Tribunal Procurator Advocate

Work Where Your Faith Is! The Tribunal for the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee is currently seeking a Procurator/Advocate. This full-time in-person position, at the Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center in St. Francis, Wisconsin, works with those persons who are seeking an annulment (declaration of invalidity) in the Catholic Church. They are responsible for guiding persons through the process and facilitating the completion and return of all paperwork associated with the annulment process.

This position requires that the candidate be a Catholic in full communion with the Church and have a bachelor's degree in Catholic Theology or a related field; parish or diocesan experience, facility with word processing and other computer programs, communication experience and ability to assist parties who are dealing with emotional issues surrounding the annulment process. Spanish fluency is preferred.

When applying, please include a cover letter with your resume that discusses your Catholic background and your interest in working for the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Job Responsibilities

Perform duties of Procurator/Advocate for matrimonial causes in First Instance Court.
A. Prepare the necessary paperwork for introduction of the cause.
B. Prepare and send citation letters to respondents via certified mail.
C. Counsel the party regarding the status of his/her cause and plan strategy needed for gathering evidence and presenting the
argumentation.
A.D. Compose the brief recommending a decision to be presented to the judge.
E. Initiate appeal procedure in a negative decision in First Instance cases when necessary.
F. Serve as Procurator/Advocate for respondents as assigned.
G. Assist the parties in a formal nullity case in understanding the effects of a declaration of nullity on their lives and on those
of their children.
H. Make necessary referrals to professionals who might be able to assist the parties in a formal nullity case with their
adjustment needs.
I. Compose all necessary correspondence to the parties of a formal nullity case and to any priest or deacon acting as
intermediary.
J. Gather and prepare necessary documents for those cases that can be resolved through the documentary process.
K. Respond to phone inquiries about the marriage nullity process and other related canonical or ecclesial matters.
Gather testimony in nullity cases by sending to the parties and witnesses rogatories and/or written questionnaires, or conducting interviews via zoom, phone, or in person.

A. Conducting follow-up interviews via phone call or zoom when sufficient testimony has not been achieved.

B. Record the parties' interviews accurately by means of a computer.

C. Respond to questions that arise and instruct the parties in the judicial process and in Tribunal procedures.

D. Conduct interviews in outlying areas of the Archdiocese when necessary.

Perform duties of Instructor for Briefer Process cases.

A. Collecting, organizing, and preparing the evidence.

B. Writing the Instructor's Summary of the Facts.

Assist the Judge by writing the Facts Section for First Instance case sentences.

Perform duties for matrimonial causes in Second Instance Court.

A. Counsel the party regarding the status of his/her cause and plan strategy needed for gathering evidence and presenting the argumentation.

B. Compose a brief recommending a decision to be presented to the judge.

C. Serve as Procurator/Advocate for respondents as assigned.

D. Oversee and facilitate the appellate process for cases in which an ouside Advocate has been assigned.

Serve as Advocate in Archdiocesan Court of Equity as needed.

Miscellaneous duties.

A. Study canonical matters and research certain problems when they arise.

B. Provide canonical information to inquiring parties when asked.

C. Assist the work of the Tribunal by substituting for absent personnel when needed.

D. Contribute to the positive atmosphere of the Tribunal where the brokenness of human nature and relationships become apparent.

Qualifications

1. Knowledge/skills in Canon Law and Ecclesiastical procedures.
A. Knowledge of Canon Law and its application.
B. Specialized knowledge of Marriage Law and the canonical procedures involved in Tribunal matters.
C. Knowledge of the uniqueness of Catholic "culture" and ability to work comfortably within this environment.
D. Ability to discuss and explain the uniqueness of Catholic doctrine especially with those who are unfamiliar with it.
E. Knowledge of the office procedures of the Tribunal in Milwaukee and a general working knowledge of those other
dioceses.

2. Communication skills.

A. Skill of helping the parties feel comfortable, drawing out information courteously, and listening and responding to
inquiries during a deposition and on the phone.

B. Display respect for the delicate personal issues of the parties who come to the Tribunal.

C. Accommodate parties' schedules for interviews as well as their limitations in case of immobility.

D. Clarify the balance needed between the juridical requirements and a pastoral approach toward matters before the
Tribunal.

E. Assist all participants in understanding the obligation to exercise justice on behalf of both parties of a marital nullity
case.

F. Maintain a balance of confidentiality and diplomacy in working with parish clergy and the parties in cases.

G. Ability to deal with difficult and threatening situations in a calm, respectful, and dignified manner.

H. Provide encouragement, appreciation, clear directives, and information to the secretaries.

3. Problem solving skills.

A. Ability to analyze and solve problems in dealing with the parties of a marriage nullity case.

B. Develop and maintain good listening skills, assisting people in sorting out their concerns.

C. Display a willingness to search out advice from others.

D. Ability to collaborate with others in working toward solutions to common problems.

E. Ability to engage in problem solving regarding secretarial duties when necessary.

4. Skills in general office procedures.

A. Knowledge of office equipment (data and word processing on computer, printer, copier, telephone, e-mail, fax) and
ability to use these with ease.

B. Ability to process cases accurately.

C. Skill in prioritizing work responsibilities and flexibility in shifting responsibilities when necessary.

Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/MmDGlNIJGM21YulJZfeOpg

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