A tribunal is an ecclesiastical court established in each diocese by the bishop to assist him in carrying out his responsibility as shepherd of the local Christian community which has been entrusted to him (cc.369, 1419 Code of Canon Law, 1983). As the judicial office of the bishop, the diocesan tribunal cooperates in his ministry of furthering the supreme law of the Church – the salvation of souls (c.1752).
Although most cases brought before the tribunal involve questions of marital nullity, the court also acts as the competent forum for other issues.
Church law safeguards the indissolubility of the sacrament of marriage. By law, a marriage is presumed valid until established otherwise by positive proof (c.1060). A declaration of invalidity is rendered when the marriage is determined to be invalid. While the process is judicial, it is the commitment of the tribunal personnel to demonstrate a pastoral attitude and regard for those who submit cases for adjudication.
[The Diocese of Stockton is a court for marriage cases within its territory.]
Judicial Vicar
Rev. Luis G. Navarro Hernandez, JCL
Judges
Rev. Dennis Grabrian, JCL
Ms. Marla V. Pruneda, JCL
Mrs. Cherry Clark, JCL
Ms. Lynette M. Tait, JCL
Mrs. Deborah A. Barton, JCL
Rev. Msgr. Richard Ryan, JCD
Defender of the Bond
Rev. Kenneth Harder, JCL
Mr. Raphael S. Frackiewicz, JCD
Ms. Elisa E. Ugarte, JCL
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Pat Cumpian
Tribunal Assistant
Lourdes Arvizu
Tribunal Aides
There are over 45 tribunal aides in the diocese. Please confer with your parish priest for tribunal aides in your parish.
Diocese of Stockton
212 North San Joaquin Street
Stockton, CA 95202–2409
Tel: 209-466‑0636
Fax: 209-464‑2617
tribunal@stocktondiocese.org
Diocese of Stockton
212 N San Joaquin St., Stockton, CA 95202, USA
Tel: 209-466‑0636 . Fax: 209-464‑2617