Monday, July 8, 2013

And It Begins: Tribunal Director – Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

This post is VOCAL's take on the Year of Faith in the Archdiocese of Portland under our new Archbishop.  For decades the "Years of Alinsky" have driven this Archdiocese.  Priests that have lost their way had been leading us and some still do.

Laity has the task of asking questions of those that are paid by our collection plate monies regarding the errors that they encounter.  No longer can we just "wait and see".  As in the secular world around us, we can see how that attitude has served the people.  Souls are most important.

For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God?     I Peter 4:17  Douay-Rheims Bible

  
TRIBUNAL DIRECTOR

Law, FT Employee

Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon (Portland, OR)

Tribunal Director

The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon is looking for an experienced Tribunal Director with a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of Canon Law. Applicants must be familiar with Church documents related to canon law, Tribunal procedures in first and second instance, and be able to conduct theological/pastoral analysis as well as prepare and present accurate and concise reports and recommendations.

Candidates must have a licentiate (JCL) in Canon Law. Minimum 2-4 years’ experience in similar position, including supervisory responsibilities, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above described essential functions. Practicing Catholic with a valid driver’s license required. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Religious and clergy interested in applying must have the consent of their diocese or superior prior to submitting their application. Pay range is $62K to 72K DOE. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae to hr@archdpdx.org detailing how their education and work experience makes them the ideal candidate.

From the Archdiocese Website:

The ministry of the Tribunal is varied. We work with those preparing to marry, as well as those seeking healing and release from a marriage that did not prove to be lasting, in which a partnership did not take place as the Church understands it. We provide research on a number of issues within Church law, and we provide education and support to priests, parish ministers, and other members of our wider Church community. 

5 comments:

John said...

Where did you find this Job posting?

VOCAL said...

John,

It was on:

Tribunal Director – Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon (Portland, OR)

Posted by CatholicJobs.com on July 5th, 2013

I see this as a great thing. Not just shuffling priests around and keeping the same mindset. We need new ideas and true teachings.











Chris said...

Hello. I'm a revert. I've never quite understood what a diocesan tribunal does. I've done some googling and it seems clear that tribunals can issue decrees of nullity about marriages. But do they also decide questions dealing with other matters? What kind of other matters? Thank you for your kindness in answering this. I can't find an answer in the online Catholic Encyclopedia.

John said...

Carolyn-- Keep in mind the previous director, Linda Weigel, was a layperson too, who died recently. So this isn't a case of trying to break up some sort of presbyteral precedent. There's been somewhat of a push in the diocese lately to shift the tribunal to laypersons, freeing up priests for parish ministry.

Chris-- The Tribunal is basically the canon law office of a diocese, staffed by canon lawyers who advise the bishop on matters of canon law.

Sadly, in today's day and age, most of their work is devoted to analyzing annulment cases to determine if the manner of marriage didn't in some way follow canon law, making it invalid.

Chris said...

John, thank you...however, I already knew they do anullment cases. I was wondering what other kinds of cases they review. Could you give me some examples?