Canonical & Tribunal Services

Welcome to Canonical and Tribunal Services of the Diocese of Austin. The ministry of the Tribunal includes all matters concerning the application and practice of canon law within the diocese.

The Judicial Vicar (Officialis), as the chief judge and supervisor of the Tribunal, or court of law, is assisted by the Adjutant Judicial Vicar (Vice-Officialis). Other judges, assessors, auditors, advocates and notaries assist in processing the annulment cases and the judicial services of the Tribunal. Although the bishop can reserve certain cases to himself, the decisions of the Judicial Vicar cannot be appealed to the bishop, but must instead be appealed to the Appellate Court.

As the diocesan bishop's consultant on canonical affairs, the Judicial Vicar coordinates all aspects of administration and services that are concerned with the application and practice of canon law throughout the Diocese of Austin. The canon lawyers, trained professionals of this office, provide services and canonical counsel to the bishop, offices, parishes and institutions of the diocese.

Tribunal ministry is one part of the church’s effort to offer healing and hope for the victims of broken marriages. The Tribunal investigates cases of marital failure to determine whether parties in certain instances may be free to remarry.