Canonical Case Assistant

Job Description

A Canonical Case Assistant processes cases under the direction of the Adjutant Judicial Vicar. General responsibilities are assigned from the initial intake through the instruction of the case and the publication of the acts, including areas of general administration and documentation. Specific responsibilities are assigned for handling certain types of cases and groups of people that come before the Tribunal.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Processing of Assigned Cases
prepare the necessary documentation and correspondence for Tribunal cases
facilitate communication and case-related coordination of judges, defenders of the bond, promoters of justice, advocates, and sponsors
schedule appointments, ensuring proper documentation, filing and communication of related decrees and procedural guidelines
review and update information in the CaseMaster system, ensuring accuracy in case timelines, document uploads, and procedural integrity
collaborate in the publication and review of the Acts, facilitating in-person reviews and obtaining signed confirmations from parties
preserve strict confidentiality and impartiality in all case-related matters, adhering to canonical and civil data protection norms

2. Specific Areas of Assigned Responsibility
administration of an individual type of Tribunal case, such as Lack of Form, Pauline or Petrine Privilege, Second Instance Appeals, voluntary requests for Laicization, Penal Cases
scheduling and communications with a certain group of persons, such as Court Experts
process invoices and tribunal accounts for purchases, providing regular reports
ensure proper submission of documentation, track progress of cases with timely communication, system updates, and adherence to procedural timelines

3. Administration and Office Support
greet Tribunal visitors, answer phone calls, respond to mail and e-mail retrieve and distribute mail, directing any case-specific inquires to the Adjutant Judicial Vicar
act as notary for authenticating official Tribunal documentation
act as an auditor and transcribe oral depositions
support the organization of staff meetings and other Tribunal events
assist with review of forms, procedural documents, Tribunal website, and formal communications
support the educational and pastoral outreach programs, including contacting pastors and parishes, preparing training materials, compiling attendance records, and issuing certificates
ensure compliance with Tribunal policies, canonical procedures, and deadlines
assist with other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the Tribunal

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Canonical Case Assistant is an on-site position at the Pastoral Center in Braintree, five days per week.

QUALIFICATIONS
BS/BA degree required and/or a minimum of 5 years of previous business office experience
excellent oral and written English communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel required, PowerPoint preferred
strong service orientation and proven ability to handle sensitive, highly confidential matters
well organized and able to multi-task, working as a team player in a professional environment
a Catholic in good standing, known for good character, prudence, and a willingness to support the mission of the Roman Catholic Church and canonical norms concerning marriage

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE ELEMENTS
ability to use a computer keyboard for up to 8 hours/day
ability to sit for up to 8 hours/day
ability to lift up to 20 pounds

About the Employer

The Archdiocese of Boston is the fourth largest archdiocese in the United States and is the spiritual home for more than 1.8 million Catholics. Until October 2024, Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., led the Archdiocese through unprecedented events with a focus on healing and rebuilding the local Church. In August 2024, His Holiness Pope Francis named Archbishop Richard Henning, S.T.D. as Cardinal O'Malley's successor. He was installed on October 31, 2024.