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Author Archives: canonlawmadeeasy
Does Mass Have to be Said in a Church?
Q: Does a priest have to say Mass in a church? –Paula A: Now this is a simple question with an answer that is perhaps more complex than one would think! When Canon 897 states that the Eucharistic Sacrifice is … Continue reading
Are They Excommunicated? Sanctions, Part IV
Q1: I remember that Archbishop Burke excommunicated a couple of women who claimed that they had been ordained Catholic priests a couple of years ago. Now I read that the Vatican has issued rules about punishing women who do that. … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions, Holy Orders
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunication, feminist, women priests
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Sacraments and Personal Identity
Q1: Our son got his girlfriend pregnant. Both are Catholics. He freely admitted that the child is his, and wanted to give financial support and also to marry her if she agreed. But for some reason the minute his girlfriend … Continue reading
How Are Priests Selected to be Bishops?
Q1: Is there a way for me to suggest that my pastor someday be made a bishop? –Kevin Q2: Sometimes I hear that this or that new bishop was selected because he’s a good administrator. Doesn’t anybody take into account … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, priest
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What Does it Mean to “Defrock” a Priest?
Q: What does it mean when a priest is “defrocked”? Sorry but it sounds like tearing his clothes off! –Jane A: References to priests being “defrocked” have recently turned up in numerous articles in the newspapers. Perhaps the most infamous … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, defrock, priest
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