The Regional Advocate serves the parishes and faithful of the Diocese of Orlando within his or her region by: (1) Helping petitioners in Marriage Nullity Cases gather proofs and prepare a Libellus (petition) for submission according to the procedural norms that guide the Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese of Orlando; (2) Advocates may also be appointed ex-officio to assist parties in preparing the proofs necessary for responding to a citation in a marriage nullity case; (3) Advocates may also be called upon by the Tribunal to serve as auditors for the judges of the Tribunal when gathering proofs or taking the testimony of witnesses or otherwise assist in the instruction of cases. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Reviews case when first charged with its instruction.
- Sets up appointments, conducts interviews with petitioner, respondent and witnesses.
- Explains the Annulment process to potential petitioners.
- Contacts parties for additional witnesses when needed.
- Tracks case and maintains contact with the parties when witnesses fail to respond in a timely manner.
- Prepares documents and correspondence when the Judge assigned to the case adds an additional ground in the case.
- Takes rogatories from witnesses or parties from other Dioceses when requested.
- Acts as Advocate for a party from another Diocese when requested.
- Prepares cases with the appointed canonical judge when a case is appealed to the second instance court in the Archdiocese of Miami or to the Apostolic Tribunal of the Roman Rota.
- Assists RCIA directors as they determine the marital status of candidates and catechumens.
- Keep pastors informed regarding cases for their parish.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Counseling or equivalent; experience in counseling; listening and interviewing skills; written and verbal skills; comfortable in culturally diverse setting.
- Requires at least (3) years of ministry experience in a parish or diocesan position; familiarity with and or ability to learn the procedures for Marriage Nullity Cases in The Code of Canon Law; the Instruction Dignatiatis Canubi and the established procedures of the Diocese of Orlando Tribunal.