Tribunal
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Contact the Tribunal
Mailing address:
P. O. Box 2028
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028
Physical address:
Catholic Life Center
1800 South Acadian Thruway
Baton Rouge, LA 70808-1663
Telephone: 225-336-8755
FAX: 225-242-0229
Email: tribunal@diobr.org
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The Diocesan Tribunal assists the Bishop: as the shepherd of the local Church entrusted to his care, he has a mission to teach, govern, and sanctify the people of the diocese. The Tribunal helps with judicial and other canonical aspects of this ministry. In so doing the Tribunal advances "the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law of the Church" (cf. Code of Canon Law, can. 1752).
In adjudicating canonical matters brought before it – principally decisions regarding matrimonial cases – the Tribunal is comprised of the Bishop assisted by the Judicial Vicar, the other appointed Judges and officials, as well as a staff of assessors, ecclesiastical notaries, and experts in the behavioral sciences.
Persons interested in clarifying their status in the Church following upon the breakdown of a marriage and divorce should – before seeking any new romantic relationship – approach their local Parish or another case sponsor to begin the Tribunal's evaluative process.
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Tribunal Officials & Staff Members
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Very Rev. Paul D. Counce, J.C.L., M.C.L.pcouncediobr.orgJudicial Vicar -
Claire E. Breaux, J.C.L.cbreauxdiobr.orgJudge and Tribunal Director
Tribunal -
jladouceurdiobr.orgAdministrative Assistant and Ecclesiastical Notary
Deacon Candidate
Class of 2026
Hispanic Apostolate -
Very Rev. Jamin S. David, J.C.L., V.G.jdaviddiobr.orgVicar General & Moderator of the Curia
Judge | Diocesan Tribunal
Secretary for Administration
College of Consultors President
Pastor | St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Albany
Administrator | Holy Family, Port Allen -
Rev. Michael J. Moroneymmoroneydiobr.orgJudge
Director | Ecumenical Relations
Pastor | St. Alphonsus Liguori, Greenwell Springs -
Rev. Frank M. Uterfuterdiobr.orgRetired | Judge
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Rev. Timothy A. Grimestgrimesdiobr.orgParochial Vicar | Sacred Heart of Jesus, Baton Rouge
Assessor -
James M. Wallbillichjwallbillichdiobr.orgAssessor -
Rev. Vincent J. Dufresne, S.T.L., J.C.L.vdufresnediobr.orgPromoter of Justice & Defender of the Bond
Pastor | St. Joseph, Paulina,
St. Michael the Archangel, Convent,
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Gramercy -
Rev. Gerard R. Martingmartindiobr.orgDefender of the Bond
Pastor | St. John the Evangelist, Prairieville
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Consulting Experts in the Behavioral Sciences
Dr. M. Bernard Atkinson, Ph.D.
Mrs. Carol Waguespack, L.P.C.
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