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Exorcism​ Protocol​

 

  1. Those seeking the assistance of the Church for themselves or another, or for a particular place, regarding a matter they feel involves demonic influence, should first contact their local parish priest and request his assistance. The parish priest should meet with the individual to discern his or her needs, and may seek guidance in this area from the Office of Spiritual Affairs.

  2. If further assistance is necessary, the priest is to write to the Chancellor of Spiritual Affairs outlining the matter and any previous actions taken as well as any relevant recommendations.  This letter should also contain the full name, phone number, and address of the individual seeking help.  Any medical or other supporting documents may also be included.

  3. Once the case has been received by the Office of Spiritual Affairs a file will be opened.

  4. A written request for assistance will be made to a relevant expert so that a psycho‑social-spiritual assessment may be completed.

  5. Once the assessment has been returned the case file is referred to the Chancellor for discernment before proceeding.

  6. The Chancellor will decide on one of the following actions:
    1. The case does not require action and the individual is referred back to the priest for ongoing pastoral care.
      OR
    2. The case requires additional medical and/or psychological supporting documentation before proceeding further.
      OR
    3. The case should be referred to a deliverance ministry team. The team (made up of a priest and two lay persons) will meet with the individual needing assistance for two or three sessions over a period of two to three months, and will submit a report to the Chancellor after each session.
      After several sessions with the deliverance ministry team, it will be discerned whether the case needs to be forwarded to the Exorcist for further action or referred back to the parish priest for ongoing pastoral care.

  7. Once the recommendation of the deliverance ministry team and Exorcist (if applicable) has been obtained, the Chancellor will provide guidance to the priest who made the initial contact with the Office of Spiritual Affairs.

Revised:  March 2025


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