Catholic Tribunal Office Judge- Jefferson City, MO
2/8/2026
The Judge will serve as the primary instructing judge over matrimonial causes and ensure tribunal compliance with procedural law. Responsibilities include writing decrees, instructing cases, and advising the Diocesan Bishop on canonical matters.
Working Hours
40 hours/week
Company Size
501-1,000 employees
Language
English
Visa Sponsorship
No
Description
The Diocese of Jefferson City is seeking a canonist to serve full-time as Judge, on-site in the Jefferson City chancery office, working cooperatively with Tribunal staff at the direction of the Judicial Vicar. As assigned by the Director of Canonical Services, he/she will advise on canonical matters and prepare drafts of decrees and other canonical documents, as needed.
Essential duties include:
* Serve as primary instructing judge over matrimonial causes in the tribunal
* Ensure tribunal compliance with all procedural law
* Instruct cases, conducting in-person depositions of parties and witnesses
* Write decrees and sentences
* 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
Requirements
* Five (5) years Tribunal experience preferred
* 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
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