Tribunal Judge

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:

The Archbishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christs mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Archbishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. (Directory on the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops, 198)

Each position employed in the Chancery helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE:

Fulfills the ecclesiastical offices of judge, auditor/instructor, or assessor in both First and Second Instance, as assigned.

NOTE: This is an appointed position by the Ordinary of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and subject to Archdiocesan Policy pertaining to appointed positions. The supervisor of this position reserves the right to make necessary modifications to this position to reflect current and appropriate responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES:

1. Under the direction of the Tribunal Director, participates with other staff members in implementing the mission of the department. This may include canonical consultation, and planning, developing, and evaluating the departments programs and services.
2. Instructs (serving as auditor or ponens-or if cleric, presiding judge) and judges marriage cases and other issues in which the Seattle Metropolitan Tribunal is competent according to the Canon Law of the Catholic Church and with regard for local and regional practice, working collaboratively in judicial colleges as appointed by the Judicial Vicar.
3. Participates in non-judicial processes handled by the Tribunal, as appointed or delegated by the Judicial Vicar or the Archbishop.
4. Collaborates with the Tribunal Director, Assistant Director, and Judicial Vicar in on-going education and mentoring of Tribunal Auditors, Administrative Assistants, and Interns. 
5. Assists the Tribunal Director in assigning and evaluating work of the field staff (approximately 15 persons), including defenders of the bond, judges, assessors, experts, respondents advocates, translators, and advocates.
6. In response to rogatory requests from other courts, interviews parties and witnesses in marriage cases in order to collect testimony or assists with publication of the acts of the case.
7. Assists as needed with the training of tribunal advocates, and other parish ministers working with the tribunal, according to competence.
8. Provides for continuing education by attendance at professional meetings of canonists on either the local or national level as required by the code of canon law.

Primary:

• Fully-initiated Catholic in good standing.
• Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop.
• Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the local Church in support of the collaboration between lay and ordained Ministers.

Education:

• College undergraduate degree
• Post-graduate degree in canon law, i.e., JCL or JCD (required by Canon Law not dispensable)

Experience:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and other relevant computer programs.
• Experience with CaseMaster (tribunal software), preferred.

Other Elements:

• Willingness of the Archbishop to appoint applicant to ecclesiastical office.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to think conceptually, and to appreciate and apply nuance in complex situations, detail oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Ability to maintain confidential information

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.