Health Issues

Health Issues

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Developing policies regarding HIV testing for applicants

By Jon Fuller S.J., MD

In recent years the number of known instances of HIV-infected religious and clergy has grown. In response many dioceses and religious orders have grappled with the question of whether to institute HIV antibody tests for those who request admission to the order or seminary. Read more...

Developing admissions policies regarding HIV

By John Fuller S.J., M.D.

Ethical, practical and even financial issues come into play when forming HIV-related admissions policies. Read more...

What canon law says about health concerns in prospective members

By Eileen Jaramillo

Canon law gives the leaders of religious communities a fair amount of discretion when it comes to questions of health in applicants. Read more...

Ethical issues raised by candidates with health concerns

By Thomas A. Nairn O.F.M.

Catholic tradition offers a “three font principle” for evaluating moral issues, including those raised by candidates with chronic health concerns. One must examine the intention, the act itself and the circumstances. Read more...

How to evaluate candidates with chronic health issues

By Myles N. Sheehan S.J., M.D.

When assessing a candidate with chronic health issues, vocation ministers must take into account the impact of the condition or illness, feedback from health professionals, and the particulars of their congregation. Read more...

Living religious life with chronic illness

By Mary Therese Johnson OP

Here is one woman’s story about how chronic health problems affected her person, her ministry and her life in the community. Read more...

How MS or epilepsy could affect a candidate to religious life

Both of these diseases can significantly affect a person’s life, but treatment and medication can make a world of difference. Read more...

Mobility issues in prospective members of a religious community

By Louis Lussier OSCam, M.D.

A physician and former vocation director shares his experience in assessing—and sometimes accepting into his community—men with mobility problems. Read more...

Chronic back pain and the capacity to live religious life

By Daniel Hurley M.D.

Pain that never disappears for good can take a big toll on a person. If vocation ministers are evaluating a candidate with chronic back pain, it helps to understand the many causes and the variety of treatments. Read more...

What every vocation minister should know about process addictions

By Christiana Ashabo

Vocation ministers are starting to see individuals with process addictions—problematic, compulsive behaviors focused on everything from gambling to Internet porn. An expert looks at what drives these addictions and what vocation ministers can do. Read more...

Sample HIV Antibody Policy Form

Name of Religious Institute Read more...

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Friar Emanuel Vasconcelos, O.F.M.Conv.

Friar Emanuel Vasconcelos, O.F.M.Conv.

Being connected to others doing similar ministry is a big reason that Friar Emanuel Vasconcelos, O.F.M.Conv. is part of the NRVC. He is vocation director for the Franciscan Friars Conventual, Our Lady of the Angels province. He is also a Mid-Atlantic Member Area Coordinator, along with Sister Jean Rhoades, D.C. Read more...

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