An appreciation to Father Stephen Churchwell, who served as officialis of the Metropolitan Tribunal for three years, was hosted by the Tribunal staff at the Catholic Center Feb. 5.

Father Louis Naughton, vice-officialis, who is overseeing the Tribunal at the request of Archbishop James P. Lyke, OFM, expressed his gratitude to Father Churchwell for his work and “for the people he left behind to help handle the tasks.”

The priest asked to step down form the post of administrative head of the Tribunal for health reasons, but continues to serve as a member of the staff and is also in residence at Sacred Heart parish, Atlanta. The Tribunal handles all of the marriage cases that are in process of annulment in the archdiocese. The top official of the Tribunal is also the chief canonical specialist in the archdiocese.

Presented with a cake and a gift, Father Churchwell said that his staff was his proudest accomplishment as officialis.