Towards a Ministry of Reconciliation

Registration for the 2026 Institute is now OPENED. Register here

Institute on Matrimonial Tribunal Practice 

Continuing a tradition that began in 1967, the School of Canon Law at The Catholic University of America offers its Institute on Matrimonial Tribunal Practice. The Institute is designed for clergy, religious and laity who have not had formal training in canon law or Tribunal activity.  It enriches those with Tribunal experience, helps initiate those without it, and gives all an opportunity to reflect in depth on the Church's teaching and sacred discipline on holy matrimony. 

The Institute provides an overview of the history and the Church’s teaching on marriage, an introduction to the Church’s marriage law, and an explanation of the process and jurisprudence that apply to marriage nullity trials carried out in Church Tribunals today. In addition, case study sessions add a practical dimension to the program.

Past participants include those involved in parish ministry and Tribunal work, as well as others interested in the subject matter.

Program:

Introduction: Overview of Church law; its relationship to the pastoral life of the Church.
Marriage: Teachings on marriage; concepts of marriage law; elements of pastoral practice.
Matrimonial Jurisprudence: Main grounds of marriage nullity; lack of form; impediments; dissolution of marriage.
Procedure and Practicum: Examination of actual cases. Special attention paid to proofs and facts.  

The Institute convenes every third and fourth week of June  
  • Participants arrive on June 14, 2026 (for check in only), and depart on June 26, 2026 at 12 noon
  • Meals are provided (June 14– 26, 2026) with light snack on June 14
  • Separate male and female floors
  • All rooms are airconditioned
  • Access to laundry facilities   
click-here-button-300x276.png to register for the 2026 Tribunal Institute 

Fee: $3,000
No refund for cancellation after May 1 unless a replacement participant is found.
All fees include a $150 non-refundable processing fee.
SPACE IS LIMITED
canonlaw.catholic.edu
cua.canonlaw@cua.edu
202-319-5492

 Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is not complete until both the application form and the Institute fee have been received. Non-refundable processing fee.

Lecturers 

Dr. William Daniel, J.C.D., Director and Associate Professor, Catholic University  
The Reverend John P. Beal, J.C.D., Assistant Director and Ordinary Professor, Catholic University
Mr. Timothy Cavanaugh, J.C.L., Defender of the Bond, Tribunal of the Diocese of Madison 
Mr. Vincent Gardiner, J.C.L. Chancellor and Judge, Diocese of Cleveland 
The Reverend Alexander Laschuk, J.C.D., Judicial Vicar, Archdiocese of Toronto
The Reverend Msgr. C. Michael Padazinski, J.C.D., Chancellor, Archdiocese of San Francisco

Staff

Ms. Grace-Ann Lewis, Assistant Dean, School of Canon Law