Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Two priests of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Father Dustin Hungerford and newly-ordained Father Kenneth Nauert, will be less present over the next two years as they study canon law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. This six-semester program aims to prepare them for roles within the Archdiocese of Louisville Metropolitan Tribunal, the court of the Catholic Church.

Upon graduation, they will join three other priest-canonists—Fathers Paul Beach, Philip Erikson, and Fred Klotter—in assisting the archbishop with his judicial responsibilities. Father Nauert, ordained in June, views canon law as a means to guide people toward Christ through ministry. "The law of the church is meant to guide the proper structuring of the Christian life," he said.

Father Beach, judicial vicar and director of the tribunal, emphasized that a functioning tribunal is crucial for a healthy archdiocese. He expressed enthusiasm for the young priests' studies and noted that certain tribunal roles require clergy with canon law degrees.

The tribunal handles grievances, penal cases, parish restructuring—including opening, merging, and closing parishes—and annulments. From July 2023 to July 2024, it received 111 annulment petitions. Father Beach sees this work as pastoral ministry aimed at helping people reconcile with the church.

He clarified that marriage is a sacrament witnessed by priests but conferred by couples themselves. The annulment process investigates whether a valid marriage existed based on consent and capacity at the time of marriage. "A valid marriage can offer the heart what it is looking for," he said.

Father Beach also highlighted that canon law protects individual rights and obligations within Christianity. "Laws are to protect the vulnerable—and we are all vulnerable," he stated.

Father Nauert expects to complete his studies by May 2026 and Father Hungerford by July 2026.