Annulment Presentations Set for Calais, Windham, Sanford, Jay, Frenchville, and Lincoln
WINDHAM---The Diocese of Portland’s Office of the Tribunal will hold presentations and lead discussions on the annulment process in the Catholic Church in several areas during the coming months. All are welcome at any of the gatherings, which will include question and answer periods as well as the opportunity to speak privately to a canonist.
The Office of the Tribunal is part of the Department of Canonical Services in the Diocese of Portland and handles cases and trials that are subject to the Catholic Church’s canon law, which is the code of ecclesiastical laws governing the Church.
As the judicial arm of the bishop, the Tribunal cooperates in his ministry, namely, "the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law of the Church" (canon 1752) and seeks justice, the protections of rights, and the clarification of obligations for all who approach it. The procedures utilized by the Tribunal are grounded in canon law, Scripture, and the authentic teaching of the Church.
While the process is judicial, it is the commitment of Tribunal personnel to demonstrate a pastoral attitude and regard for those who submit cases for adjudication. One of the responsibilities of the tribunal staff is examining petitions for marriage nullity/dissolution.
Here is the upcoming schedule of presentations on the annulment process:
Calais
Wednesday, August 16, 5:30 p.m.
Immaculate Conception Church, 31 Calais Avenue
Windham
Wednesday, September 13, 6:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail
Sanford
Thursday, September 14, 6:30 p.m.
Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue
Jay
Tuesday, September 19, 6 p.m.
St. Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church Street, Jay
Frenchville
Wednesday, October 25, 4 p.m.
Christian Life Center, 444 U.S. Route 1
Lincoln
Thursday, October 26, 10:30 a.m.
St. Mary of Lourdes Church, 142 Main Street
Additional presentations are expected to be held this fall in Dover-Foxcroft, Machias, and Scarborough. Recently, Tribunal staff held events in Bangor, Bath, Caribou, East Millinocket, Rockland, and Waterville. As events are added, they will be listed at www.portlanddiocese.org/tribunal. For more information or to contact the Tribunal, call 207-773-6471.
