I am an ordained priest, but the hospital where I minister is outside of my home diocese. When I fill out the application for certification or renewal of certification, should I list the bishop of the diocese where I work, or the diocese where I am incardinated?

The NACC’s current standards (420.3, 520.17, 530.15, 540.15, 550.15, 840.142, 850.153) require that members “provide a current letter of endorsement” for formal approval for ministry. Diocesan priests or deacons need current endorsement from their ordinary (the bishop of the diocese in which they are incardinated). The NACC will request this directly from your bishop. For religious, a current endorsement by the member’s major superior is required. The NACC will request this directly from the major superior. For laypersons, a letter of recommendation from your pastor or from a priest in active ministry in your diocese is required. This letter should be addressed to the Certification Commission Chair and sent to the NACC. Secondly, a current endorsement by the bishop in the diocese of your residence is also required. The NACC will request this directly from the bishop and will enclose a copy of the priest’s letter of recommendation. We suggest that you make an appointment with your bishop as you move through the processes, so that he is familiar with you and your ministry. “Current endorsement” means that the endorsement was written within 12 months of the receipt of application date. If the endorsement letter is delayed, the process will still proceed, but final action will wait until the NACC receives the endorsement.