Canonical Services

The Department of Canonical Services contains the Diocesan Tribunal, which handles cases that are subject to the Canon Law of the Church as well as the Office of Due Process, which is responsible for the peaceful settlement of disputes within the Church. The department is administered by Father John (Jack) D. Dickinson. In addition to his work as the Bishop's Cabinet Secretary for Canonical Services, Fr. Dickinson is also the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Portland.

General Information

The Department of Canonical Services assists the bishop in his judicial role in the diocese. It serves:

To promote, protect and vindicate the rights and privileges of the People of God in accordance with natural and ecclesiastical law.
To facilitate full participation in the sacramental life of the Church and more intimate union with God by removing when possible juridical barriers such as previous marriages.
To provide canonical expertise to the bishop, priests, religious and laity of the diocese, especially with regard to marriage legislation.

The overall responsibilities of the Tribunal staff are to examine petitions for marriage nullity/dissolution, place our canonical expertise more fully at the service of other departments and the overall mission of the diocese, and meet the canonical needs of the diocese by continuing to dialogue with the bishop concerning present and future personnel information.

Click here for information on marriage annulments in our diocese

Click here to make payments to the Diocesan Tribunal.