Defender of the Bond

City: Seattle
Location: Washington
Country: United States
Primary Category: Tribunal Staff
Type of Position: Full-Time
Education Requirement: JCL

Description & Details

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 Christ’s 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 office of Defender of the Bond 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 department’s programs and services.
2. Serves as Defender of the Bond for marriage cases in first and second instance and other cases required by law 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.
3. Participates in non-judicial processes handled by the Tribunal, such as privilege cases, 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 Specialists, Administrative Assistants, and Interns.
5. In response to rogatory requests from other courts, interviews parties and witnesses in marriage cases to collect testimony or assist with publication of the acts of the case.
6. Assists as needed with the training of tribunal advocates, and other parish ministers working with the tribunal, according to competence.
7. Provides for continuing education by attendance at professional meetings of canonists on either the local or national level.
8. Performs other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
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:

• Post-graduate degree in canon law, i.e., JCL or JCD as required by the Code of Canon Law.

Experience:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and other relevant computer programs.
• Experience with CaseMaster (tribunal software), preferred.
• Preferred bilingual competence in Spanish or Vietnamese.

Other Elements:

• Willingness of the Archbishop to appoint applicant to ecclesiastical office.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, including proficiency in both oral and written English.
• 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.
• USA citizenship or permanent residence.

The range will be $68,000 to $85,000 depending on experience and other qualifications (in addition to the JCL).

How to Apply / Contact
Email your CV/resume to Sr. Carolyn Roeber, OP, JD, JCL, PhD at [email protected] or visit Careers - Archdiocese of Seattle (archseattle.org) and search for Defender of the Bond.