Mrs. Cecilia Brennan, J.C.L.
Director of the Tribunal
Canonical Consultant
Ms. Maria Gonzalez
Marriage Case Manager
Tribunal Consultant
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 350, Monterey, CA 93942-0350
Phone: (831) 373-1833 Fax: (831) 373-6761
Office Location: 485 Church St., Monterey, CA 93940
Please note our office location has changed as of January 16, 2024
Due to our small staff, please call ahead to ensure
we are available if you wish to visit the office.
The Office of the Tribunal and Canonical Services assists the Bishop in his judicial role through the application of the internal legal system of the
Catholic Church which includes the Code of Canon Law, the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Liturgical Law, Scripture and Magisterial teaching.
Our mission is to determine the truth and to provide justice for all those who approach the Church’s court system. Determinations include assessing the validity of marriages that have broken down, requests for dispensations and permissions, approval of prenuptial packets, addressing temporal goods and penal matters as well as clarifying the status of persons in the Church. The office provides canonical expertise to the Bishop, parish and diocesan staff, as well as the faithful of the Diocese of Monterey.
We are ministers of truth, justice and mercy.
Please note prenuptial packets for weddings outside the United States are to be receied no later than six (6) weeks prior to the wedding date to ensure they are processed in time.