Canonical Services Coordinator (FT), Canonical Affairs

The Canonical Services Coordinator supports the Office of Canonical Affairs by preparing and managing documentation related to faculties for clergy not incardinated in the Archdiocese of Boston. The Canonical Services Coordinator is also responsible for preparing, processing, and tracking official letters and documentation related to Catholic marriages, and marriage radical sanation procedures. 

The Canonical Services Coordinator prepares letters of suitability and celebrets for Archdiocesan priests and deacons traveling outside of the Archdiocese and advises priests on the various documents available, including instruction on the use of a website for ministry requests. The Canonical Services Coordinator also assists with seminary works, processes invoices, and coordinates the scheduling of all parish Confirmations in the Archdiocese. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Draft, prepare, and distribute letters of faculties of priests and deacons residing in/visiting the Archdiocese from other dioceses and religious orders in coordination with Ministerial Personnel Office. Help compile an in-house spreadsheet, and one for renewals. Monitor expiration dates for faculties and ensure timely renewal communications.
• Maintain accurate records of clergy faculties and canonical documentation. Explain the intricacies of the Archdiocesan policy to pastors, parish staff, and visiting priests.
• Uphold confidentiality and professionalism in all aspects of clergy support work.
• Prepare formal letters and documentation related to marriage preparation, permissions, dispensations.
• Process requests for marriage paperwork transfers (e.g., between dioceses) and coordinate with pastors, parishes, and other diocesan chanceries.
• Process marriages radical sanation procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date and confidential records for marriage paperwork.
• Respond to parish inquiries regarding documentation requirements and canonical marriage status.
• Coordinate with the Metropolitan Tribunal to ensure timely and accurate processing of all cases when marriage annulments are needed.
• Track case timelines, follow up on missing documentation, and assist with data entry in diocesan systems.
• Uphold strict confidentiality and pastoral sensitivity when handling personal and sacramental information.
• Answer and respond to telephone calls and other inquiries relating to marriage paperwork.
• Assist with seminary work — fides forms and accompanying correspondence.
• Create letters of suitability and celebrets for Archdiocesan priests and deacons traveling outside of the Archdiocese, often with short notice. Advise priests on the various documents available, including instruction on the use of a website for ministry requests. Coordinate with other departments for additional required information for particular dioceses.
• Must be able to answer Canonical Affairs questions and answer general questions including initial sensitive contact with those requesting deliverance and healing ministry.
• Process invoices.
• Coordinate the scheduling of all parish Confirmations in the Archdiocese and be the point of contact for parishes and bishops’ offices.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with knowledge of Catholic Church structures and clerical protocols.
• Bachelor’s degree in theology, Canon Law, Pastoral Studies, or related field preferred; 2–3 years of administrative or pastoral experience, preferably within a Church or nonprofit setting.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, good at teamwork, and ability to manage sensitive timelines and personal information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems used in Church administration (e.g., Tribunal Case Management systems).
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE ELEMENTS:

• Ability to use a computer keyboard for up to 8 hours/day.
• Ability to sit for up to 8 hours/day.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

The duties and requirements described above are representative of those encountered during performance of the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To apply please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]