Dear Steven,

Thanks for the question.

Yes, exorcisms are very real and very much supported by the Catholic Church, when (major exorcisms) are truly needed. Sometimes the issues involved are more of a psychological nature. As a matter of fact a prayer of exorcism is done at every baptism in the Church.

Check out this posting:

• What questions are typically asked at a Baptism held during Mass?

Providentially, we have already answered similar questions, and these answers are conveniently available in our knowledge base. Bookmark it today!

I've taken some time to find a few postings that address your question.

• Would you know of any bishops who have appointed priests as exorcists who could help me?
• What does the Church think of demons haunting little ones and how can this happen to them?
• Is there a physical devil and is there a such thing as demonic possessions or exorcisms?

Finally the Catechism tells us:

1673 When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing. In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism. The solemn exorcism, called "a major exorcism," can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church. Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter; treating this is the concern of medical science. Therefore, before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness.

I hope this helps,

Mike