Clergy Office
The Vicar for Clergy assists the bishop in his care for the priests and deacons of the Diocese of Arlington. This also includes all priests and deacons from other dioceses or religious orders and who reside in the Diocese. The Vicar for Clergy serves as Chairman of the Clergy Personnel Board, which evaluates the clergy staffing throughout the Diocese and provides recommendations to the Bishop.
The Office of Clergy also has the following responsibilities:
- To respond to concerns and complaints regarding priests and works towards solutions when issues arise regarding priests and deacons.
- To provide support to clergy through annual meetings for study and prayer; facilitate counseling and other care when needed; facilitate mentoring and training programs for priests.
- To review all applications of extern clergy seeking residence and/or ministry in the Diocese of Arlington, and to facilitate their arrival in the Diocese.
- Maintains the files for all priests serving in the Diocese and provides access to a clergy directory, policy manuals, and other resources.
Requirements for Clergy Visiting the Diocese of Arlington
- For all clergy intending to exercise priestly ministry in the Diocese of Arlington, a Letter of Good Standing (LGS) is required. The LGS should be printed on the letterhead stationery of the priest’s/deacon’s Diocese or Order and embossed with its Seal. Failure to provide a LGS will mean that the cleric is not permitted any ministry.
- The Diocese of Arlington requires a recently issued Letter of Good Standing (LGS) that provides the date and location of ministry, the cleric’s ability to work with minors, and the purpose of his visit. The LGS may be sent to the Vicar for Clergy at [email protected] The original letter should be mailed to the Vicar for Clergy at the Arlington Chancery. A copy of the Letter of Good Standing should also be mailed to the parish the cleric is visiting.
- The original LGS should be mailed to:
Vicar for Clergy
Diocese of Arlington
200 N.Glebe Rd. Suite 901
Arlington, VA 22203
- If there are any questions, please contact the Office of the Vicar for Clergy at 703-841-3809.
Clergy Personnel Board
The Episcopal Vicar for Clergy also heads the Clergy Personnel Board, which evaluates the staffing of a parish and makes recommendations for annual clergy changes.
Our Staff
Very Rev. Paul Scalia
Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Director of the Diaconate Formation Program
Melissa Chaves
Executive Assistant
703-841-3809
Nancy Burgess
Administrative Assistant
Donna Lorge
Healthcare Coordinator
