Letters of Suitability
Request a Testimonial of Suitability for ministry outside the Diocese of Bridgeport.
A Letter of Suitability, also called a Testimonial of Suitability, attests that a cleric of the Diocese of Bridgeport is in good standing and suitable to exercise ministry in another diocese. Bridgeport clergy use this site to request one.
Request a Letter of SuitabilityYou will sign in with your Diocese of Bridgeport (diobpt.org) account. If you are already signed in, you will pass straight through; otherwise you will see a Microsoft sign-in.
Who should use this
Priests
Submit your request directly to the Office for Clergy.
Deacons
Your request is reviewed by the Office of the Diaconate first, then forwarded to the Office for Clergy.
This site is for clergy incardinated in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Before you begin
Have these ready:
- The type of ministry (for example, celebrate a wedding, concelebrate a mass, assist at daily mass)
- The event date or date range
- The name and city and state of the destination church or institution
- The receiving (arch)diocese
- A contact at the destination, if you have one
How it works
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Submit. Complete and submit your request after signing in.
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Review. The Office for Clergy reviews your request. Deacon requests are reviewed by the Office of the Diaconate first.
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Approval. A canonical signing authority approves and signs the letter.
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Delivery. The signed letter is generated and emailed to the receiving diocese and to the cleric's email of record. The submitter does not receive the letter directly.
Frequently asked questions
Who signs the letter?
One of the diocese's canonical signing authorities: the Bishop, the Vicar for Clergy, the Chancellor, or the Vicar General.
What if the event details change?
Contact the Office for Clergy as soon as possible so the letter can be updated or reissued.
Can the letter be addressed to a layperson?
No. A Testimonial of Suitability is addressed to the receiving diocese or the authority of the receiving institution.
Is the list of dioceses current, and what if mine is not listed?
The diocese directory is current as of June 2026 and covers all United States Catholic dioceses, including the Archdiocese for the Military Services. If the diocese you need is not in the list, you can enter it manually on the request form.
Do I need an account?
You sign in with your diocesan Microsoft account. The system is restricted to Diocese of Bridgeport clergy.
Who do I contact with questions?
The Office for Clergy, 203-416-1453.