Canon Lawyer

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Canon Lawyer will assist in the judicial dimension of the Diocese. The Diocesan Bishop exercises their judicial authority either directly or through others. It is customary that the Bishop exercise that judicial authority through a Tribunal.  The duty of this ministry is to provide a forum for the Christian faithful to vindicate or defend their rights.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiate work on case intake as requested.
• Prepare or direct appropriate staff in the preparation of ordinary case correspondence, citation of parties, decrees, questionnaires.
• Canonical instruction of formal cases as determined by specific. Interviews of parties and witnesses to a case.
• Consult with judges for resolution of cases by collegiate tribunals.
• Instruct Privilege and Documentary cases, Pauline Privilege cases, Favor of the Faith cases and other documentary/administrative cases as needed and prepare briefs and recommendations to be forwarded to the Diocesan Bishop.
• Research and prepare reports on canonical questions as assigned by the Judicial Vicar or Bishop’s Office.
• Provide canonical advice to inquiring parties, including priests or members of parish or diocesan staff.
• Participation on Diocesan Committees and Councils as appointed by the Bishop or Judicial Vicar.
• Contribute to a positive atmosphere in an office that exclusively deals with the brokenness of human nature and relationships.
• Rogatory – interview of parties when other Tribunals ask for assistance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Possess at least a Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.).
• Minimum of two years of Tribunal experience, particularly in substantive and procedural penal law.
• Familiarity with the Code of Canon Law and the Instruction Dignitas Connubial.
• Must be a Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Bilingual English and Spanish language skills.
• Strong organizational skills with a meticulous mindset to detail.
• Computer skills and ability to learn new programs, including Tribunal Management System and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Good interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain Church marriage teaching to non-Catholics and to be patient with upset parties in annulment cases.
• High personal integrity and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to treat confidential information with appropriate discretion.