FORT KENT, Maine — The Diocese of Portland’s Office of the Tribunal will lead two presentations and discussions on the annulment process in the Catholic Church on Sunday, Sept. 8.
The gatherings will take place at 3 p.m. at St. Louis Church in Fort Kent, and at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Madawaska.
Both events will cover the annulment process in place in the diocese. There will be a question-and-answer period and an opportunity to speak privately to a canonist. All are welcome.
As part of the presentations, the changes to the annulment process implemented by Pope Francis in 2015 will be covered. The new procedures compress the process by which an annulment might be granted. At the same time, they do not alter the church’s rich teaching on Christian marriage. The tribunal always works to process the requests it receives for a declaration of nullity in a just, compassionate, and expedient manner.
The Office of the Tribunal is part of the Department of Canonical Services in the diocese, and handles cases and trials that are subject to the canon law of the Catholic Church. Canon law is the code of ecclesiastical laws governing the Church. Tribunal staff responsibilities include examining petitions for marriage nullity/dissolution.
Fr. Jack Dickinson is the director of the Office of the Tribunal and judicial vicar for the Diocese of Portland. In addition to Fr. Dickinson, the staff includes a judge, two canonists, and a notary.
For more information, contact 207-773-6471 or tribunal@portlanddiocese.org.
