Author Archives: canonlawmadeeasy

Can the Bishop Shut Down a Shrine?

Q:  Some years ago, a man in my diocese built a Catholic shrine, and it was visited by many Catholics. But the bishop ordered it to be shut down, and said that it was not a shrine and that Catholics … Continue reading

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Bishops, Coadjutors, and Auxiliaries

Q: Could you explain the terms “coadjutor bishop” and “auxiliary bishop” for us? I’m thinking particularly of the new Archbishop of Los Angeles. Originally he was an auxiliary bishop in Denver. Then he became coadjutor bishop of Los Angeles, and … Continue reading

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Divorced Catholics and the Eucharist

Q:  What does canon law really say about divorced people receiving Holy Communion?  –Sean A: The issue of who may, and who may not, receive the Eucharist lawfully is a canonical question with deep theological roots. Consequently, the Church has … Continue reading

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Can All Priests Always Hear Confessions?

Q: My late uncle was a Dominican priest. When we were kids he used to tell us stories about being a Dominican. I remember one story involving somebody who asked him to hear his confession, but my uncle told him … Continue reading

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Do Catholic Children Have to be Given Saints’ Names?

Q: My wife and I both remember as children that when our siblings were born, our parents had to give them saints’ names. If their first name wasn’t a saint’s name, at least their middle name had to be. But … Continue reading

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