Important Update Pertaining to Tribunal Operations
Due to sabbatical of Monsignor Dariusz J. Zielonka, Judicial Vicar, the Tribunal will continue under direction of Adjutant Judicial Vicar Father Zbigniew Zielinski. All cases where Monsignor Zielonka was a single, presiding judge will be divided between Father Zielinski and Eileen Magdalen Ross, a Ponens. Upon return of Monsignor Zielonka, the Tribunal will resume regular operations. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Welcome to the website of the Tribunal of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The Tribunal is the Diocesan Court which adjudicates the internal legal affairs of the Church. The Tribunal is managed by Monsignor Dariusz J. Zielonka, J.C.D., the Judicial Vicar, who administers it in the name of the Diocesan Bishop, Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano. The Judicial Vicar is assisted by two judges: Reverend Zbigniew Zielinski, J.C.D., and Ms. Eileen Magdalen Ross, J.C.L. The roles of Defender of the Bond and Promoter of the Justice are assigned to Reverend Arthur Mollenhauer, J.C.L. Mrs. Patricia Hansen fulfills the roles of the Case Manager and Ecclesiastical Notary for the Tribunal and the Diocese.
The sacramental status of a marriage is one of the internal legal affairs of the Church. Marriages are investigated by the Tribunal because the Catholic Church recognizes the initial and lawful marriage between a man and a woman as binding. The annulment process begins when one of the parties of such a recognized lawful marriage (after a civil divorce) petitions the Church to investigate and determine whether that marriage was indeed binding.
This website is designed to help interested parties to learn about the annulment process in the Diocese of Bridgeport. It has also tools to assist the clergy, often serving as advocates, for their parishioners. We hope you find it helpful.
The Tribunal is the Diocesan Court which adjudicates the internal legal affairs of the Church. The Tribunal is managed by Monsignor Dariusz J. Zielonka, J.C.D., the Judicial Vicar, who administers it in the name of the Diocesan Bishop, Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano. The Judicial Vicar is assisted by two judges: Reverend Zbigniew Zielinski, J.C.D., and Ms. Eileen Magdalen Ross, J.C.L. The roles of Defender of the Bond and Promoter of the Justice are assigned to Reverend Arthur Mollenhauer, J.C.L. Mrs. Patricia Hansen fulfills the roles of the Case Manager and Ecclesiastical Notary for the Tribunal and the Diocese.
The sacramental status of a marriage is one of the internal legal affairs of the Church. Marriages are investigated by the Tribunal because the Catholic Church recognizes the initial and lawful marriage between a man and a woman as binding. The annulment process begins when one of the parties of such a recognized lawful marriage (after a civil divorce) petitions the Church to investigate and determine whether that marriage was indeed binding.
This website is designed to help interested parties to learn about the annulment process in the Diocese of Bridgeport. It has also tools to assist the clergy, often serving as advocates, for their parishioners. We hope you find it helpful.
