Marriage Tribunal

In keeping with the Constitutions of our Congregation which challenge every sister to

Live close to people in mutual service and to offer and receive compassion, challenge and hope as we walk together in the ordinariness of daily life..

A Future and a Hope p.11

Ministry in the Marriage Tribunal involves reaching out to people whose lives have been affected by the pain and sadness of marriage breakdown. This ministry challenges the auditor to exercise compassion and understanding in what are always very delicate, sensitive circumstances.   

In her wisdom the Church offers people the opportunity to begin again after a marriage breakdown. While on the one hand, one is conscious of the need to uphold the Tradition and the teachings of the Church on the sacrament of marriage, there is also an acute awareness of the difficulties that people may experience when petitioning for an annulment of a marriage.  Sisters working in this ministry are in a privileged pastoral position where they have the opportunity to respond to the challenge of our constitutions which invite all Sisters of St Joseph us..

To empower those who have few choices to claim their dignity and to assume responsibility for their own lives.

A Future and a Hope p.8