From the desk of Archbishop Tobin:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ (Ph. 1, 2).
I am happy to announce to you a change in policy regarding fees
associated with the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese. Effective July 1,
2015, all fees connected with the processing of petitions for the nullity of
marriages have been eliminated. In the case of persons who have already
introduced a petition, the balance of their fees are now forgiven. This waiver
of fees applies also to the so-called “privilege of the faith” cases that must
be sent to Rome for consideration.
Until now, the Tribunal requested a fee of $675 for a formal
marriage cases, known popularly as an “annulment”. This fee was only a fraction
of the actual expenses of the process; the remainder was assumed by the
Archdiocese. What is more, it had always been possible to request a reduction,
deferment or, in some cases, a waiver of the fee. According to the
long-standing policy of the Archdiocese, a person’s ability to present a
petition did not depend on his or her ability to pay a fee.
Still, there has been a stubborn misconception that a person
could “buy” a decree of nullity. There have been equally erroneous ideas that
paying more than the requested fee or paying it all “up front” would result in
quicker process or a better chance for a successful outcome. None of these
suspicions are true. In fact, petitions are examined and decided according to
the date of their presentation. Furthermore, each case is considered on its own
merits and according to the common norms of the Catholic community.
I am confident that this change in policy will eliminate some of
these misunderstandings. I also hope that you will renew your efforts to reach
out compassionately to the faithful whose marriages have failed. Please ensure
that this change is known among the people entrusted to your pastoral care.
Finally, I ask all Catholics to pray for married couples, whom
God has called to reflect in their own love the unconditionally faithful and
self-sacrificing love that Christ has for the Church. The Archdiocese and its
ministers are committed to be both “prophetic” (to teach what Jesus taught) and
to be “pastoral” (to minister to those whose marriages, unfortunately, have
ended in a civil divorce).
May the Lord, who shared the joy of the couple at Cana of
Galilee and comforted the sorrowing and humiliated, bless and sustain your
ministry.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop
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