MADISON — In an effort to improve diocesan ministry to divorced Catholics and those in irregular marriage situations, the Diocese of Madison Tribunal has expanded its services to include a Pre-Petition Case Advisor.
A Pre-Petition Case Advisor accompanies an individual through the discernment process following a divorce by explaining the Church’s teaching on marriage, making a personal assessment of any moral and canonical remedies available, and providing assistance in petitioning for a declaration of nullity (commonly referred to as an annulment).Tag: tribunal
Saying yes to God’s will as a priest
A nearly 10-year journey has led Fr. Gabriel López-Betanzos from discernment to his role as the judicial vicar for the Diocese of Madison.
Earlier this year, he was appointed to that role by Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison, replacing Fr. Tait Schroeder, who will be working in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome.
Appellate tribunal confirms guilty verdict of Fr. Gerald Vosen
MADISON — Diocese of Madison officials were recently notified by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, in Rome, of the publication of the findings of the appellate tribunal court’s hearing of the appeal of Fr. Gerald Vosen, who was placed on administrative leave in 2004 and formally suspended since 2008.
With this release, we inform the faithful of the diocese and the general public of the appellate tribunal’s conclusions.
The appellate tribunal has confirmed the finding of the first-instance tribunal (Diocese of Madison’s — 2007) that Fr. Gerald Vosen is guilty of two offenses against the sixth commandment (sexual misconduct), with minors under the age of 16.
Likewise, the appellate tribunal confirmed the penalty issued by the first-instance tribunal, namely, Father Vosen’s permanent removal from all ecclesiastical ministry with the admonition to lead a life of prayer and penance. No further right to appeal exists.
The confirmation of this penalty means that Father Vosen is not to exercise any public ministry, whatsoever, nor is he to present himself publically as a minister of the Church, including by wearing clerical dress.
Fr. Tait Schroeder heads fully-staffed Tribunal
On December 13, 2012, Fr. Tait Schroeder went before a panel of five canon law professors at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce) in Rome to defend his doctoral dissertation.
Long-time Tribunal vicar, staff member retire
MADISON — Msgr. Michael E. Hippee is retiring as judicial vicar for the Diocese of Madison Tribunal, a position he has held since 1978. Susan Stack is also retiring from the Tribunal after serving as its administrative assistant, notary, and assessor for almost 17 years.
Tribunal director says farewell
Jay Conzemius, director of the Diocese of Madison Tribunal, recently accepted a position with the Diocese of Pittsburgh as executive director of their Tribunal.