Paul Becker steps into Archdiocesan Tribunal role

By Josh Low

After almost five decades working in the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People, Glenorchy parishioner Paul Becker has recently taken up a role in the Archdiocesan Tribunal Office.

His arrival came following the retirement of Dr Prudence (Pru) Francis in July.

Mr Becker said is had been Dr Francis who first suggested he might like to work as an administrator in the Tribunal Office after his retirement from the education sector.

Participating in workshops on canon law with others from across Australia who are entering similar roles, enabled Mr Becker to begin readying himself to serve effectively in the Tribunal Office.

Mr Becker’s role is of a pastoral nature and will involve working with people exploring the possibility of marriage annulments and moving on to the next steps in their lives. A key part of this process is providing the necessary support and advice to the clients involved.

“The first step is to collect any relevant information from the client that will be needed for the annulment process,” Mr Becker said. “This is often done through interviews and conversations conducted in confidence.

“The necessary paperwork is developed from this and then sent away to the Marriage Tribunal in Melbourne. The Tribunal will then make determinations relating to each case based on this information that has been provided.

“It’s an important ministry within the Church, and a journey of discovery for the people involved. They can come away from the process with a deeper understanding of what’s happened to them previously or where they might be going next in life.

“It gives them not only insights into themselves and the journey they’ve been on, but also about the Catholic faith.

“It’s wonderful to be in a position like this where I can help people,” Mr Becker said.