensitively and more productively.
• Licensed
• Knowledgeable about and respectful of the
Catholic faith; for example, observing a point
emphasized by the Holy See with regard to the
admission of candidates to the seminary: “It must
be born in mind that these experts, as well as
being distinguished for their sound human and
spiritual maturity, must be inspired by an anthro-
pology that openly shares the Christian vision
about the human person, sexuality, as well as the
vocation to the priesthood and celibacy.”
3
3
Vatican Guidelines
, no. 6.
Psychological Considerations