Judicial Vicar & Canonical Services Leader

Archchicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Archdiocese of Chicago seeks a Judicial Vicar and Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Services to oversee the Metropolitan Tribunal and provide canonical leadership for the archdiocese.

The role combines judicial and executive functions, including appointing judges and staff, guiding canonical governance, and coordinating with the Holy See on inter-diocesan matters. Candidates should be ordained priests with canonical experience.

Qualifications

• Licentiate in canon law (JCL) required; doctorate in canon law (JCD) preferred.
• Completion of theological formation required for priestly ordination.
• At least ten years of pastoral and canonical experience following ordination.
• Prior service in a diocesan tribunal in a judicial or officer capacity.
• Latin for canon law; Italian for Roman Curia; Spanish or Polish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Presides over the Metropolitan Tribunal and serves as presiding judge on collegial tribunals.
• Constitutes collegiate tribunals and appoints diocesan judges, promoter of justice, defenders of the bond, auditors, assessors, and notaries.
• Administers the marriage nullity process, including briefer processes as authorized.
• Oversees the penal process in coordination with the promoter of justice.
• Maintains formation and canonical education for archdiocesan personnel.
• Leads leadership and staff management of the Tribunal.

Skills

Administrative leadership

Conflict management

Written and oral communication

Organizational skills

Education

Licentiate in Canon Law (JCL)

Doctorate in Canon Law (JCD)

Theological formation for priestly ordination

Pastoral and canonical experience (10+ years)

Tools

Word

Microsoft Teams

CaseMaster

Job description

The Archdiocese of Chicago seeks a Judicial Vicar and Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Services to oversee the Metropolitan Tribunal and provide canonical leadership for the archdiocese.

The role combines judicial and executive functions, including appointing judges and staff, guiding canonical governance, and coordinating with the Holy See on inter-diocesan matters. Candidates should be ordained priests with canonical experience.