Priesthood linked to healthy psychology.Vatican offers guidelines for discernment

(Oct.31, 2008):- A Vatican document said seminary candidates should undergo psychological evaluations whenever there is a suspicion of personality disturbances or serious doubts about their ability to live a celibate life. In assessing the capacity for celibacy, it said, the church needs to evaluate a seminarian's sexual orientation, and make sure that uncertain sexual identity or "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" are not present. The document, released at the Vatican on Thursday was prepared by the Congregation for Catholic Education and approved by Pope Benedict XVI.
Titled "Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood," it said the use of psychological consultation and testing was appropriate in "exceptional cases that present particular difficulties" in seminary admission and formation. It said psychological evaluation could never be imposed on seminarians or seminary candidates. But it emphasized that church authorities have the right to turn away candidates if they are not convinced of their suitability. The document said the psychological sciences can be useful not only in screening troubled candidates for the priesthood, but also in accompanying seminarians through their vocational journey, particularly for those who need to overcome "psychological wounds." It said that if those already accepted in seminary programs continue to demonstrate areas of grave immaturity, "the path of formation will have to be interrupted."