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Catholic Tribunal Judge, Diocese of Jefferson City (Jefferson City)

The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a canonist to serve full-time as Judge, working cooperatively with Tribunal staff at the direction of the Judicial Vicar. Additionally, as assigned by the Director of Canonical Services, he/she advises on canonical matters and prepares drafts of decrees and other canonical documents, as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Job Functions

  • Serve as primary instructing judge (ponens) over matrimonial causes in the tribunal, conducting canonical processes and judging cases in accordance with the norm of law
  • Ensure tribunal compliance with all procedural law
  • Instruct cases, conducting in-person depositions of parties and witnesses
  • Write decrees and sentences, as well as intermediary vota and other documents in cases
  • Instruct petitions for the Petrine and Pauline Privileges and dispensations
  • Serve as an assessor for penal cases
  • Regularly study doctrine and jurisprudence
  • Draft Tribunal correspondence
  • Translate Rotal documents from Latin, as needed
  • Advise the Diocesan Bishop and Vicar General on canonical matters
  • Maintain and revise forms, documents, and explanatory material as needed

Qualifications

  • Minimum of five (5) years Tribunal experience
  • Licentiate in Canon Law (JCL)
  • Must be a Catholic in good standing and adhere to the doctrine and moral teaching of the Church, especially with respect to marriage
  • Strong grasp of procedural canon law and knowledge of Rotal jurisprudence
  • Competence in reading Latin
  • Knowledge of office software
  • Internet and email proficiency
  • Ability to manage and supervise employees 
  • Bilingual in Spanish is preferred

Candidates may contact Cheryl Hertfelder, Executive Director of Human Resources at 573-635-9127 or email at hrdir@diojeffcity.org. Applications are also accepted on Indeed.com.