The Office of the Tribunal

The Office of the Tribunal oversees the integrity of the Church’s mission and sacramental life and protects the rights of all members of the Church. This is done according to the Code of Canon Law which governs the administration of the Church and its juridical procedures. The Judicial Vicar, acting in the name of the Bishop, oversees the Tribunal and is assisted by a qualified staff who has received training in Canon Law. Staff members are available to offer advice and insight on matters relating to Canon Law and they comprise the Church’s courts that render judgments at the request of people seeking justice. At the present time, most of the work of the diocesan Tribunal involves cases presented for the determination of the invalidity of a marriage. While the nature of the ministry of the Tribunal is juridical, its purpose is eminently pastoral: the Tribunal participates in the mission of the local Church in proclaiming the Gospel and in the pastoral mission of the salvation of God’s people.

Staff

Judicial Vicar/Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia – Rev. Msgr. R. Mark Duchaine, J.C.L., V.G.

Adjutant Judicial Vicar – Rev. Michael J. Erpelding, J.C.L.

Judges – Rev. Msgr. R. Mark Duchaine, J.C.L., V.G.; Rev. Michael J. Erpelding, J.C.L.;
Rev. Msgr. Michael D. Sernett, J.C.D.; Rev. Msgr. Roger J. Augustine, V.G.E.;
Rev. Paul-Louis Arts; Rev. Jerome P. Cosgrove; Mr. Eugene J. Ulses, J.C.L.; Anne Kirby, J.C.L.

Advocates for the Respondent – Rev. Craig A. Collison, Rev. Gerald F. Feierfeil,
Rev. Mr. Michael Hand, Ms. Lorri Larsen, Rev. Mr. Robert Larsen, Rev. James D. McCormick,
Rev. Mr. Gerald Streit, and Ms. Julie Walding.

Defenders of the Bond – Rev. Msgr. Richard E. Zenk, J.C.D.; Rev. Msgr. Michael D. Sernett, J.C.D.

Notary/Secretary – Terri Niedergeses

Declarations of Nullity in the Diocese of Sioux City - printable brochure